Reviewed by Steve Best

Four fifths of the original Stryper line-up (bassist Tim Gaines is not present) are back following a 20th anniversary reunion tour and live album that indicated a green light from the man upstairs for a return to the fray. The spandex may be gone - wisely so, I'd say, and the lads may look a little, erm, frayed at the edges, but boy can they still rock?! Opener "Open Your Eyes" leaves the listener in no doubt that this is not an empty gesture; these guys really mean it. The riffs are as hard as ever, the widdley-widdley bits as...well, widdley-widdley as ever, and who cares if it sounds a lot like Bon Jovi? Watch out for the final two cuts, a radical reworking of "Amazing Grace" followed by a brand new reading of the Stryper classic "In God We Trust". Totally lacking in subtlety, but utterly committed to God, Stryper are back, and I for one am glad to see them on such blistering form.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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