Stryper - Murder by Pride CD Review

The 80's Christian Metal Band Latest Album Released July 21, 2009

Jul 24, 2009

It has been a long four years since Stryper’s last studio album. There have been many ups and downs, most notably the passing of Kyle Sweet, Michael Sweet’s wife. Despite the busyness of their personal lives, Stryper managed to put out their seventh studio album, Murder by Pride.

Stryper is known as being a metal band with blazing guitars, slamming drums, and screaming vocals. In this respect Murder by Pride delivers. Starting from the first track, “Eclipse for the Son”, to the last note of “My Love (I’ll Always Show)” we are bathed in what made these guys famous in the ‘80’s.

Michael Sweet’s vocals are nothing less than stunning. Every note is pitch perfect. His screams resonate and harkens back to an age of long, puffy hair, and yellow and black striped costumes. Barely stopping to take a breath, Sweet shows that he is on top of his game. This is just the start of what makes this a stunning record

Murder by Pride is a guitar lover’s dream. Oz Fox is all over the fret board with killer riffs and sweet solos (no pun intended). Stryper brings the guitar back to its place of prominence, where it belongs in rock music. “4 Leaf Clover” and “Murder by Pride” are just two examples of songs where Fox rips it up. It’s not just the solos, but the consistent melody and craftsmanship throughout.

The rhythm section of Stryper is not left out on Murder by Pride. Behind the drum kit is a friend of Sweet’s, Kenny Aranoff, who played on his solo album. Aranoff kicks out the jams and gets to show that he can keep up with rock legends. “Eclipse for the Son” and “Love is Why” showcases his talent letting him do a little more than keep time. Don’t worry though, Michael’s brother, Robert Sweet, will be on tour with the band.

Many times the bass player is pushed to the back, barely noticeable amongst the flash of the guitar. Tracy Ferrie, however, thumps out some excellent riffs and solos that will turn heads his way. “Eclipse for the Son” and “My Love (I’ll Always Show)” have not only killer bass lines, but solos that will rock your socks off.

While there are ten original songs on Murder by Pride, there are two covers. One is obvious to anyone that’s had a radio in the last thirty years. The other might be harder to pick out.

In 2008 Michael Sweet toured with Boston playing guitar and vocals. It seems fitting that Stryper would cover “Peace of Mind” by the legendary rock band. A Christian point of view gives the song new meaning. Tom Scholtz helps his pal by playing guitar on the track.

The other cover is a new twist on an old Stryper song, “”My Love (I’ll Always Show)”. It was originally on The Yellow and Black Attack in ’86, but it was a much slower song. Sweet beefed it up with some grit and made it a true rocking jam.

Murder by Pride celebrates what made ‘80’s rock and roll what it was, with an important twist. Yes, the talent represented here is phenomenal, but more important all glory is given to God. The guys in Stryper know that their talent is a gift from God and they aren’t ashamed to claim it.

Every song is God honoring, even “Peace of Mind”. If the lyrics weren’t so well written, they may get lost in the music but that doesn’t happen. Within the guitar solos and the screams, Jesus is there.

Murder by Pride is a delight to old fans but will draw new metal fans into the fold. This is a CD that goes back to the basics of what made Stryper work. It is a must have for any metal fan.

The copyright of the article Stryper - Murder by Pride CD Review in Christian Heavy Metal Music is owned by Shane Werlinger. Permission to republish Stryper - Murder by Pride CD Review in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Aug 19, 2009 9:14 PM

Guest :

Michael also plays rhythm and lead guitar.

Aug 20, 2009 10:29 AM

Shane Werlinger :

I don't dispute the fact that Michael can play guitar, but the reason I did not credit him was the info I had was that all guitar parts were played by Oz. I'm hopefully going to be talking with Michael and I'll get it cleared straight from the horses mouth.

Aug 27, 2009 9:08 AM

Guest :

I have been reading lots of reviews, and actually think this album is maybe only their 4th or 5th best. I think Soldiers is without a doubt number 1, THWTD number 2, Reborn 3, and this one 4th. Admittedly, I've only given it about 3 or 4 thorough listens, it doesn't have the same "wall of sound" feel that I loved about Reborn. You can listen to tracks 3 through 8 of Reborn and never have an itch to hit the "skip" button. They are together a wonderful work of art. However, this album is a bit choppy, with melodies that aren't quite as singable. It's technically an excellent album, but it doesn't get it's claws into you as much as the other albums I've mentioned.
I'm just surprised that so many people say this is so much better than Reborn. I don't feel that way at all, and i've been listening to them since '88. It's still a good album, but I think it'll take some time to grow on me.

Aug 27, 2009 9:08 AM

Guest :

Aug 27, 2009 9:55 AM

Shane Werlinger :

I didn't start listening to Stryper until Reborn so my history as far as they are concerned is pretty short. In my review I never compared Murder By Pride to another CD, but I guess I can a little in the comments.
While I liked Reborn, my opinion is that Murder By Pride is better. I like the feel of it more, it just has more of an edge to it. I don't own SUC or THWTD but have heard them many times. Still, I don't feel comfortable comparing the two with MBP. I don't think I'm familiar enough with them.
With all of that being said, I reviewed Murder By Pride on it's own merit, which I think it stands well enough on. Bottom line, Murder By Pride is a great Rock album, and a great Christian album.