STRYPER – Second Coming (2013)
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Christian Metal pioneers STRYPER are returning into the fight again recording new original material. Meanwhile they are releasing via their new label Frontiers Records the CD “Second Coming”, a collection of re-recorded classics from the band’s back catalogue plus two new songs.
Fans might frown at bands issuing re-recorded material, and it’s a hard sell to people that already own the previous recordings, however this album serves a purpose.
“Second Coming” is a way for the brothers Sweet & Co. to gain ownership of the masters to these recordings — they can control and license out the songs as they wish, or to whom. In this case, to present the band in their new label and provide fresh takes on these songs showing how the band sounds nowadays.
And how Stryper sounds in 2013? The new recordings on “Second Coming” have a consistent, punchier and livelier sound than their slick and overly produced predecessors.
Case in point, “To Hell With The Devil”, “Soldiers Under Command”, “Sing A Long Song” and “The Way” have more bite than the versions previously available.
As for the two new songs listed in the album, both are quite good rockin’ monsters, riff heavy and full of power, fitting in very well with the older material closer to the classic Stryper style than anything heard on the last studio albums from the band.
“Bleeding From Inside Out” has a crawling pace with early ’80s inspired, hard-heavy guitars and some fresh, mesmerizing vocals by Michael Sweet, while “Blackened” sees the band being more up-to-date Hard Rock in a groovy suit that eventually is a winner for the song itself.
“Second Coming” is must for any eighties US Hard Rock fan, even if you have Stryper’s complete back catalogue in your collection.
It’s worth checking out to listen how good the yellow & black guys still sound today. These new recordings showcases the guitar duo of Michael Sweet and Oz Fox’s stellar, razor sharp and energetic musicianship.
Time-keepers Robert Sweet and Tim Gaines prove they are no slouches either as their dynamic teamwork lowers a ‘Godly’ bombastic boom. Stryper’s trademark three part harmonies remain intact throughout “Second Coming” and Michael Sweet’s pipes sound ageless.
Stryper should have a new album out later this year, in the meantime, enjoy these really well done reworked classics.
Hard Hock Hallelujah.
01. Loud N’ Clear
02. Loving You
03. Soldiers Under Command
04. Makes Me Wanna Sing
05. First Love
06. The Rock That Makes Me Roll
07. Reach Out
08. Surrender
09. To Hell With The Devil
10. Calling On You
11. Free
12. The Way
13. Sing Along Song
14. More Than A Man
15. Bleeding From Inside Out (New Track)
16. Blackened (New Track)
Michael Sweet – vocals and guitar
Oz Fox – guitar and vocals
Tim Gaines – bass and vocals
Robert Sweet – drums
BUY IT !
www.nehrecords.com/SHOP/StryperSecond.htm
