Stryper are really good musicians and had some really good tunes on the first couple of albums. As for their religious lyrics, I couldn't care one way or the other. I hate just about 95% of the metal lyrics I hear anyhow, completely. What I can't get past though is the fact that I don't like Michael Sweet's vocal style much. I think his vocals made the music wimpy, moreso than their lyrical approach. Plus image-wise they looked silly as hell.
And I don't think I could stand that whole long prayer thing at the end. Nothing against that sort of thing, but that's not what I go to concerts for.
I don't think I could conceivably rate Stryper over Kreator, even during the "Endorama" period lol
The Darkness rules over them both though,heh heh...