STRYPER - MURDER BY PRIDE

It’s with much trepidation I approached this new Stryper album. I consider myself a fan, but their last album, Reborn, is one of those rare albums with no redeeming value whatsoever.

So, how do they fare on this follow-up?

I’m glad to say this album doesn’t disappoint. This is the update of Stryper’s classic sound they should have gone for ever since the reunion. Sure, there’s a couple of modernistic passages, but this album breathes the spirit of Stryper. Michael Sweet’s voice, Oz Fox’ leads, Robert Sweet’s drumming… everything is reminiscent of the band’s classic first three albums, albeit with a slight contemporary edge.

 Opening track "Eclipse For The Son" is a prime example. A great song.  "4 Leaf Clover" goes for a more contemporary approach.  Boston cover "Peace Of Mind" is brilliant. It’s impossible to improve the original, but the band give it their all and manage to fully capture the vibe.  "Alive" is the first breathing space on the album. A lovely piano led ballad.  "The Plan" and title track "Murder By Pride" are great examples of the band’s current sound.  "Mercy Over" "Blame" is groovier but lacks a catchy chorus to drive it home. "I Believe" is a great semi ballad. Could have done with a more elaborate lead though. Following a ballad with a ballad is risky, but they pull it off with "Run In You".  Right about now, the album could do with a more up-tempo track. "Love Is Why "picks up the pace somewhat, but isn’t fast by any stretch of the imagination.  "Everything" brings back the heavy, for some reason or other Robert Sweet’s drumming caught my ear on this one.  The remake of "My Love I’ll Always Show" is interesting, for lack of a better word…  The album closes with a big piano ballad in the form of "My Love My Life My Flame". Which is quite impressive, ending the album on a very strong note.

 While all the musicians have kept their chops up (Sweet’s voice in particular is in great shape), some of the exuberance of Stryper’s eighties output is missing. The band seem to have found a balance between their classic sound and their apparent need to be “current”.  The album could do with more, longer and shreddier guitar solos. C’mon guys, the nineties are over, it’s okay to be technically proficient again!  In addition the production is flawless, even if the guitars don’t sound quite as heavy as they used to.

Overall, this is an excellent comeback.

Hot Spots : Eclipse For The Son, Alive and Peace Of Mind

Rating: 90%

Review by Joost.