At the beginning of the month we saw one of the cornerstones of the genre in the form of Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow inaugural record, and it’s ties to the genre we know & love today. Now, we have a more unusual contributor to Power Metal’s awakening......and that’s Stryper!
Now, I’ve talked about this band twice now: once in 2017 during the overview I did (Which you can read here), and the other time just a few short months ago for my Easter special (Which you can read here). They are an oddity within the world of Heavy Metal, as they are firm believers of the word of God & Jesus Christ, yet at the same time are some of the best providers of not just Hair Metal, but some of the founding bricks of Power Metal. I sort of hinted at this in my overview, but I meant it! The album of today’s review harkens to both styles, but whether the band knew it or not, they were helping create one of the most important metal subgenres. So, get on your yellow & black leather outfits, say a prayer to heaven above, and take a look at my review for Soldiers Under Command! Let’s begin.
Background
By the early 80s, Stryper had begun it’s ascend to metal icons. In July of 84 they had put out The Yellow And Black Attack, and while it wasn’t exactly the biggest seller (It did sell 150,000 copies in the first 3 weeks however), it did put the band on the map. During this time, Stryper went with & opened for bands such as Ratt and Bon Jovi, which in turn lead some fans and critics to claim that they were not really a Christian band (Which we all know is bullshit). These negative fans & critics were absolutely flabbergasted when Soldiers Under Command came onto the scene! Released on May the 15th, 1985, Soldiers Under Command was the band’s first full-blown record, and it was also the first Christian Metal album to go gold (Selling more than half a million copies). To date, this is the album that fans immediately think of when talking about Stryper, and for very good reason because.......
Basic Description
Powerful Hair!
That sounds like a weird thing to say, but Soldiers Under Command really is like that! It’s Hair Metal, but it’s Power Metal at the exact same time. The band look like they came out of an Aquanet factory (Despite the yellow & black attire, as well as the guns), and the tracks have the simplicity & catchiness you find with Hair Metal, but there’s also the feel good nature & triumphant spirit that is in the heart of all Power Metal bands. This is all coupled with a unique take on Christianity: the band wants all who listen to them to believe in the word of Jesus Christ, but they never shove their faith down your throat. They preach, but it never comes across as dogmatic or condescending. It really is a unique experience listening to this album, and it’s one that’s still incredible today.
Best Track
Like I said back in 2017, the title track & Together Forever are the best songs on here (Though everything with the exception of the worst track is excellent). Soldiers Under Command the song is just a catchy Power Metal anthem. You got the energetic guitars, the triumphant drumwork , and Michael Sweet is singing his blessed heart out. Together Forever definitely shows off the band’s Hair Metal side: catchy & poppy beats, simplistic yet well-done instrumentation, good vibes that are equallt fit to be in the band’s other style, and vocal work that isn’t overwhelming. Both songs perfectly embody what Stryper wanted to be, and both would help create a style of metal that’s still with us today.
Soldiers Under Command
Together Forever
Worst Track
Going back to my overview of the band from 2017, First Love is the lone bad song on the album. Outside of a wonderful guitar solo towards the end, there’s really not much here that’s memorable. Michael Sweet’s vocal work isn’t all that special, and the instrumentation just seems plain & uninspired. It is a bit of a chore to go along with, but that solo towards the end does make it a worthwhile experience....barely.
First Love
Other
If you’re curious about listening to this album, click on the link below:
Soldiers Under Command
Overall Impression & Rating
Soldiers Under Command is proof positive that Stryper were disciples of God & Jesus, yet were not ego filled like the supposed “Christians” that would criticize & berate them. Sure they were preaching with their music, but they never shoved their faith down people’s throats, and they always made sure that their audience was equal to them. Even for those who didn’t hold any belief system, the band were a Hair/Power Metal force to be reckoned with! They had the talent, they had the charisma, and they had the ability to hold people attention with their music. Even just over 35 years old, Soldiers Under Commando is still an important piece of music in both styles....and it’s still good today.
Soldiers Under Command gets a 9.5 out of 10.
And that was my look at Stryper’s first heavyweight release, Soldiers Under Command. An important piece of music not just for Hair Metal, but for Power Metal, and even religious themed Heavy Metal in general. Whether you’re a person of faith or not, this is an album that’s worth your time. With that out of the way, we got 1 last album to look at....so let’s visit a blind guardian for the knowledge we seek. See you then!
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