Since Stryper’s return with 2005’s ‘Reborn’ then the subsequent and much improved ‘Murder By Pride’ full length (their last effort ‘Second Coming’ was re-recordings with only 2 new tracks and the one before that a complete covers album) 2009, people still manage to make comments on the band based on their earlier media stigma. But to their credit, it gets the band noticed and I am sure it’s a cool motivator for their song writing ethos! ‘No More Hell To Pay’ is what can be described as a “mature” effort, Stryper have much more melody and slower tempo “songs” here, but there are still upbeat flashes of brilliance harking back to their first couple of releases in the 80’s, in fact you can hear all stages of their career on this album.
Opener ‘Revelation’ is a little low key, it ignites passion when the guitar solos hits the decks, but I am not sure it’s the best track to begin the release with, neither is the title track in truth. However, delve further into the album and the quality shines through with a song like ‘Sticks and Stones’. This has a really catchy melody reminding me of their ‘In God We Trust’ to ‘Against the Law’ era, this is certainly the track that has remained in my memory the longest.
I must comment that Oz Fox I feel was always a fantastic technician on guitars and further evidence of my thoughts are realised when you take a listen to the majority of this record, certainly in regards the lead work as in general I find the verse/chorus main structures to be a lot simpler, less “riffy” certainly compared to the early career period. Hence I used the term earlier; it’s in general a more mature record. Michael Sweet’s voice is very strong, he hits the high notes and keeps the vibrato balanced when required, the album production not only captures this, it captures everyone, even Timothy Gaines’ bass which is sometimes lost on earlier recordings. So much so I was shocked by the level of contribution the bassist has to the Stryper sound (including vocally) since watching a recent live DVD of this band.
If you want some up-tempo tunes then check out ‘Te Amo’ that’s filled with strong vocal harmonies, as I have said before, a consistent and strong accolade of this band. Now Stryper have also been very prolific with their ballads in the past when you think of ‘First Love’ and ‘Honestly’, ‘Together As One’ and to a certain extent a personal favourite ‘Lady’ so standing side by side with such songs is ‘The One’ that crops up near the mid-way point of the album. It’s definitely up there with one of the best crafted tunes of their career. The only low point on this album is the gospel cover ‘Jesus Is Just Alright’; it just doesn’t sit well with me at all.
I make no bones about this, Stryper, regardless of their lyrics or beliefs, were one of my favourite bands in the 80’s and I still hold a lot of respect and admiration for them since their reunion. This is a very solid album that will please fans of metal by substance rather than by popularity or trends. The presentation alone is a strong indication of quality and care, the artwork is simply amazing. Now I personally want to see some live shows on these shores!
‘No More Hell To Pay’ ensures Stryper are very relevant and are still a musical force to be reckoned with featuring sublime memorable melodies and excellent guitar work including trademark dual lead solos.
(8/10 Paul Maddison)
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