The Yellow and Black Attack is still going strong! When many bands from the same era are starting to wind down their careers by embarking on ‘Farewell’ tours, or releasing Greatest Hits compilations, the boys in Stryper appear to be full speed ahead as they have always done. Resurrected fully in 2003, now in 2024 they are back with their new album When We Were Kings, released on September 13th via the Frontiers Music Srl.
This being their twelfth overall studio album, throw in several live albums, remixes, and you really have quite the catalog from this impassioned band. In fact, ask anyone who personally has been a fan/follower of Michael Sweet and the boys since the 1984 release of The Yellow And Black Attack EP, will tell you they are highly underrated. Just one listen to the dual guitars of Michael Sweet and Oz Fox, combined with the pounding drums of Robert Sweet, had many hooked from the very first song.
Still delivering the same high level of energy, When We Were Kings gives you that same feeling right out of the gate with the opening track “End Of Days.” The unmistakable tone of Stryper is evident immediately from this point on. Furthermore, the songwriting and performance on this record is incredible, but again, if you have followed Stryper from album to album, you would expect nothing less.
The common ground of all of the eleven songs that make up When We Were Kings is the groove. You are challenged to try and not nod your head while listening… it is impossible. Once again, the powerhouse drumming of Robert Sweet combined with the bass lines of the newest member Perry Richardson (Firehouse), makes each song undeniably Stryper. That stated, harmonized guitar riffs are showcased explicitly on tracks like “Unforgettable,” “Rhyme of Time,” plus “Divided by Design.” Matching this, Michael Sweet’s voice is honestly as strong as ever. Although, if you have been following the career of Michael Sweet, you already know he has been constantly releasing new music with various side projects such as Sweet & Lynch and Solediver, among others, all while keepin Stryper going strong. Not to be overlooked however, the backing vocals of Oz Fox shine brightly on songs like “Raptured,” “Betrayed By Love” along with the title-track.
Overall, When We Were Kings is flawless from start to finish. Which song stands strong, there it is so hard to pick a favorite, but a bold moment would absolutely have to be “Grateful.” Looking at this closer for a moment, it should be a bonafide radio hit; brightly showing everything that Stryper has always been and continues to be today.
With this new album out now, Stryper continues along their 40th Anniversary tour. Those who have had the opportunity to see them live more than a few times know just how amazing they are. While many bands have difficulty sounding anything like their studio recordings, Stryper absolutely does not. Guaranteed to be a memorable experience, check them out when they visit a city near you, and pick up a copy of When We Were Kings on CD, Vinyl, or at least stream it, because Cryptic Rock gives it 5 out of 5 stars.
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