Stryper

[Ascension]

Wow, you saw Hurricane! They fucking rule. I would have never been able to see them because I just turned 20 last week so I was in diapers during that tour. I just love Doug Aldrich. He is such an amazing guitarist. He floors me in Whitesnake today and his work with Hurricane and Bad Moon Rising is just amazing. Hurricane's two albums are ridiculously hard to get but a friend of mine had Over the Edge and Slave to the Thrill and I just recently copied them both into my Itunes folder and am gonna burn them on cd. If I could only track down their original Ep. How were they live?

I saw that Stryper show at the Fox Tneater in Atlanta. It was the IGWT tour... great show. The guitarist for Hurricane then was Rudy Sarzo's (Quiet Riot, Whitesnake bassist) brother Robert. Aldrich didn't join until late '89 l believe and did only one album before moving on. Interestingly, the bass player for Hurricane was Carlos Cavazo's (Quiet Riot guitarist) brother.

 

[TheGraveDigger]

I saw that Stryper show at the Fox Tneater in Atlanta. It was the IGWT tour... great show. The guitarist for Hurricane then was Rudy Sarzo's (Quiet Riot, Whitesnake bassist) brother Robert. Aldrich didn't join until late '89 l believe and did only one album before moving on. Interestingly, the bass player for Hurricane was Carlos Cavazo's (Quiet Riot guitarist) brother.

Ahh ok cool. I wasn't sure what year the Stryper/Hurricane tour was but I knew Doug wasn't there till the second album. Still Hurricane is fucking bad ass!

 

[Dell Vecc]

Back in the day I saw TNT, Loudness and Stryper at the Felt Forum at Madison Square Garden. We were into Stryper but we really wanted to see TNT.

Both bands kicked ass. I think Stryper is playing Earthlink this coming weekend.

 

[Ruthven]

From what I remember, Hurricane was pretty good, but I was still pretty young back then and not familiar with their material. On the other hand, I remember really liking Stryper...in fact, they are playing in Nashville this weekend and your post made me really think about making the trip. Kind of to "close the circle," since they were the first metal band I saw, plus I'd probably get to meet the members this time around.

As for Behemoth, they sound like the Cradle of Filth or Moonspell guys, who were just a bunch of fun-loving dudes. While I might disagree with someone's alleged beliefs, I don't hold that against them on a personal level since I have friends from all creeds.

 

[Andy Laudano]

I saw Stryper twice back in the day, once on To Hell With the Devil and once on In God We Trust w/Hurricane. Michael Sweet's voice was phenomenal and Robert Sweet was amazing on drums. Guitarist Ox Fox was incredible. Just a great, talented live band. Hurricane was pretty good too, although I wasn't very fammiliar with them. I saw Stryper again on their reunion tour and other than bassist Tim Gaines having short hair, nothing had really changed. They sounded just as good or even better than they did in the '80's. Gaines has since left the band and the new album is pretty good, once you get past the really modern sounding beginning of the first song. Once that voice kicks in and you hear the choruses, its Stryper.

 

[sh0kr0k]

I've been a STRYPER fan for ages. great band, awesome music, cool look (!)...
I had a crush on Michael Sweet for YEARS... actually, I think I still do

 

[edgeofthorns]

I'd love to see those guys play Earthlink in Atlanta! It's driving me crazy, because I'm not going to be able to make it! :-(

 

[actordude]

I'm a HUGE Stryper fan!! Saw them on the To Hell With The Devil tour in 1986 with TNT as the openers.....amazing. Looking forward to seeing them in Anaheim on the 16th.......

 

[TheGraveDigger]

Back in the day I saw TNT, Loudness and Stryper at the Felt Forum at Madison Square Garden. We were into Stryper but we really wanted to see TNT.

Both bands kicked ass. I think Stryper is playing Earthlink this coming weekend.

Wow, what a fucking line up. I am a big fan of all three bands. I just recently got Shadows of War by Loudness. Such a good album. Hurricane Eyes is still my favorite. SDI!

 

[TheWhisper]

Wow, what a fucking line up. I am a big fan of all three bands. I just recently got Shadows of War by Loudness. Such a good album. Hurricane Eyes is still my favorite. SDI!

That was a great tour, saw it here in St. Pete. I have always maintained that if Stryper weren't the 'God' band, and had been just another 80's band, they would've been so much more popular. Most people wouldn't even give them a chance because of the Christian thing. They definitely had more talent, and better songs, than most of the other bands of that era.

On a side note, Oz Fox was always known as the lead guitarist, but I always preferred Michael Sweet's leads to Oz's.

 

[Ascension]

That was a great tour, saw it here in St. Pete. I have always maintained that if Stryper weren't the 'God' band, and had been just another 80's band, they would've been so much more popular. Most people wouldn't even give them a chance because of the Christian thing. They definitely had more talent, and better songs, than most of the other bands of that era.

On a side note, Oz Fox was always known as the lead guitarist, but I always preferred Michael Sweet's leads to Oz's.

Funny that you mention the lead playing of Oz & Michael, on the IGWT show l saw them at in Atlanta...Michael played all the leads that night. Not sure what the deal was, but it was about that time that the guys were fairly close to being on the outs with each other as l recall. Just a little history.

 

[JosephAcevedo]

I might get slammed for this but i don't care. I do not support soo called christian metal. weather is be Stryper, Extol, Mortification, living sacrifice, tourniquet, savior machine,ect..ect.... I am no satanist by any means but in my honest opinion i think christianity has no place in metal !!! This doesn't mean that christians don't deserve to listen to metal of course. In fact one of my good friends is a catholic and loves death/black/thrash metal. She however doesn't preach her religion onto people or promote it in music or say that anything anti-christ is wrong. I actually caught styper live as a joke once. All they did was preach about god in every song and between every song. They were people present wearing shirts from even deicide, kreator, ect..ect...Hell i that stupid vocalist who saw people holding the horns claimed that they were godless and that it's sad and pathetic that god doesn't exist in our lives. people pay to hear music , not to preach your religion. If i wanted to hear shit like that I go to actual church or something. that was gay how they were passing out bibles in the crowd. Hell i remember that the guy with a deicide shirt (who happened to be a fan of them) was getting bashed by their vocalist and he had enough of him bashing him so he took one of those little bible books and threw it back at them! I can tell you that because of that they have not only lost my respect. But also lost some of those non-christian fans that were present at that same show. Fuck Nicko McBrian of Iron Maiden is a christian but you don't see him doing that shit. Nor does he have a problem playing concerts with satanic metal bands. Unlike a certain Dave " the prick " Mustaine who decides to either cancel concerts or get other bands (that are satanic) kicked off the festivals. What do i mean exactly.... well that goes back to reference of what he did to Rotting Christ and Dissection. Yet that Prick wanted Children of bodom on gigan tour. COB aren't satanists but if he really know who COB was about he would know they definetly were NOT a christian band. Dave for his next Gigan tour should take Extol, stryper, savior machine, mortification, and tourniquet on tour and lets see how successful that tour becomes!!!!

Overall.....

I have nothing against christian/catholic people.
catholic/christian people are entitled to listen and play metal too!
However keep the christian preaching out of metal !!!
I like bands that have christian musicians but their band isn't preaching christianity.

I'll take any band that sings about saving the princess from the dragon anyday.

 

[TheWhisper]

Overall.....

I have nothing against christian/catholic people.

No, of course you don't.

catholic/christian people are entitled to listen and play metal too!

Wow, that is very magnanimous of you.

However keep the christian preaching out of metal !!!

Yes, freedom of expression has no place in the metal community!

 

[JosephAcevedo]

No, of course you don't.


Wow, that is very magnanimous of you.


Yes, freedom of expression has no place in the metal community!

Okay i'm gonna try to state this politely as possible to avoid this from becoming a big mud sling war of words. Like i said I have no problem with christian/catholic people. As i said i have christian/catholic friends who like metal but don't use it as a tool to gain power or to disrespect others who aren't. I do however have a problem with the hypocrites though!!! I mean it 100% when christians are entitled to playing metal and listening to it. My friend in a thrash metal band is a christian and is a big fan of destruction, kreator, deicide, ect..... and totally dislikes it when bands sing about christianity. Only because he believes religion is a personal thing and shouldn't be used in music. He too believes that in you want to hear the word of god go to the bible and go to church. Not to metal. Bands can write about christianity in their lyrics all they want. i don't care. Perhaps i will admit if it wasn't for how stryper's performance was i probably wouldn't think this way as much.

 

[sh0kr0k]

Do you realize you sound like a complete Ass Hat? It's just lyrics.. if you don't like it, don't listen to it. The only thing I really have a problem with is the fact that lyrical content has created a sub-genre of metal. Why can't it all just be "metal" whether it's Extol or Morbid Angel? Why should there be a distinction anyway?

 

[TheWhisper]

It is the same with bands bringing politics into their music. One of my favorite bands is Queensryche, but I do not reflect the same sentiment, as they do in their lyrics. Believe me, Geoff Tate and I are probably about as polar opposite as two people can get politically, but it has never stopped me from enjoying their music, immensely. If it bothered me, I wouldn't listen to them...it is after all my choice.

 

[longshot9]

I've been into them since "Soldiers Under Command" came out in 85. Always been a huge fan, even when they stopped doing the Christian stuff I was still a fan. "Against The Law" was a very underrated cd. I don't know too many metal fans, either into Power Metal now or into the 80's stuff, that can't listen to the song "Soldiers Under Command" without saying it's a kick-ass song. One of my favorite all time, from any band. I saw them live twice back in the 80's, once with Loudness, and the 2nd time was with I think Rough Cutt. Killer shows. If you aren't bothered by the lyrics then any metalhead should check them out if you're not familiar with them.

 

[JosephAcevedo]

Do you realize you sound like a complete Ass Hat? It's just lyrics.. if you don't like it, don't listen to it. The only thing I really have a problem with is the fact that lyrical content has created a sub-genre of metal. Why can't it all just be "metal" whether it's Extol or Morbid Angel? Why should there be a distinction anyway?

Thank you! I don't listen to it btw... About lyrical content dividing genre's? That I can't touch upon. I didn't invent genre names so you asking the wrong person that question. I usually think of all metal as metal myself. I'm a fan of all kinds of lyrics with the exception of this...... Sorry but nothing can please everyone. Btw I wasn't attacking you or anybody personally. I was just stating an opinion like any other person would on any forum for discussion sake. Not for personal attacks !

Why can't it all just be "metal" whether it's Extol or Morbid Angel? Why should there be a distinction anyway?

Why is there an distinction between a band like Extol and Morbid Angel ? I can only assume because Extol goes around and claims that they are a christian metal band where Morbid Angel says they are just death metal.

About why can't it all be metal?? Try asking Dave Mustiane that ! He claims to be a all around metal fan and such. Do you think it was very metal for him to cancel Rotting Christ or Dissection? He didn't have to listen to them or watch their set. He could just hang backstage or something until they were done playing. I wouldn't even cancel a band for reasons like his. Afterall they too are bands just like his and are in the same world as he is so he could at least co-exist playing shows with these bands. He could also at least pretend to be nice to them

 

[edgeofthorns]

Joseph,

I'm a Christian but listen to metal as well. In all honesty, several of my family members and friends give me a hard time about it, but I let roll off my back. They even tell me that I listen to "devil" music! They say it in a joking manner, but they very well may believe that. I hope my actions reflect who I really am though!

I don't have a problem with metal bands singing about Christian themes if it's done correctly. IMO, Rob Rock is the master of it, not to mention the guy's phenominal vocal talent! I view music in any form as an expression. Generally, artist want to express what they're passionate about. If an artist is passionate about his/her Christian beliefs, then so be it. We're able to choose if we want to listen or not. I choose not to listen to flat-out satanic bands, but If I wanted to, then I can. In reality, I can't over analyze metal, and expect all artist to write lyrics that I 100% agree with. Then I wouldn't be able to listen to anything at all.

Basically, I'm suggesting to you to try what I do. Don't over analyze things or take it too seriously. If you do, then you could be missing out on some great talent and music.

 

[JosephAcevedo]

Joseph,

I'm a Christian but listen to metal as well. In all honesty, several of my family members and friends give me a hard time about it, but I let roll off my back. They even tell me that I listen to "devil" music! They say it in a joking manner, but they very well may believe that. I hope my actions reflect who I really am though!

I don't have a problem with metal bands singing about Christian themes if it's done correctly. IMO, Rob Rock is the master of it, not to mention the guy's phenominal vocal talent! I view music in any form as an expression. Generally, artist want to express what they're passionate about. If an artist is passionate about his/her Christian beliefs, then so be it. We're able to choose if we want to listen or not. I choose not to listen to flat-out satanic bands, but If I wanted to, then I can. In reality, I can't over analyze metal, and expect all artist to write lyrics that I 100% agree with. Then I wouldn't be able to listen to anything at all.

Basically, I'm suggesting to you to try what I do. Don't over analyze things or take it too seriously. If you do, then you could be missing out on some great talent and music.

Rob Rock is a christian band? Well I never knew that. I own his "eyes of eyernity" and "holy hell" albums and they are amazing. I am no satanist btw.... Like i said i have no problem with christian individuals. I'm just not all gung ho about lyrical content and shoving it down my throat or saying to me i'm wrong for listening to (insert any christian band here) and not sharing the same beliefs. Thing is i haven't heard many christian metal bands that have impressed me really. But if you consider Rob Rock a christian artist/band then I guess I am proven wrong and I willfully admit that! Like I said one of my best friends is a catholic but she doesn't really listen to christian metal or force her beliefs on those who don't want it. Believe me as much as I like bands who sing about Satan .... I listen mainly for music. I get myself find boring and rediculous (lyrically) when a band like Deicide sings in every song " kill god this... or fuck jesus this!" believe me i get bored of reading those kind of lyrics too. However the music is soo well written that i can't help it. I normally don't look at religion as a aspect of music with the exception of christian lyrics but if you say Rob Rock is a christian artist then I guess not all is bad. I seen him perform twice and he is killer live.

overall....

My discussion was about the christian content in metal.
Not the people , all metal fans should be able to get along despite beliefs.