MICHAEL SWEET (Stryper) – One Sided War (2016)

Stryper’s MICHAEL SWEET returns with a new solo album titled “One Sided War” to be released tomorrow august 26. Sweet has been on a tear over the course of the last few years, releasing new music with Stryper, George Lynch (Sweet/Lynch) and his own solo music.
While his previous solo effort was an extremely diverse Rock ‘n’ Roll record, this new release “One Sided War” is pure hard rock, the kind we all love from Styrper and Sweet’s pen.

Sweet has surrounded himself with some very talented musicians for th recording. He asked guitarist Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake, Night Ranger), drummer Will Hunt (Evanescence), guitar shred master Ethan Brosh (Burning Heat, solo work), and bassist John O’Boyle (Tom Ingram Band) to help him with his new solo album.

What they have crafted is an all killer, no filler album of hard rock, glam rock, and some huge classic metal riffs to satisfy your taste buds if this is what you are hungry for.
Here is what Sweet had to say about this album: “Musically it’s my heaviest solo album. It’s not metal but there are definitely some songs on there that will pop out at you. There are some songs that have a bit of the Iron Maiden / Dio feel to them, as well as some songs that have a little bit of a Van Halen influence to them. It’s a very guitar-oriented, hard rock/metal album with lots of melodies and hooks.”

We all know that Sweet is a very talented guitar player, but with having Hoekstra and Brosh on this record, he could just sit back and focus on his vocals as those two are phenomenal guitar players and this album showcases that.
If you had already heard and watched the video for the first single and lead off track “Bizarre,” then you know what to expect from this album. Take a look:

It is hard hitting, riff-heavy, packed full of furious guitar solos, and a well-mixed album. “Bizarre” is a high-speed track that will make you buckle up because you will be on a ride of your life. For anyone wondering if Sweet still has his powerful voice, this will answer your question with a “heck yeah!” He does. His voice is stronger than ever and he can still hit those high notes from the past.
The title track “One Sided War” kicks off with a drum roll from Hunt and then is filled with thick heavy riffs, loud guitars, thumping bass lines, and again strong vocals. “Can’t Take This Life” is featured twice on this album with the bonus version featuring the talents of 16 year old Mariah Formica, who is an up-and-coming vocalist. It is a catchy song that will having you singing along after one listen.

“Golden Age” sounds like a train is rolling through your town with the fast paced drums and chugging guitars. It also has some amazing guitar licks and solos from Brosh and Hoekstra.
“I Am” is a riff heavy song with a slower pace to it. Sweet has a little bit of a deeper and raspy vocals and I really dig how he sounds. Things pick up quickly during the guitar solo, as it is a fire blazing solo.
“Who Am I” slows things down a bit as this is the only ballad on this album. It is a beautifully written song that shows the softer side of Sweet that we all know he is capable of. “You Make Me Wanna” kicks things back to full-speed with another catchy and head banging tune, while “One Way Up” is a groovy tune that might have you dancing in your room.

After the first spin, I was surprised at how fast of a listen “One Sided War” is. Once it is over, you will ask yourself, “Is it already over? Because I want to hear more!” That’s how good this album is.
If you are a fan of the harder side of Stryper, then you have to pick this album up. It will not disappoint you and you will want to tell all your friends about how good it really is.
I am also amazed at how well all the musicians are on this album. They glued perfectly, specially Hoekstra delivering some amazing solos akin Night Ranger ‘clean melody’ type.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

01. Bizarre
02. One Sided War
03. Can’t Take This Life
04. Radio
05. Golden Age
06. Only You
07. I Am
08. Who Am I
09. You Make Me Wanna
10. Comfort Zone
11. One Way Up
12. Can’t Take This Life [feat M. Formica ](bonus track)

Michael Sweet – vocals, guitar
Will Hunt – drums
Joel Hoekstra – guitars
Ethan Brosh – guitars
John O’Boyle – bass
Moriah Formica – vocals (12)

BUY IT !
www.amazon.com/One-Sided-War-Michael-Sweet/dp/B01I3DFVRW
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