Metal maniacs, rejoice! I am proud to present to you: STRYPER; signed via Frontiers Music SRL, hailing from the United States of America - performing Heavy Metal/Hard Rock, on their 11th album entitled: "God Damn Evil" (released April 20th, 2018).

Since formation in 1983; the quintet in question have 10 albums behind them, I am introduced to their 11th album entitled: "God Damn Evil". 11 tracks ranging at around 44:43; STRYPER arrange an intricately designed slab of solid Heavy Metal/Rock developments, starting off with "Take It To The Cross" which immediately opens up with the infamous BLACK SABBATH riff from the song "Children Of The Grave". This carries on throughout the album; with hard-hitting chugs and galloping, melodious manifestations. The lyrical themes here consist of Christianity (who are also part of the Christian Metal sub-genre), Love and Relationships...inviting? Kind of. Ignoring those, I examine the musical elements instead - of which sounds consistently epic.

Consisting of Michael Sweet on lead vocals & guitars; the frontman delivers a complex distinction of clean, high-pitched vocals and rhythmically executed diversity. "Sorry" showcases concrete, radio-friendly harmonies yet balances that with battering instrumentation and musicianship. Robert Sweet on drums provides an elegantly hammering formula of organic smashing and adroit aesthetics of fluid substances and polished stability. "Lost" & the titular track demonstrate blistering attributes from 2nd guitarist Oz Fox, distributing thunderous dexterity & bouncy grooves and efficaciousness - rampaging like a stampede, frolicking with power and speed... STRYPER are brilliantly exceeding my original expectations so far.

"You Don't Even Know Me" establishes dynamic songwriting creativity, as the audibility contrast from bassist Perry Richardson embellishes on exquisitely enlightening sound production proficiencies. "The Valley" provides dominantly excelling craftsmanship abilities, as the catchy yet crunchy effectiveness relentlessly captivates me with a profusely robust experience. "Sea Of Thieves" has similar characteristics, converged with progressive technicalities which still assaults with frenzied flamboyancy and gritty contrast. "Beautiful" implements an anthemic ramification, structured with enjoyable inventiveness and variety - STRYPER adequately perform with profession and and detailed results here.

"Can't Live Without Your Love" embellishes on the aforementioned amalgamations, still juxtaposed with cohesive portrayal. STRYPER have meticulous represenations with this record, as "Own Up" advances with more savagely salubrious rawness and primitively yet fulfilling musical finesse. Overall concluding "God Damn Evil" with the finale track: "The Devil Doesn't Live Here"; I was very surprised with this one, as always when one discovers a new band - they have a prominent discography and existence, having heard of them; I finally had the opportunity to educated myself with some old-school heaviness. Bottom line, the band certainly outdone themselves with this one - worth investigating. <