Review STRYPER “The Greatest of all Gifts”

Does the world of rock need another Christmas album? Maybe, but if there’s a band that should release rocking Christmas carols, it’s certainly Stryper. The Christian metal band released a Christmas-related song, “Reason for the Season,” in 1985, and four decades later, “The Greatest Gift of All” brings the full Christmas spirit to your home.

Ten songs in total provide a festive vibe. The album features a mix of classic holiday songs and tunes, including the aforementioned “Reason for the Season,” which was released even before the debut album saw the light of day.

We start with the title track, a harmony-rich rock song light on edges and surprises. It’s certainly an alternative for those who can’t handle “Last Christmas” and “Driving Home for Christmas” anymore. There is also the upbeat “Heaven Came (On Christmas Day)” and the semi-acoustic “Joy of the World,” which stand alongside traditional Christmas songs such as “Little Drummer Boy” and the galloping version of “Winter Wonderland.”

The most metallic song on the album is “Still the Night,” a throbbing Stryper track that includes all the band’s trademarks. Despite being one of the heavier moments due to the riffing, the tune still has a solid rock vibe, connecting it to the rest of the album. “Silent Night” is one of the other tracks, and the nature of this Christmas carol makes it the calmer moment on “The Greatest Gift of All.”

To sum up: It’s no surprise that a band like Stryper, with their yellow and black branding, would release a Christmas album. What is surprising is that it comes after four decades. However, fans who have always wished for such an album will finally get what they have been looking forward to. “The Greatest Gift of All” is certainly an alternative to the overflow of cheesy pop Christmas songs. Not more, but also not less. And last but not least. How often have we seen rock/metal album artwork like the one for “The Greatest Gift of All”?