Hands up who knows the 7 deadly sins? You know, gluttony, sloth,  

wrath, lust, greed, envy, and um, what is it? Can I call a friend?  

'Hi Stryper, its Troy, just need some help with which of the 7 deadly  

sins am I missing?' Oh, yes of course, thanks Stryper for helping me  

to remember PRIDE.

Stryper’s new album 'Murder by Pride' is in a nutshell, really good. I  

don't think I've heard Michael Sweet’s voice sounding better actually,  

and I must say, it's always a pleasure to hear it.

The guitars are chunky and the rhythm section as full as a pool on a  

hot summers day. This signature Stryper sound is all over this record  

and that is all I need. Lyrically it is what it is, a Stryper record.  

In '4 Leaf Clover' we hear Sweet belt out 'there's no strength in a  

unicorn, no luck in a 4 Leaf Clover' ok kinda cheesy but you wouldn't  

know it once you're tapping along to it and doing some air guitar to  

the monster riff!!

3 songs in we hit a big ballad, namely 'Alive' something Stryper have  

been well known for in the past. Let me just take this one in for a  

second. Yep, as I type with one hand while the other holds a lighter  

aloft swaying left to right, that means they've done it right. Ok,  

it's done, my hand is a little burnt but oh so worth it.

The production on 'Murder by Pride' is awesome. Especially on that of  

the title track. It's anthemic, head banging, fist pumping goodness!!  

Plus, a harmony guitar solo just rules. It is easily the best track on  

the album. I could turn it off now and be happy, but I won't as how  

will I know what treats Stryper have remaining for me?!

Well let me fill you in. More rock, more big ballads and a song that  

musically sounds like an Alterbridge / Creed hybrid in 'I Believe'  

what a great song and great message. Vintage Stryper.

As we round out the album, normally my immense dislike of the ballad  

ending would be quite prominent right now. But as Michael belts out an  

extremely moving song 'My love, my life, my flame' a tribute to his  

wife who passed away earlier this year, I stray from my norm and  

actually consider this one of my favourites of the album and a  

beautiful way to close it.

In the end, it's a shame that Stryper don't get the kudos they  

deserve, then again, they may not be changing the world with what  

they're doing but if it touches you then they've done their job.

In Stryper we trust.

*Reviewed by: Troy Milfton