Review: Stryper- God Damn Evil

Stryper, have just released their 10th studio album entitled “God Damn Evil.” It comes hot on the heels of their newest shake up in the band. Welcoming former Firehouse bassist Perry Richardson, for the first time in a very long time, the band seems at ease and are rocking like they never have before. They sound better now than they did in their prime and God Damn Evil sounds as if it were recorded during their eighties run. It would have been a perfect follow-up to the To Hell With the Devil and In God We Trust albums. “Take It To The Cross” comes out of the gate swinging for the fences with a massive crunch to the guitars and an absolute blast beat to the chorus to set the pace of the album. The chorus to “Sorry” has a powerhouse riff that just chugs along like a runaway freight train going off the tracks and is by far one of the best the disc has to offer. From the pounding of opening kick drum in “God Damn Evil” you know to strap yourself in cause it’s going to be one hell of a ride, while at the same time the main riff for “You Don’t Even Know Me” sounds as though it is a long lost track from the To Hell With the Devil album. If you close your eyes you can imagine them on Headbangers Ball rocking this one out. The main riff for “The Valley” grooves along with a sense of purpose, that purpose is to rock your asses off, which it does so well you’ll want to check to see that it’s not altogether gone when it’s done. “Sea Of Thieves” is another straight up rocker that will make you sing along at the very top of your lungs, while at the same time the main riff in “Beautiful” will make you think it’s anything, but beautiful with a riff that is solid as hell through the blazing back and forth of the solo. Then finally after eight songs of blistering rock n roll the band dials it back for “Can’t Live Without Your Love.” It’s a chance for you to catch your breath and regroup quickly before the next chunk of molten metal falls. The ferocious forward momentum in the slow and intoxicating riff to “Own Up” is a career affirming colossus that shows that they still had another rocking song, ready to go. Last, but certainly not least of all is “The Devil Doesn’t Live Here.” It’s a distinctive and devastating exercise in blurred digit dexterity which will help to cement their reputation as one of the greatest of all time. Here’s the bottom line- This is the album the diehard fans knew Stryper still had in them and it’s easily the best thing they have done since In God We Trust. Rating: 9 out of 10 -Eric Hunker