The only band a kid with radical Christian parents could listen to in the 80's
If there’s one thing I know for certain, it’s this: Stryper will always ROCK in my book.
I was one of those kids with parents who went off the deep end religiously and essentially banned all music that wasn’t “Christian” in the home – noble to be sure – ridiculous in a practical manner.
True Story: I loved KISS from the moment I heard them, and up until the time some random missionary preacher came around saying KISS were “Kings In Satan’s Service” and Desmond Child (the famous songwriter) was really ‘Demon Child’, Satan’s own spawn on earth renamed “Gene Simmons”, my dad was cool enough to buy me all the KISS albums and cards and posters and stuff. The preacher was just trying to ‘save the kids’ from the evils rock-n-roll. Not long after that traveling preacher came though, all my KISS stuff was ripped off my walls and burned (along with Alice Cooper and Ted Nugent) because that’s what he told parents they needed to do with this evil – which virtually assured my soul for the devil because I wanted to murder someone after that!
Needless to say musically, my home sucked raw eggs there after.
Carmen, who was fine for what he was, was not what I wanted to hear. Petra were okay, and Bob was a great guitar player, but they got wrapped up in the wussy keyboard sounds of Degarmo & Key (who for one brief moment I thought I liked), so they pretty much ended up sucking too. It wasn’t until KANSAS somehow were branded “Christian” enough to be accepted at Christian roller-skate night that I was able to hear something I thought was even remotely worth a damn musically – “Carry On Wayward Son” was played in my room over, and over, and over (no, I’m not making any of this up – and I mustn’t forget the Rez Band which, to this day because of the recording techniques and guitar tones and rock attitude of laying it all on the line, rule. ‘Awaiting Your Reply’ is still very solid all around).
Then out of no where came Stryper. Thank GOD for Stryper. I was freakin’ going insane with the crap my parents were forcing me to listen to.
Look, I’m not going ot start a sermon here, but I’m just going to tell you parents who are Christians, who are raising boys — society has sissy-fied boys to the point they might as well be raising all little girls. Christianity is so full of ‘meekness’ and ‘sacrifice’ and ‘humble’ they forgot how to raise men — so I’m telling you – boys are meant to play with toy trucks, tear up everything they get their hands on, be aggresive, and ROCK — and if you’re having your kids growing up listening to watered down Kenny G (Christian music is full of that crap), you’re going to be in trouble. Throw a dress on the kid and get it over with (BTW, I always found it funny that Jesus could get so ticked off he destroyed half a city block, but if a kid showed the smallest amount of aggression because of the great rock music he was listening to he needed a Paxil to calm him down – or Jesus). Okay, that’s the end of my rant on that. But it makes my point:
I am a Stryper kid. An aggressive, head banging, fist in the air rock-n-roll boy. I didn’t like all the Michael W. Smith “Friends of friends are friends cause that’s how you become friends and can’t we all just get along and be friends” girly crap Christian music — and what some random traveling preacher stole, Stryper returned. Rock and Metal once again filled my speakers and I’m sorry to say so bluntly, but here we go, I got my balls back! I could Rock again. Game on!
The Original NH Logo Definitely Influenced By Stryper
And man, were my parents pissed that the lyrics were ‘clean’. Oh, they just couldn’t STAND that Stryper was preaching the same gospel they were. Doing research for this review I came across this video which tells about those times back then – and this was really how it was, I lived this — my brother and I could be one of these poor idiot kids interviewed in this video (and I didn’t know Pastor Chuck even existed back then, but when I found this video it dawned on me why I felt SO at home in a Calvary Chapel church – they ‘got’ it even then and they still ‘get’ it).
(video was removed by owner but here’s one with Jimmy Swaggart and it shows what we had to deal with in those days)
So, how much more pissed would my parents be now to know that Stryper has gone where no other Christian band has gone – to the roots of heavy metal and the songs that every Christian kid grew up with, even if their parents didn’t know it – for an album full of great covers?
I’ll tell you how, they wouldn’t care. Because just like everyone else that grew up during those highly ridiculous times in religious history, even my parents, after the divorce and affairs and the cheating and all that, lost their sanctimonious right to look down on everyone around them and had to accept the fact they they were human too, who like everyone, only made it by with the Grace of God. “Stryper covering KISS? Oh, that’s nice honey. Go play with your friends.” “Stryper is having Eddie over to play? Iron Maiden you say? That’s good, just don’t get hurt.” Such is life for anyone who survived those years of sheer stupidity and hypocrisy.
So the rumors are true – Stryper has done what every single Christian kid who was raised in an over-bearing Christian household always wished they would do — Stick it to our parents by covering great songs by great artist we always loved but couldn’t listen to openly. What they should get for it is an album that’s 4 times platinum in America and 3 times platinum in the rest of the world and all the praise and record sales they can stand. Stryper has done it again – they have returned rock and metal to the masses and I’m just going to lay it on the line — they’ve never sounded so good.
That doesn’t stop the idiot ‘Christian’ police from questioning their belief. Even today we have so-called preachers who make a living scaring the beJesus out of duped parents who can’t see that really all the preacher wants is their money. It’s a fight over money! And it’s straight from the Saul Alinsky playbook – Find a target, focus on it, criticize it, and extort money to ‘fight’ it. But pressure is still pressure and it’s for this reason the guys say they felt compelled to add at least one original Christian tune to the record – thankfully, it rocks just as hard as the rest of the record – so it’s not so bad. And besides, Stryper IS a Christian band (even if they are still trying to prove their salvation to others nealy 30 years later).
Bottom line – 2011 should be the year of Stryper. Releasing an album like this is the smartest thing I’ve seen a band do in a long, long time. It keeps them fresh, relevant, respected among peers, and rocking the world another year. Brilliant.
‘The Covering’ covers a lot of great music – and I’m telling you right now, it does not disappoint. I mean, these guys are tighter than they’ve ever been – Tim Gaines is back in the band rocking the bass, Michael Sweet‘s voice strangely improves with age (how he could get any better defies logic, but there ya go), Oz Fox is still just flat out amazing on lead guitar (I wanted to be that dude!), and Robert Sweet‘s opening on “Over The Mountain” leaves little question to how good he remains as the drummer.
You know these songs, so I’m not going to go through a track by track listing. You just need to know they’ve respected these songs, respected their original creators, and respected themselves by literally turning out one of the finest pieces of recorded heavy metal and rock music in years. You just need to buy this album, period.
It’s a loud album – makes you feel like you’re being punched in the face repeatedly, but in a good way. If we had a star system that went to 10 I’d give it an 11, and tell you that’s the level you need to turn it up to as well.
And a couple more things – Rob Halford commented on this album, and if anyone in Rock should be trusted to know what he’s talking about it should be that dude – and he has this to say:
And last – Stryper will be coming to Nashville March 18th, 2011 to the Wildhorse Saloon. The last time they played there they completely sold out the venue – so if you’re planning on going, get your tickets early. They’re going to be doing these songs as well as several Stryper classics we’ve all come to know and love. Rock on.
The Covering – Album
Judas Priest – Breaking The Law
Iron Maiden – The Trooper
Scorpions – Blackout
Ozzy Osbourne – Over The Mountain
Sweet – Set Me Free
Van Halen – On Fire
Deep Purple – Highway Star
Black Sabbath – Heaven & Hell
UFO – Lights Out
Kansas – Carry On Wayward Son
Kiss – Shout It Out Loud
Led Zepplin – Immigrant Song
Stryper – God
Great review!! Your story about your parents and the music you were allowed to listen to sounds like you were living at my house!! I had the awesome oppourtunity of taking my 11 yr old son and 8 yr old daughter (at the time) and my wife to see Stryper in Port Richey Fl. while we were on holidays in Orlando in 2009. Living in Western Canada I never had the chance to them live, ever, but when the stars alligned and I found out we could see them while we were in Florida it was like i was 15 again a very excited. We first got into the sound check with about 30 other people, it was like our own private show, I never knew how spectacular they are live, after sound check we got to meet and get autographs and pictures with all the members ( Tim was back in the band and touring with them) Even though it had to be quick they were super nice to us and to my kids. The show did not disappoint, the club where we saw them was not huge, so even though we stayed at the back cause I didnt think the kids would survive up front we had a great view! Seeing Stryper was a bucket list item finally removed from the list. I hope that it was not the last time I get to see them live! If you get the chance to go see them, DO IT!!
Outstanding outstanding outstanding. Took the words right out of my mouth. Ordered it early. Been blasting it in the truck for a month. Want to see them at the next Grammy awards nominated for best rock album. IF you don’t have it. Get it. True rock gods. Thanks for a great article and telling it as it should be. Peace
I LOVE this article! As one who was with Stryper ‘In The Beginning’ living these experiences, I must say YOU REALLY GET STRYPER :) I was the one who kept telling Greg Fast he should play Stryper and he refused over and over. Our Stryper office wasn’t far from the station. Jim Hodson & Jamie (2 of Kyms radio personalities) helped me persuade Greg.I remember taking Greg & his wife to the MTV awards in the Stryper limo. I think it was a God thing! Thanks for the very ‘REAL’ article! …Daryn Hinton
Can I say Amen. I was banned from listening to certain radio stations when I was a kid growing up in the Bible belt. This was primarily for the language of the host but I remember going back even further to me earlier childhood days and the look on my mother’s face when she first saw a poster of KISS – they had to be of the devil. Why you couldn’t even understand what they were saying. I’ll confess I was always trying hard to listen to the lyrics of a song so I could determine if a song/band was good or bad. Not even sure how I was first introduced to Stryper because it didn’t seem like many of my friends were into their style of music. However, my Daddy was a good old Southern boy in his early days and exposed me to the local rock station every time we got into his truck (without my mom, of course). I suppose it was too expensive to own every 8-track of every band he liked but I grew into a diverse love of music as my Mom was a singing with Barry Manilow and my Dad was a Creedence Clearwater & Lynrd Skynrd kind of guy. His aim in pleasing my mom led him down a road of listening to the likes of Jim Croce & James Taylor. Listening to christian music back then ment hymns at church or perhaps a tape my Granny had of Christy Lane. Oh, how many times I cried “One Day At A Time Sweet Jesus”, I mean cried it literally. When Stryper came along I was still fav-ing on Michael W. Smith – he was the man. But when Stryper came along and I had some rock music with lyrics that my Mom couldn’t protest about – score!! I remember her coming into my bedroom and hearing “the racket” and I said “But Mama, you always told us to listen to the lyrics. They’re singing “To Hell With The Devil”. Oh she so wanted to say something but stumped. For, I think, the only time in my growing up years I had a leg to stand on in a conversation & won. Now knowing her she would probably still protest this album if she was still into the current music scene. She’s devoted to Bill& Gloria Gaither now and that’s great because I like them for the work they do and the people they work with. Mark Lowry is a silly guy with a voice – two plusses. I am just so, so happy to have this album of Stryper. The rekindling of their amazing talent will soon be broadcast for the world to become reacquainted. While also a fan of bands like Bon Jovi & Journey (which isn’t the same because they don’t have Steve Perry) I think Michael was perhaps able to retain & improve his voice because he didn’t live the crazy, undisciplined life of many rockers from back in the day. Did anyone hear Bob Dylan on the Grammy Awards the other night. Seriously, he never sang anyway, he talks people. I know I’ll catch some flack over that statement. I’ve just never been a huge Dylan fan. So glad to have read this article. I’d like to shake the hand of the guy who wrote it. ROCK ON STRYPER!!!
AMEN to that my friend!! (Not a Dylan fan myself either.) Stryper really got it right! All songs I love done by a band the old folks can’t trash!! My dad was the same, gettin the rock on in the truck, an now I’m addicted! \m/ STRYPER \m/
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Awesome and Right On! Ive been a fan since “86″ every Stryper Record to me was never a let down. This record here just proves IMHO, that they are The BEST in what they do. As i said in 09, they are musically tighter than ever! I did not listen to many of the bands that they cover here, myself, more of a Top 40 Pop/Rock teen i was back in the day , so to me, most of these are brand new , fresh songs from my fav band of all time! Id say that my Favorites on it are Highway Star, Carry On Wayward Son, Black Out, and of course , God ! Love those layered vocals. I have been blessed to be a part of the Stryper ” Ministry” if you will, and am currently managing (creator) thier Official World Wide Video Channel Called Stryper Tube. Cant wait for the awesome footage to come in from this years tour! Thanks so much for the Positive Review as it shines over anything neg some may want to say . Ive had my share of convincing bashing youtube users to just stand back and Let God do His Thang! God Bless, and here’s to 25 More Years!! MDK
WOW….your review sounds like you were me! That was exactly how I grew up. KISS was my first album, first concert, first everything. One thing that always stood out to me (not in a good way), was at the end of the concert Paul Stanley asked the crowd, “do you care what your teachers, parents, or preachers thank about us?” His reply was “we don’t give a f##k anyway!” I continued to be a fan and still am today, but I knew in my heart something was still missing.
A group of kids came to our church from Oklahoma to minister to us, and I was befriended by one of them. He was concerned about my music taste so he bought me Petra’s “Never Say Die” album. I thought it was really good, it had the loud, destorted guitars that I loved and the singer was pretty good too, but I still was not satisfied and I needed and wanted something more! It wasn’t until a couple of years after hearing Petra that I would find it. I met a girl who moved from Orange County, California to my hometown of Lebanon, TN. She told me, “you need to check these guys out, they’re a christian rock band called STRYPER.” I finally found what I was looking for! I rushed out and bought “The Yellow and Black Attack” and virtually wore that album out. My parents couldn’t say anything about what I was listening too anymore, in fact, they embraced Stryper and bought me a ticket to see them the first time they played in Nashville. I’ve seen them (or Michael) everytime they’ve played here since. My wife and I actually flew out to Las Vegas to see the Reunion tour, only to see it again a couple of weeks later at home in Nashville. Today I’m 41 and as big a fan as I was as a teenager. Stryper have literally been through Hell over their beliefs but have never turned their backs on God. “The Covering” is an amazing CD, they took some of the bands they liked growing up and reinvented some of their favorite songs Stryper style! Whether you are a Stryper fan or a fan of the bands they cover on the CD, go buy “The Covering,” you won’t be sorry.
stryper has multiplied the world with thier songs and minds and i know they are great and can do songs that we remember just like europe and glass tiger did thanks for everything! love you guys
It’s one of the worst albums they ever produced :( Both musically and spiritually.
Mate, have you heard the album? Seriously, you need to borrow some unbiased ears. The production quality and content on this album is superb.
I appreciate the love for Stryper, but having a die hard Stryper fan give a positive review for the new album is hardly impartial.
Kevin, appreciate the comment, though this is like asking for an impartial wine taster. If you get someone who hates wine, how impartial would that be? Besides, impartiality doesn’t matter – what matters is whether I’m right and speak the truth, and like always, I am and have.
Thanks again man.
Are you kidding me? Seriously? One bad review on the whole page, and it is purely b/c this isn’t (entirely) a worship album? Look, I have been a fan of Stryper since I was 16 yrs old, and just because they do one “secular” album they have lost ties with their spirituality? O.K. flame on then, because they are just as firmly rooted in their Christianity as they have ever been, even if some fans don’t see it.
I have The Covering, btw, so I know what I’m talking about… Love y’all!
Thank God some people retain their sanity. God bless!
“It’s one of the worst albums they ever produced :( Both musically and spiritually.” First of all, it’s not supposed to be spiritual. This is just a good old fashioned rockin’ album. Second, name a better sounding Stryper record. (maybe Against The Law, but you’d question the spirituality of that release as well.) Stryper picked songs to cover that did not in any way compromise their beliefs. God Bless Stryper!
I see the guys in Stryper as “The Hair” when speaking of The Body of Christ. God looks at the heart, not the hair. They have broken numerous barriers, gone through “it” whether it was people carrying signs calling them the spawn of satan, doubters from record companies, or Bands in the same ‘genre’ pointing one kind of finger or another! They are 4 human beings, who I’m sure need Jesus just as much as all of us do. God has given each one a gift, and they have used thier Gifts to His Glory, withstanding the test of time. This is by far, The BEST ‘Cover’ recording I’ve ever heard! Track # 13 ‘God’, has opened 3(three) opportunities for me personally, to have Eternal words with 3(three)kids, who are now at the very least, ‘thinking’ about what happens after we stop breathing? Strypers music bears fruit. “The Covering” is fun, it’s a great way to get a music fans attention, and I hope they never, ever, listen to what they do not hear on thier knees! Stryper will always be on the devils’ “radar”, because of the bold stand they take for Jesus Christ! If it bothers you, go buy an Amy Grant CD! These fellas are in the trenches, and Thank God for them. This was a Band that endured SO much back in the day……. I hope they sell so many copies of “The Covering”, that a Stryper Revival ensues! My sons both play, and all of the sudden, ‘Dad, do you still have that one with “Wrong to Right” on it? Pray for The Sweet brothers, Oz Fox, and Tim Gaines, and watch what The God of this universe can do! Stryper is “ON FIRE”
I can’t agree more! I wish people would worry about themselves before they trash people for their musical taste when their lives have more fruit than most people (including the critics)!
I’ve been looping this album in my car nonstop since I got it. I can’t even imagine how much fun it must have been for them to make this! I blast it so loud it must be horrible for my ears. Excellent work and I can’t wait to see them on the road, even if I have to travel hours to catch them!
Whether you dig Stryper or not, at some point during this cd you will realize that they are playing the classics of “devil music” with more fire and intensity than the original bands. Which of Stryper’s peers from back in the day could’ve pulled off a cd like this? Poison? Bon Jovi? Doubtful. The guitars are so clean that it’s like hearing these songs for the first time again. It’s just ridiculously good…the entire thing. Paying homage to Sabbath, Priest and Maiden doesn’t compromise Stryper’s message at all…if anything it comes off like a “last call” for wayward metalheads. I really hope this project is a huge success and spawns a “Covering II”. I’m already imagining the song list…
Paul,
You just knocked out a grand slam of a review.
Excellent!!
Thank you Jeff.