Review STRYPER “When We Were Kings”

“When We Were Kings” is the title of Stryper‘s 12th album. Now. Who is meant by “kings”, the guys from California mention in the album title. Were the yellow/black metal bees kings of melodic heavy metal? Probably not. Nevertheless, when a band releases twelve studio albums, they are doing something right, which must be more than a Christian attitude and throwing bibles in the early days. The latter, however, brought them some extra attention that made the nickname the talk of the town, for better or worse.

After a commercially successful first era and a longer hiatus, Stryper returned in 2003 and have been releasing albums on a regular base, with “When We Were Kings” being the latest studio effort. Eleven songs show the typical Stryper sound. Solid metal meets good melodies and well done solos. The hooks do their job to catch the listener’s attention and there is also a certain addictive vibe that comes with each song.

There is the moderately paced title track with its almost preachy chorus, as well as the upbeat “End of Days,” which is one of the album’s heavier moments. “Trinity” is a heavy thumping moment on “When We Were Kings”, followed by “Rhythm of Time”. The latter is a slower paced track with a rather calm verse while “Grateful” is the dentist’s darling as the song comes with a sugary sweet melody. The end of this release is heralded by “Imperfect World”, a song that is a well chosen closer.

“When We Were Kings” is a typical Stryper album and contains all the trademarks that b(r)and stands for. Thunderous rock songs, metallic moments and sugar-coated melodies, it is all there. Fans of the band as well as melodic rock and metal fanatics will have a great time listening to these songs, no matter who’s the king referred to in the title.