I like Stryper. I never understood the crap they got because of their views on Christianity. Most interviews focused on that aspect and very rarely on the music.

“To Hell With The Devil” was released in 1986. It went platinum in the U.S, and it remained the best-selling Christian metal album until P.O.D.’s “Satellite” in 2001, which I also have.

To Hell With The Devil

The drum beat from Robert Sweet is simple but powerful. The chord structure is standard Am to F to G, but the guitar leads and harmonies make it unique.

How good are just the vocals and drums in the first verse?

And make sure you check out the leads from Oz Fox and Michael Sweet.

Calling On You

The lead break reminds me of “Sweet Child O Mine” but this was released before.

I’m always a sucker for melodic rock songs like this.

Free

It’s the same message as “We’re Not Gonna Take It”, “Stand Up And Shout” and the like.

The Intro lead break gets me playing air guitar and they end the song with it, just in a different key.

They even borrowed from “Reason For The Season” for the vocal melody.

Honestly

It just wasn’t my thing. The sound of the piano reminded me of the music in TV shows I didn’t like.

But it sold the album.

The Way

The Judas Priest and Iron Maiden influences of Oz Fox are shining through on the riffs here. A metal tour de force.

Sing-Along Song

It’s got that “Turbo Lover” feel in the Intro/verse.

Holding On

It’s “Hungry For Heaven” in the Intro and the Chorus harmonies are straight from the grooves on the Boston record.

Rockin’ The World

The Intro/Verse is familiar, but I can’t remember from where.

All Of Me

My least favorite track leads into my favorite track.

More Than A Man

If you like “Lights Out” from UFO, you will like this. The F#m groove is at the heart of both songs.

The lead break at the start also borrows from “Soldiers Under Command”.

And the main lead break is guitar hero worthy.

To Hell With The Devil I say.

Check em out.