Still Kickin'
Posted August 22, 2009
By KayleDHodges,
Stryper's new album Murder By Pride really proves the original Christian Metal band has still got it. Michael Sweet's voice still has the same great tone and range it did 25 years ago, and Oz Fox's guitar solos still have a great edge. However, the difference is that the songwriting is, first of all, more modern, with heavier bass parts and much cleaner recording, and secondly, that the songs vary in style much more than older Stryper releases. The album starts off with the heavy "Eclipse For The Son," "4 Leaf Clover," and a cover of Boston's "Peace of Mind." These three tracks are all very energetic but vary in tempo and musical style. Then the album shifts to the piano melodies of "Alive," a much more contemporary ballad that really shows off Sweet's vocal talent. The second half of the album showcases the band's more contemporary songwriting with the title track, "Mercy Over Blame," "I Believe," and "Everything," all three of which balance Sweet's great vocal style with great syncopated guitar riffs and more dependence on bass guitar, showcasing their newfound change in musical style. "I Believe" is a new style for a band that hasn't changed much over the years, but it is by no means unwelcome.
However, there are a few tracks that just don't quite make the cut; Stryper is known for two main things: Great, rangy vocals and fast, heavy guitar riffs. A couple tracks, such as "Run In You" and "Love Is Why," just don't have either of those, and they seem very paltry in comparison to the other great tracks.
Overall, this is a great comeback album for a band that pioneered Christian metal and should never be discounted for amazing music. A great mix of their 80's style and newer contemporary style. View All Music And Book Reviews By KayleDHodges | View KayleDHodges's Profile
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