Metal School - Stryper

[@kurtb8474]

I worked at a Christian radio station near Sacramento back in the 80s. We played Stryper music. We even got to interview them on the air.

[@salamwati9281]

Ox Fox and Michael Sweet has got to be among the most underated guitarists or shredders. 😎

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

I always thought it was funny that they made such a big deal about getting Tim into the band but he's hardy on any of the albums. There's an additional bass player on a lot of them.

[@willbuffaloe6594]

Absolutely

[@douglasholt9329]

I saw Stryper with Hurricane, amazing show, still listen to them now. I’m 61 years old, never stop rock in !

[@rayfranchi1507]

I saw them in Tampa with Hurricane. Hey I'm 66 still following and listening to Stryper too.

[@andreaskallenbrunnen2614]

Hallo and thanks to my friend Jadd. With him I go to a Stryper gig in Frankfurt Germany 9 Jun. 87 as an 18 year old. Mad Max been their support. I am thankful for that great time.

[@EdwardHutchinson]

Hahah... I first read this as "I saw Stryper in a Hurricane" hahahah

[@rs02984]

Same here... The Agora Ballroom in Hartford CT. Amazing show. Freezing night but the venue was 90 degrees inside, lol!

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

Over The Edge by Hurricane is a great album. Especially the title track. I lost interest after they and guitarist Robert Sarzo separated

[@rayjones4616]

To Hell With The Devil is one of the greatest Metal albums ever recorded, let alone Christian Metal. It's just fantastic, from start to finish!

[@eugenemotes9921]

ABSOLUTELY

[@robbaxter60]

I’ll admit it I’m a staunch atheist but I’ll listen to Stryper any day of the week and am damned proud of it. Michael Sweet is probably one of the most underrated guitarists in metal history and I’ll die on that hill.

[@JustJeph33]

You'll die, and then hell. As you listen, do you hear the lyrics?

[@youtubeshadowbannedmylasta2629]

@@JustJeph33if there's a hell.

[@JustJeph33]

@@youtubeshadowbannedmylasta2629 so hard to answer a simple question. Of course hell is real. Have you ever read a Bible, or heard a sermon about it??

[@JasonSimpson-ue7cl]

Stryper is damn good at what they do. Probably the hardest hair metal band ever. The guitar solos, Michaels range, all of it is excellent really

[@robbaxter60]

@@JustJeph33 was that rhetorical? I can recite every lyric from the first 4 albums verbatim without as much as a pause. Just because I’m not about the message in the songs doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy it. Music is music and good music is above that. They could literally write about taking a dump and I’d enjoy it.

[@robertelee467]

I will be turning 50 in a little more than two months. The very first cassette tape to sing along with at church that I ever bought, and ever sang along with, was HONESTLY by Stryper. I was only 19 years old at the time and I bought it to sing at my then girlfriend’s church which I was attending. I have since married her and we have been married for 28 years now. That song really touched me in a special way and I will never forget it as long as I live. And… Yes… I do still have that cassette single!😊

[@MrRandalFlagg]

To me, Stryper is definitely one of the most impressive comeback stories in music history. The last 5 record are unbelievably consistent!

[@JoeyArmstrong2800]

They put bands half their age to shame. Especially live.

[@dereknovaes4217]

I cant stand the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, but I truly believe Stryper is worthy!

[@petetobey3933]

Been a Stryper fan since 1984, and they're heavier now than they were in the '80s. Still a favorite today.

[@stevedamien638]

They are all heavier now to cover the lack of melodies and licks that they were masters in the 80s. Also that new distortion sound most use is so fucking tick a note sound like a chord. Even bands like Whitesnake sound like Metallica almost nowadays(no disrespect to Whitesnake here,1977-1990🤙)

[@palitodequeso1234]

@@stevedamien638 Someone's a little salty they haven't been able to buy their latest albums (Which is fair they're so fucking hard and expensive to get nowadays, fucking frontier records)

[@stevedamien638]

@@palitodequeso1234 Well my collection I mostly bought in the late 80s and 90s and cheapest I paid for a cd was 18$ and the average was 20-25$ a piece. Amazon is the only place if you can find. All other sites probably fucking buy from Amazon and resale 10$ more a piece on their shits. Stryper cds are 18$-23$ on Amazon. So there is no panic here.

[@Assimilator702]

@@stevedamien638 Where were you buying your CD’s? The first CD I purchased was in 1987 and I paid $15. Most CD’s I paid $15 at the most. $13 seemed to be the average.

[@stevedamien638]

@@Assimilator702 In Canada, HMV,Sam the Record Man, A&B sOUND TO NAME A FEW, CDS IN THE MID 80S WERE 39,99$. And fitst only the trend was available the first few years then everything became available. I worked at HMV many years 1985-1993(Was Shermann's music then became HMV ).

[@Br4m76]

I don't get into them except the 'Soldier Under Command" and 'In God We Trust"' albums. Since then I don't have a clue about them. Thanks to this Metal School channel for telling their later stories. 🤘

[@Rudy_Riot]

Their music is undeniable no matter where you stand on religion. I think they’re amazing!!

[@JohnSmith-ef2sx]

This band blows me away. IT's so melodic. One of my favorite bands ever and I"m an atheist through and through. Big fan. MIchael sweet is a genius.

[@hugopazmino6342]

They were cataloged as glam by the mainstream media music but in reality the band is melodic heavy metal such as TNT, Sinner, Pretty Maids, Lizzy Borden, Pink Cream 69, etc

[@SouthernSkeptic]

@@hugopazmino6342 I took a friend tosee them in 2011 and when we left I asked him what he thought. He said "I liked it. I always thought they were like Poison but they are more like Priest."

[@JustJeph33]

What do you think of the lyrics?

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

TNT & Pretty Maids would be awesome to have videos on.

[@chrisdoran8111]

There’s no denying that Stryper did get a hard time over here in the UK and Europe during the 1980s. There was no way a Metal band could sing about Christianity and be anything less than shit. I was one of those guys, apart from Calling On You, which I think appeared on a Kerrang compilation album of all things, Stryper were a no go for a trad Metal head. Which really is a pity as from this episode Stryper played and delivered some damn fine Heavy Metal. Honestly though, take what you will from the lyrics but if a Metal fan doesn’t like To Hell With The Devil then there’s defo something wrong with them. Another great look back to a seriously undervalued band. Engrossing all round. Thanks 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@waywardspirit7898]

Yeah. Coming from a hard core rock and roller here...Stryper IMO is one of the top metal/rock bands of all time. And they are STILL pumping out great music. Micheal Sweet is a top singer and guitarist, for sure. There is nothing cheesy about this bands music. Most rockers are like..."Oh, they're Christians, they must suck". They are missing out big time. Great video. :)

[@lorettasearcy1471]

I've been a die hard Stryper fan since the beginning, and I always will be.

[@mbgrafix]

I was 20 years old in 1984 when Stryper broke onto the scene, and I was an immediate fan...especially because just a few months before THE YELLOW AND BLACK ATTACK came out, I had committed my life to Jesus Christ...and I have been a devout follower of Christ to this day. In that span of time I was a church youth pastor and a church elder. I have also been a huge Christian metal fan...to this day! I've seen Stryper live 4 times...my first time in West Hartford Connecticut back in 1984, and my most recent time was around 5 years ago at The Stone Pony in New Jersey. Additionally, I have been to lots of different Christian metal concerts over the past 38 years, including Bloodgood, Barren Cross, Whitecross, Skillet and Messiah Prophet to name a few. Additionally, there are many fantastic Christian rock bands that I have also seen in concert, such Petra, Resurrection Band, Kerry Livgren - A.D. and Mylon Lefevre and Broken Heart to name a few. But at the end of the day, the only thing that truly matters is knowing why you live. Most people haven't got a clue. And in my experience, 99 times out of 100, those who reject Christ don't understand what the gospel is and have never read the Bible. Ten out of ten people die! Why?

[@305kubrick]

This post took me back!!

[@mbgrafix]

@305kubrick Hard to believe it's been 40 years!

[@MarioLamRedRebel]

Am a big fan of Stryper and more of God . I wish that there are more bands like Stryper. Greetings from the Netherlands and Gods blessings.

[@Jorgesebbastian]

They are AWASOME !! Greetings from Chile 🇨🇱

[@geoffstockton]

I was raised Christian and spent some years listening to these guys. I’ve since become an atheist and a jazz guy but I love these guys again just on the basis that they’re all EW&F fans. Upon listening as a musician, and a grown-up, there’s no question that these guys were legit musicians.

[@edwardestes8038]

I am 64 now....i have liked them since day one...been a drummer since forever....and i watch their drummer and how different he was in his set up and style......many great inpirarational songs....but all time favorites are "To Hell Wth The Devil".....Calling On You.....and many many more......Amen

[@JustJeph33]

Soldiers on Command is where they found me. I'm about your age

[@guiltyforgiven7167]

I love how respectful this is. Enjoy all the Metal School vids!

[@cometblazt]

Stryper is stronger now , kept growing musically to this day. Great albums great voice Michael, great guitars, great drums and bass. A band that has been holding on to their principles. Bold and brave. God bless you boys

[@FlorianGeyer210]

Been a Stryper fan since the 80's and I simply love all their albums. "In god we trust" remains my all time favourite because back in 1990 I was struck with cáncer and that álbum really helped me in those dificult times.

[@403patriot3]

Metal fan my entire life (1980) but I honestly never listened to stryper till 2010…now I’m proud to say is one of my favourite bands of all time ❤️✝️

[@heatherr0420]

It's about this band was that I didn't feel like I was getting preached at, you know? You got the message without feeling like you're getting a sermon that most of the time when I was a kid would sleep through. Good music whether you're religious or not

[@mr.onethirtyeight5088]

I've never heard of this band but I was going to write something similar. I usually do not like when bands get all Jesus on us (and I'm a Christian for whatever that's worth). But I kinda like the way they talk about it.

[@apanapandottir205]

I'm basically an atheist (or pantheist or whatever) but like alot of religious music. When done well and with genuine emotion (without preaching) it often tackles the same things we all struggle with in life. No matter what path we take, forgivness and love for our fellow man is something I think we all can agree on.

[@heatherr0420]

@@mr.onethirtyeight5088 I actually consider myself an agnostic, but I'm open-minded and can appreciate someone's message when done in a way that doesn't feel forced

[@mbgrafix]

Show me _any_ band that isn't preaching!

[@bmdshred77]

I know what you mean. Bands like slayer do nothing but preach hate. Was nice to see a band sing great music with a good message

[@DarthPizza777]

Stryper was the first metal band i got into. it's a shame they don't get the respect they deserve just because they sing about Jesus. Thank you for doing this video!! 🤘

[@JustJeph33]

May I remind us all: the world will hate us as they hated Jesus, and only because we follow him. Yet, Stryper loved them enough to give up their lives to bring his Good News to us. We are blessed because of this band!

[@Errcyco]

These comments are eye opening. I never realized they had such a following like this.. not a lot of new fans. All comments like this saying they were my first fav band or concert. I’d have rather seen Cinderella or KISS 💋 in this era but I’d have definitely rocked out at a show cause the music was dope.

[@kevinblakemore6445]

This is incredible coverage of this band! i grew in this time. Great times

[@marshill88]

this band is what happens when an 80's metal band doesn't destroy their life with drugs and alcohol. their current music is awesome!

[@Fallen-Saint]

Power of Jesus!

[@toxicwaltz69]

Agreed. They've released a few tunes over the last several years that are among their best.

[@Fallenveil99]

You clearly don't know the history of the band do you?

[@salamwati9281]

😉🤗😅funny but somewhat good in a way..Lord..Hope & Rock n Roll.

[@jakekaufman8302]

But the irony is Motley Crue and Guns N Roses did all the drugs and alcohol and nobody from either band died yet. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. You live longer.🎸🎸🎸🤘🤘🤘💪💪💪💫💫💫

[@johnward6860]

Thank you for an unbiased look! I knew you would look more into the musical talent and showmanship, rather than judging their beliefs. I wish more reviewers were like you

[@sherry8894]

I have loved these guys since the 80's . Still rockin'to them today. They are still sounding great and it's 2022 ! Rock on Stryper!!! 🎶🎸🎤🎸🎧🎶🎸🎶🎤🎶

[@jesselistarseed]

WELL DONE!!! Looking forward to the new release next month. 📶 ⛓ 💿 🎸🎶

[@shawnoandrew]

Love Stryper and love their way of spreading the Gospel. They kept their beliefs up above all else. More music acts should have followed their lead.

[@tatianawhittaker]

I'll listen to any metal band as long as they put out good music. I was turned onto Stryper by a cousin when we were kids. She had In God We Trust and played it for me and I was blown away at the talent. I've listened to every album and to this day I love the music the band puts out. I don't care that the members are Christian.

[@MrRoboto81]

I’m not religious at all, and I always thought Stryper kicked ass. They are talented musicians and write some damn catchy hooks

[@JustJeph33]

Guess what? Stryper fans aren't religious either 🙂

[@MrRoboto81]

@@JustJeph33 not surprised

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

🤘😎🤘

[@stevo.jurisic1980]

Ahh yes!! You legend! Grew up listening to Stryper thanks to my older brother, it's what got me started in my life of Metal!! Against the law is my favourite album! Great video mate!! Cheers 🍻 🇦🇺

[@kevintucker6000]

I have been a Stryper fan since 1984. This video was done very well.

[@MB-oc1nw]

I hated these guys back in the 80's but now looking back the music holds up...damn good band.

[@eclipsespilce]

I see what you did there

[@happyhello5988]

My favorite song is Honestly by them. I’ve been listening to it for over 35 years. Every time I need to reconnect with God it’s my go to song. Thank you Stryper.

[@JJBolli1]

Great band! Great video! Thank you for making it. "...flowers and a beard" 😄 Anyway, I was blown away when "No More Hell To Pay" dropped. As far as I was concerned, Stryper was back and better than ever. Looking forward to the new album.

[@SecondaryAccount5899]

I saw Stryper at Red Rocks in Colorado in the 80s. Loudness and TNT opened. It was such an amazing show! They rocked so hard.

[@billhogue9523]

Oz Fox has always been underated as a guitar player.

[@cathykushner8903]

Michael Sweet is also an excellent guitar player. When Oz and Michael play their duet solos with guitar harmonies it is nothing short of spectacular. They are among the best guitar duos in the business.

[@ianstephenmah7658]

Including Micheal as well. 👍

[@JoeyArmstrong2800]

Absolutely.

[@sleepyhollow783]

Thankful he is still with us! Health problems be dammed.🛐

[@blainetrahan8883]

Fact!!!!

[@TheAxe4Ever]

I’ve said it since I first heard the Yellow And Black Attack was first released, that Michael and Oz are the most underrated dual guitar teams ever in rock and metal. They can sound either totally polished, or completely raw. Sometimes both at the same time.

[@salamwati9281]

In Both We Trust.🤗

[@brianlangley1082]

The most underrated and underappreciated band in metal to this day.

[@brienauthement3308]

One of the greatest of all time .. they still going strong and getting even better with age !! Rock on Stryper ! Love it !

[@emanuel_soundtrack]

„catchy heav music“ is a perfect definition! catchy metal!

[@MayheM_72]

Even though I was a thrash metal headbanger back in high school (I graduated in 1990) I was a big fan of Styrper. None of my friends were fans, and they didn't want to hear about a band so "lame". I guess if you're a fan of Overkill, Slayer, D.R.I., etc, you're not supposed to like Stryper. I never got that memo, and I still tell people about the band.

[@stevedamien638]

Well are you in your 50s? If yes then we all listen to all bands in the heydays but at high school we just shared the toughest bands we were into. All the same trust me lol

[@michaelhall736]

Don't know who D.R.I. is but I love Overkill and Slayer, and I also love Stryper.

[@stevedamien638]

@@michaelhall736 D.R.I. you had to dig a bit more to discovered them in the heydays. I got introduced to them through S.O.D. flyer. You probably don't know S.O.D.(no offence tho,)? D.R.I. stand for Dirty Rotten Imbeciles as S.O.D. stand for Stormkeepers Of Death. All best bro.

[@GeneSimmonsBoots]

@@stevedamien638, Stormtroopers of Death.

[@TheChadTI]

It was pretty mixed with my 80's teen metal head crew too, some wouldnt even give it a chance, some of us loved em.

[@TheodoreBunch]

Had great time at my 1st stryper concert few yrs ago. They Rock and rock out with my stryper guitar on my amp - Rock On!!

[@TMoody]

I saw this band live not long ago..... KILLER live band.

[@Olwehn]

Remember as a kid I saw the Soldiers under command album in the record store, I asked the staff to put it on, intrigued by the visuals. I was blown away by the heavy metallic mid range guitar sound, heavy riffing, Robs flam fills, the vocals, the very melodic yet heavy songs, the over all sound. The total package. Totally Awesome band. Love em!

[@PetersonFamilyAdventures]

Saw these guys in May. They are really great live. Top notch musicians and Michael’s voice really holds up. I took my 11-year-old son who is a budding guitarist and he was very impressed. We are going to see Accept in that same small venue this upcoming October. Can’t wait.

[@kusholhumedeo7851]

Stryper was, is and will always be one of the best Metal band on planet earth. The more I like them is because they are good Christian. Love from Nagaland❤

[@johnkatsoudas4767]

Stryper might have had a glam metal look back in the 80's, but they rocked big time. I love their whole catalog, especially their albums that came out in the last ten years. My favorite classic albums are Soldiers Under Command and In God We Trust. Amazing band for sure! Excellent video!

[@ivandillardmusic2042]

I really enjoyed this. Stryper is a bona dude great metal band and as someone who does believe in some kinda higher power, I do often feel the positive/high frequency energy coming from their songs. Thanks for putting this together and really doing them justice

[@johnnykeener3727]

Love me some Stryper, I remember back in the day, my good friend got my the vinyl record for "To Hell with the Devil" such cool artwork, the awesome music was a bonus!!

[@unkelkreepy8529]

I remember hearing loud and clear on metal shop on the radio way back then. Stompin. And I agree with you... Reach out on soldiers is my shit, too.

[@gekyumes_dad]

i love this channel

[@johnanderson1818]

My best friend had a "96"Dodge Viper and we was constantly rolling and To Hell With The Devil jamming. On 10! 💯

[@tristramcoffin926]

I have put my metal card on the line more than once arguing Soldiers Under Command is one of the greatest metal songs of the period. So, I loved when you said the early stuff was basically speed metal. I even argue that Stryper invented power metal before Helloween did or at least it was close. I met Michael Sweet at the Alive Christian Music Festival in 1996. It is kind of funny because I don't know why...it isn't like he is Paul McCartney or anything...but just as I walked up to him I was hit with being star struck. I went to speak and it was like I had marbles in my mouth. Michael is very gracious and he could tell I was mortified embarrassed so he gave me a hug and signed my handful of cds that included his first solo record and the first 4 Stryper releases. I think about that to this day as one of my most embarrassing moments, so naturally I put it on the internet.

[@h.d.mech.mortenson2098]

Great documentary. Stryper will always be my favourite band. Love the lyrics, wicked guitar solos. the best part is that they’re the real deal ! Such an underrated band !!!

[@monzsterman]

I hadn't listened to Stryper in ages. I knew Michael had done some stuff with George Lynch but didn't realize that the band was still making albums. Definitely gona check out their newer stuff. It's ashame radio doesn't play music like this anymore. KZbin is the only way I find out about this kind of stuff thanks to people like you.

[@1satisfiedmind]

You're in for a pleasant surprise. STRYPER, since The Covering, and Second Coming, have been on fire. Their best albums , production-wise are the recent one, No More Hell to Pay, Fallen, God Damn Evil, and Even the Devil Believes=excellent stuff...AND a new album nearly here. Check em out.

[@hearinya]

God willing, I will see you at the Whiskey GoGo this June 6, ‘23. Seen you twice there ! And with Bon Jovi& Hurricane ‘85. JESUS SAVES !!!! Ty as I have so much victory in your lyrics and music

[@crazyjoeshorts5256]

Its funny to me, because I didn't listen to any metal at all until a buddy of mine let me listen to a bootleg of to Hell with the Devil.( This was about 2003, when they started playing again.) He was the one who introduced me to rock in general. We both grew up in the church and we couldn't get enough rock. But there were only so many decent Christian bands, and most of them had more of a modern sound. Both of us were into 70's and eightees stuff. He played that song and my life was never the same. it was the song that got me wanting to play drums. I played their 2003 live tour and Soldiers Under Command on repeat. Other people measure bands by Priest or Sabath or whatever. For me, the measuring stick was always Stryper. I still need to see them live.

[@ronfreeman2092]

I have been a Stryper fan since To Hell With The Devil and Oz Fox had always been one of my guitar inspirations. So glad they are releasing new killer music

[@toddhildebrand6057]

Accurate and unbiased start to finish. Good job!

[@MetalSchoolChannel]

Thanks! ❤️🤘🏻

[@jaysonraphaelmurdock8812]

Agreed

[@hearinya]

Ty great band great job putting this together. My first metal doc, was by accident, razor fist and he just blew me away. Watched razor’s Stryper doc at least 5 times.

[@ericcire7709]

I listen to a lot of Stryper and I watch a lot of videos and this is one of the best I have seen. Well done!

[@robertobuatti7226]

A great band full of harmony and pure melody that makes you want to sing and shout, I've loved this band ever since I first got into metal for over 20 years since I was 19 in 2000 and constantly play them, cannot wait for the new album.

[@DarkMetalSpider]

YESSS!!!!! this was the one I've been waiting for!!! absolutely LOVE these guys!!! Stryper was my first ever concert experience... ohh mannn, I still remember this. back when me and my younger sister (had) to go to church, one of the pastor's sons was a huge Stryper fan. well, with the IGWT tour, Stryper was coming to the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, with Hurricane. never had listened to Stryper before, even knowing that the pastor's son was heavily into 'em. however I was already ((sneaking)) Metal music into the house via my jean jacket with one of those "hidden pockets". what albums I had, I was hiding in various places within my room. so, I was already listening to that genre. but, what happened was, because of this, and the pastor's son who absolutely loved these guys, well, the pastor, he (I forget what he called it... similar to a 'field trip', but obviously going to a concert isn't that, but I forget what it was called...) set it up so teens in the bible study class, set up for that night so all of us could go. the pastor had to talk with my dad to let me and my sister go, as my dad was very adamant about "there's no such thing as a Heavy Metal Christian band." he was like, if it's Metal, it's the work of the devil... but, I dunno what my pastor told him, but afterwards, dad said that me and my sister could go. so, that night came, and we went, and (at that time) the Fox Theatre was something spectacular (well, on the inside it was), and just waiting for it to start. man, I tell you fell in love with Hurricane, those guys were truly something epic.... but, then... Stryper came out and I was just.... just WOW, these guys!!! I never had been so moved by emotion before, the way that Michael sang, some of the lyrics were just epically phenomenal... so much so, that after the show, my ears were ringing so bad, but the lyrics and Michael singing and the music, I was truly moved beyond any words that I knew to say. many years later down the line, with their Reborn album, they came and hit the Masquerade in Atlanta. I swear, I became a massive fan of them all over again. even now, as much as I still adore these guys, "More Than a Man", probably one of the most beautiful and moving songs ever written, and sung, even though I love all of their music, "More Than a Man", that one just hits hard every single time I listen to it. Stryper is a band that I truly cherish greatly. never another band ever, quite like these guys, even any other Christian band I never got into. once you've listened to the best (as far as Christian music goes), there was never anybody else. these guys are the best in what they do. there is absolutely no comparison with anything/ or, anyone else.

[@slframe1]

I was at that same concert at the Fox Theater in '88 with Hurricane opening. Yeah, my ears rang for days. Amazing experience! I used to catch some ribbing for liking Stryper from some friends, but they were missing out. If you're still in Atlanta, have a Varsity burger for me.

[@DarkMetalSpider]

@@slframe1 3 weeks later, I (now) get a notification to my comment, I'm so sorry! oh wow, that's cool! yeah... same here...was contradictory to some, how I could love, and listen to Stryper.. and, then turn around and listen to Slayer... had a "root of all evil" Slayer backpatch on my jacket, yet had a few Stryper buttoms on it😅 parents never knew about that Slayer patch for quite some time... even in the winter, I'd (carry) it over my left arm, freezing lime crazy Lol and not put on my jacket until I was on the bus... anyway... I live in Georgia still, but in Griffin, so kind of not too far off... it's been quite a while since I last ate there... but, def next time I am, I surely will😉

[@timothyissler3815]

Stryper was the first metal band I listened to, and I have always remained a big fan. I was lucky to be introduced to them in 2013 so I was able to pick up "No More Hell to Pay" right away. I've always enjoyed how they can remain largely traditional heavy metal, and yet mix elements of glam, grunge, power, and various non-metal genres with relative skill. Also of the classic glam bands of the 80s, Stryper's probably in the best condition: all the members can still play and sing just as good as in their heyday.

[@themediamarauder1582]

I saw them in concert in mid 80s. My friend only listened to Christian Metal and a band called Hurricane opened up for them. I wanted to see Hurricane. The lead singer of Hurricane is now Foreigner front man. Stryper was amazing in concert. 10 times better than their CD. It was so much heavier in concert! I was more of a Bride, Barren Cross and White Cross fan but Stryper rocked in concert!!!!

[@SouthernSkeptic]

I took my friend to see Stryper and when we left I asked him how he liked it. He said: "Much heavier than I expected. I thought they were like Poison but they are more like Judas Priest."

[@chrisb2535]

I remember Hurricane. They had that song Over The Edge. It got a lot of play on MTV (top 10 video countdown, every afternoon?) in 88/89, back when metal was still on top. BTW, I just looked at the lineup for that album. Didn't realize it had Tony Cavazo and Robert Sarzo on it. Pretty cool.

[@grizzly_city9319]

I saw them on that tour as well, epic show!

[@chrisb2535]

@@metalheart80s No. They also had a song called "Over The Edge" (first song on the album). That video was played on MTV a lot. Made that Top 10 Countdown almost every day for a while. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6nJdoptl9eKj5o I've also heard "I'm Onto You", but that's not what I was talking about.

[@metalheart80s]

@@chrisb2535Correct

[@joesmith7509]

They have it all. Heavy Progressive Top notch virtuoso instrumentalists. Dual guitar, Incredible vocals. Awesome lead stories and compositions. Positive message... They could be the single greatest band ever. So glad they arrived in the 80s glametal scene... Loved them their whole carrier... Been rocking since the 80s and still listen to the older and newer sounds... Thank God for Stryper.

[@ArtShimko]

Thank you for making this video, I’ve been a stryper fan since ‘86, mad respect for these dudes 🤘🏽❤️

[@carlosjtorotorres5451]

Stryper was, is & ALWAYS WILL BE THE band that proved once & for all that Jesus Christ DEFINITELY ROCKS, and I still remember it because seeing the music video for “Calling on You”, one of the many EPIC songs on their Masterpiece “To Hell with the Devil”still rings my bells; it’s funny I mention it because, coming from a Devout Catholic family, their superb blend of Heavy Metal with Positive lyrics got my attention 🎸 🤘 😄 😆 😁 🛎 🔔 👿 😈 ☝️ 🎶 🎼 🎵

[@angryroostercreations5194]

I'm glad you actually covered strypers story. There's alot of guys that wouldn't even comment on them.

[@bendyparanormal]

Their “Reason for the Season” and cover of, “Winter Wonderland” are still top on my list of Christmastime ‘must listen to’ songs for me. Even my mom, who didn’t like Hard Rock, (though neither she nor my dad ever complained about my music choices or tried to stop me from listening to Hard Rock like some of my friends’ parents did), really liked Stryper’s cover of, “Winter Wonderland”. I bought, “To Hell With the Devil”, on cassette the day it came out, and listened to it driving to a friend’s house. I was blown away by the title track and had to rewind it and listen to it a second time before I could continue listening to the rest of it. It grabbed me immediately. But to this day, I consider, “The Abyss” as the beginning of “To Hell With the Devil”, and not really a separate track; because that’s how it played on the cassette. To this day, it bugs me to hear “To Hell With the Devil” start playing, (like on mp3 files, iTunes, CD, etc.), without, “The Abyss” in front of it. I loved, “Honestly” from the moment I first heard it, (also in the car on the way out to my friend’s house). I think, “In God We Trust” was overproduced and, though it came out at the height of my Stryper mania, never really grabbed me. I don’t dislike it…I just don’t find myself going back to any of those songs very often these days and I don’t listen to that album start to finish like I do most of their others. I was disappointed with, “Against The Law”, because I felt they had kind of allowed the nay-sayers to get to them, bring them down, and change them. I agree about, “Reborn” sounding more like a Michael Sweet solo album and it having a more “grunge” feel. I don’t hate it, but it doesn’t contain any real stand-out or favorite songs for me. “Murder By Pride” was a better showing, but still didn’t feel like ‘Stryper’ to me. And man, was my pastor bent out of shape about “Piece of Mind” showing up on that album. He didn’t feel a Christian group should sing secular songs. …You can imagine his disappointment with, “The Covering”. I wasn’t really a fan of the re-recordings on, “Second Coming”. I pretty much don’t listen to any of, “Second Coming” these days. I think their newer albums have a more specifically Biblical message to them and the days of the ‘dual meaning’ songs are pretty much a thing of the past; which is just fine by me. That was a necessary thing when trying to cross over and pull in a larger audience. They’ve got nothing to prove anymore. I think starting with, “Fallen” and going forward, they are getting better and better. I’m actually more excited about the upcoming release of their new album, (“The Final Battle” - October 21, 2022), than I have been about a Stryper album since “To Hell With The Devil”. I’ve seen them playing live with Perry Richardson and I think he’s a really good fit for the band. He’s a strong bass player, has a fun stage presence, and has good chemistry with the rest of the band. Tim Gaines always seemed kind of cardboard and like he was on the edge of being angry all the time. Even in meet & greet events. Perry seems to have a ‘Stryper heart’. Can’t wait to see them live, supporting, “The Final Battle”!

[@JustJeph33]

Can't wait to see Jesus live!

[@Rage-of-War]

I remember when Soldiers was released, we ALL loved it, it was killer!!

[@Rage-of-War]

To Hell with the Devil was one of the albums I used to sit in my room and play drums to when it came out, yep, I was 15 in 86...

[@joaoluizferraz2550]

Deve ter sido uma época muito boa anos 80,pena eu ter nascido em 1995

[@jeffyoung8726]

Been a HUGE Stryper fan since day one. LOVE every-single-one of their albums, and have all of them! I mean, even all of the singles, compilations and live CD's. Seen them at least 25 times over the years. STILL a HUGE fan, and always will be! I've gotten to meet all of them on multiple occasions. Still a really great band live. Excellent video, thanks for making it. Keep up the great work!

[@andywest2079]

I gave my heart to Jesus because of Christian rock n roll

[@axelndaisyteam3148]

Im a fan and always will be

[@martymcmannis6581]

Calling on you When I finely called on him, was the best day ever Thanks guys

[@freewaygodzilla6024]

Yes! And you where fair and respectful too thank you so much!

[@larrykendrick8095]

I was missing out. It was a shock to see how many records they put out. Michael has to be well conditioned to sing like that, year after year. Very nice look at the history of Stryper. Excellent documentary.

[@Network-23]

My mom was totally on board with Stryper. She knew I was listening to metal pretty early on, but she was still a devoted Christian herself, & wanted us raised that way as well. So, one day she cam home with Soldiers Under Command, & I knew then I was in it for the music, not any specific message. These guys shred (still do even). Then, she would buy me more Stryper, Deliverance, Holy Soldier, Die Happy, Tourniquet, Whitecross, all that. They all blew my face off musically. &, I just ignore the actual words...🤘🤓

[@volkarve]

In 86, a friend gave me a cassette of Soldiers under command and I've been a fan ever since

[@marshharris778]

You did it, Metal School. You proved without a doubt that you have genuine metal cred. If you can look beyond everything else and go right to the music regardless of what people think, you're metal. I heard it said on That Metal Show that Stryper may be the most metal band there is because metal is about rebellion. They rebelled against metal mainstream and they rebelled against Christian mainstream. Both sides seemed to hate them, but they stuck to their vision and continued to crank out dependable, quality music. The message is objectionable to a lot of people, but then I'd say us "seasoned" metal heads from way back when who now have kids and grandkids probably don't agree with the message of a lot of non-Christian metal that we listen to. It's always been about the music. As always, I loved the perfect analysis of the 21st century videos. I really look forward to that because those corny storylines need to be lampooned. If you haven't listened closely, the title track off "Fallen" is a regular repeat for me. Wow! Those vocals and guitar work are powerfully emotional and quite remarkable especially considering Michael's age. I doubt you'll find him doing that anywhere but a studio. Thanks again. I will keep tuning in!

[@mbgrafix]

Have you seen the BLOODGOOD documentary yet, called TRENCHES OF ROCK?

[@marshharris778]

@@mbgrafix No. I am always up for a good documentary. What's a good streaming source for it?

[@mbgrafix]

@@marshharris778 On Prime.

[@marshharris778]

@@mbgrafix That was an excellent recommendation. I'll pass it on. Thanks!

[@mbgrafix]

@@marshharris778 👊😎👍

[@keithmcculley5695]

Love your channel how about an episode of Iced Earth. Keep up the good work

[@NWOTHMFullAlbums]

One of my absolute favorites! Soldiers Under Command is on my top 5 hard rock albums from the 80s. p.s: You forgot to mention King James featuring Tim Gaines, Robert Sweet alongside Rex Carroll (Whitecross). They released a self-titled album in 1994. It’s not great, but it’s an ok record.

[@franciskocher200]

😃👍👍

[@mikestroud9969]

Michaels voice is amazing Great band Petra too

[@wokedragon3211]

Stryper is on that list of bands I always wanted to see live

[@JustJeph33]

Still might have a shot. They're ministering still. 1987 Universal Amphitheatre, Los Angeles. Took a couple of Crue fans. Too far back to catch a Bible, but we had a good talk and prayer afterward

[@garystielow232]

Was introduced to the band in late 1985, and I've been a fan ever since. Well done musical history of the band, great job!

[@PaulLoughrin]

Thanks so much for this! Stryper is my fav band. I've been a fan of theirs, since 1984. Peace, from Florida.

[@mylesmilliman6166]

Such a well done doc! Excellent narration (hard to find listenable narration anywhere on YT), solid pacing and very thorough on the subject matter. Great job! And speaking of the subject matter---Stryper rules.

[@hearinya]

In the 80’s; I’m one of the few that was so affected and blessed me forever

[@davidbakerscuba]

Great job on this video, I really enjoyed seeing it. Stryper is my favorite band of all time. It’s because of the music. The guitars, vocals and drums are the best from the era, objectively speaking. They are still going strong today. In fact, their albums over the last several years have been the best of their career, and that’s saying a lot. They are certainly head and shoulders above their contemporaries today. Their live concerts are still amazing.

[@davidadamsmusic]

I went to their concert at the Santa Monica Civic auditorium circa 1987 and they packed the place. I respect them immensely for taking a stand on what they believe and not wavering. Michael’s voice always reminded me of Dennis DeYoung of Styx.

[@MrZappaman420]

you mean Dennis DeYoung?

[@davidadamsmusic]

@@MrZappaman420 yes- thank you. I updated my comment.

[@sizzledan31]

As a fan of both Styx and Stryper, you hit the nail on the head

[@dspencer1201]

I was at that Santa Monica show, too. Yeah, Michael really liked Styx - I remember him saying that back in the day. Can't help but wonder if the name StrYper has anything to do with the name StYx?

[@ronstewart6362]

The guitars stand out because those two guys are probably two of the best metal players I've personally ever seen.

[@davemoondoggie5942]

Thank you for this wonderful video....long time Stryper fan here, since 1986....it's been quite a journey. I was at the first Stryper Expo,,,it was an incredible experience...Even the Devil Believes, I love Invitation Only...

[@genielove9067]

They were my favorite band when I was in middle school back in the late 80s, To Hell With the Devil was the first album by them I heard and was blown away

[@kelliecorner1328]

I enjoy all of your video documentaries. I've learned so much from bands i loved in the 80s. Thank you.

[@MetalSchoolChannel]

Glad to hear it 😊🤘🏻 Thanks for watching!

[@claywinn32]

Does Michael Sweet even age? When other singers his age struggle with their vocal range he sounds better than ever.

[@LoriGraceAz]

Dude I keep binging all your videos. They're fantastic and I love how in depth you go into with these. So meticulous. Thank you!

[@MetalSchoolChannel]

Thanks for watching! 🤘🏻