Stryper Deals Out a Devilishly Melodic Hand With "No More Hell To Pay"

Stryper's sound, (1990's baffling "Against The Law" not included), has been rooted in the unwavering tenacity of its faith. In their 80s heyday they'd emphasize said point by tossing Bibles to the crowd, a far cry from the highly uncensored debauchery of a Ratt or Motley Crue. 2013's waning moments usher in a new project "No More Hell To Pay". It's a privilege to announce that lead vocalist Michael Sweet, bassist Timothy Gaines, lead guitarist Oz Fox, and drummer Robert Sweet have lost none of the vigor that made The Yellow and Black Attack such an incomparable force to be reckoned with. On the might of Oz's guitar magic I'd say taking a listen was very much worth the effort. You can tell the esprit de corps between the Sweet brothers, when left free to rejuvenate a room, can do so in spades. Robert commands authority one pectoral flexing beat at a time. Michael's urgent yelp-embossed vocal delivery has never sounded more believable. Timothy Gaines' bass pierces defenses with spectacular abandon. Tracks like this make it easier to forget "Honestly", the band's grab for radio accessibility. As any follower of the '80s metal/hair band scene can tell you, schmaltz sold. If your band had a female audience wooing power ballad, chances were you were laughing all the way to the bank. "No More Hell To Pay" returns to the heart of what puts Stryper in a class by itself. The riffs astound. The drums captivate. The singer reaches into the core of his soul to unleash conviction with a capital "C". Let the Aqua Net fueled nostalgia trip begin. I wouldn't advise devil horns though. These guys definitely play for the other team.