Stryper were the embodiment of one of the
unlikeliest marriages in Rock music–-glam
image, metal music and pro-Christian lyrics. Basically you either hated `em or luved `em.
Well, I guess I fall into the latter category. Out of the 5 studio-albums Stryper released
I have no hesitation in saying that “To Hell With The Devil”, first released in
1986, is their best one.
Sceptics may accuse the band of using religion to sell out, but I’m convinced that
the religious aspect had actually hindered even greater success for the band. Besides, you
don’t (necessarily) have to take their bible-bashing anthems seriously to feel
captivated by their songs. The same thing goes for Black Metal--how many Black Metal fans
are actually involved in Satanic rituals? Hardly any, definitely!
But now on to the album in question: “To Hell With The Devil” is musically
characterized by vocal harmonies above which the voice of Michael Sweet soars. The
title track, which opens the album, sets the album off track. Obligatory
Stryper-ballads we find here are ‘Honestly’ and ‘All Of Me’. Lyrics
such as “Rockin’ for the One who is the Rock” (‘The Way’) or
“Anyone who asks shall receive Jesus in your heart” (‘More Than A
Man’) leave little doubt as to the lyrical orientation.
“To Hell With The Devil” went platinum in the States, was backed by extensive
touring and overall was quite successful. What makes me prefer this particular album is
probably the appropriate balance of ballads and rock songs as well as the standard of
song writing throughout. The production is relatively good too, definitely better than the
follow up, “In God We Trust”.
Okay, having a ‘commercial’ orientation
this is not an album I would listen to for long periods. But there is a misconception here
that ‘commercial’ is synonymous with inferior quality. This is definitely not
necessarily the case, as “To Hell With The Devil” illustrates.
Corny? Yes! Preposterous? Agreed! Divine? Maybe! But I sure rubbed my hands in glee when I
got the news of the Stryper reunion.
Praise the Lord!