I saw them in concert a couple years ago and they opened with this song and the singer (Michael Sweet) was nailing every note. The dude has pipes of gold! "The Valley" is another great song from them
Stryper is easily the most underrated band of 80's and early 90's. So many people missed out on what I consider to be the best band of that era. Thank God they continue to make amazing music.
The choir it's just the lead Guitarist and lead singer dubbed over and over to achieve that choir sound. Alot of there backing vocals have been them two. For almost forty years now. In 2024 it will be 40 years minus about a 12 year break in the 90s.
Stryper is a truly class A metal band. This is an awesome song. It's from 2015, btw. I'm not a musician, so there was more going on here than I could appreciate. So I really liked hearing your take. It's interesting hearing how the music alters thematically to emphasize what is happening in the narrative of the lyrics. I've actually got tickets to see these guys this summer. Yes, they are still touring in 2023! Should be a great show.
Reaction please christian band Theocracy - Martyr, Theocracy - As the world bleeds, Theocracy - Mirror of souls, Theocracy - Laying the demon to rest, Theocracy - Nailed, Theocracy - I AM
I either seen an interview or video where the riff was an idea of Clint Lowerly of Sevendust and he shared the riff with Michael on a plane together. Not sure how true it is. But it does sound like a Sevendust riff.
Yep Michael actually played the original riff in a video about this song.. it was a little faster he just slowed it down a tad and built song around it
Thanks for the clear reaction to this. Great, thoughtful breakdown of the music! Definitely one of their better tracks in their catalogue and one that really stands out for its more epic sound. Just to be clear on the lyrics, according to the Bible, Jesus actually did know his crucifixion and resurrection were forthcoming. He had told his followers many times before it happened and described what would come. The majority of Jews during that time had expected something different of him so it was hard for others to overcome their preconception. It was a surprise for everyone but him. There is a line in the song that speaks to that when it says "dragging his cross to a place where he knew." YHWH - is the sacred name for God. It actually isn't typically spoken by Jews as it is considered too holy. It is used hundreds of times in the Old Testament of the Bible and is substituted out and replaced with LORD in most English Bible. I think you did a good job thinking through and processing that on the spot! On the song, it's from 2015 but the band really has gone back in time to their 80s-90s sound, a "return to their roots." You're right that it sounds old in that way.
I just found you.. I subscribed. Music doesn't have to be complex to get it's emotion across I think you would agree.. I'm also a musician and have been for 45 years as a guitar player .. This was very very good! It's actually an early 80's band, but these guys were and are great.. He's like in his late 50's or early 60's at the time of this coming out.
Man, Stryper is a blast from the past! Last time I heard them was over 20 years when I was exploring 80s hair/glam metal. I don't remember a ton about them (as you probably know by now, it's easy for bands to blend together when you do these "genre dives!"), but this is probably better than anything I remember. Really solid riffing, impressive (and catchy!) vocals... this is just good, solid, classic-sounding metal. As for genre this is somewhere between glam metal and power metal but with more modern production techniques. Maybe it's because I got turned on to metal through Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, but the simplicity and repetition doesn't bother me because the riffs and melodies make up for it. As for era, I'd say this is probably more late-80s than 90s. Though there were some bands doing music like this in the 90s they tended to be the international power metal bands; but in the mainstream Grunge pushed glam/hair metal out of the mainstream, at least in the US, but before that in the 80s music similar to this was massively popular.
You been missing out stryper since they reunited in 2003 pretty much put out album a yr ..and some of the best they ever done .also mocheal sweet puts out a solo album every yr or so also ..and they are equally awesome ..i prefer his solo albums to stryper
Yahweh is the Hebrew name of God, a name so sacred Orthodox Jews would never pronounce it. A generic name for God in Hebrew is El. Sometimes God is referred to as Adonai, which means Lord (evoking sovereign rule/authority).
I just came back to this video to check the comments and a big fat no from me! Haven't heard a single good live performance of this song. The vocals are really difficult to pull off and Michael is getting old
Hey, it's rather 80´s heavy metal than 90´s hard rock. This sounds very much like some of their work in 1985 and 1986 when they released their most famous records. They were considered heavy metal in 1986.
Modern rock bands suck... And radio dont play shit It does not sound ninties it is now.....and metal And hard rock has never gone anywhere...best music on the planet .
I'd call this glam metal. Hard rock is usually more bluesy and slower in tempo. I'd say it also has a more "organic" sound than this kinda polished power. I can appreciate some in this but it's a bit too uninteresting to me. Great analysis. Enjoyed that more than the song 😁
I can definitely see why you find it uninteresting. The verses are very "gallopy" as Bryan stated with little to no melody involved. This is usually not the case for Stryper as they are a very melodic band, but this one time they chose that linear approach in favor of the storytelling. There is almost no point listening to the song without observing the lyrics😅 You'll just get bored by the repetitive beats (unless you listen through a very strong and detailed Hi-Fi speaker that changes the experience completely). Not a perfect song but the bridge and solo sections are genius
@@CriticalReactions usually refers to bands like Pretty Boy Floyd and Poison. This music is nothing like that. This would be more akin to straight power metal.
4:40 Is a string of quick notes that ends on a held note that goes to 4:42 which does the same into 4:44. You can hear the 2 bar ideas where the downbeat of a new bar *also* indicates the introduction of a new melodic concept.
Good musicianship. I can't say the songwriting impressed me that much, it's a bit weak. Lyrics were a bit cheesy to me as well. Overall not bad heavy metal at all, though can't say it's for me.
"Yahweh," "Fallen," "Let There Be Light," and "King of Kings" do have some cheesy and explicitly religious lyrics, but the rest of the album has some of the finest lyrics _I_ have read personally _I'm still standing, even though I've been to hell and back_ _Taking off and landing, with my heart in place and faith intact_ _I won't give up, even though the odds they tell me to_ _I'm here with a purpose, every word I say and thing I do_ _I came in at sixty three with a song in my head_ _I grew up impatiently, thinking too far ahead_ _With no choice I started to voice everything I believed_ _I knew you that I was the one who would never retreat_ _On the run and chasing the sun, never looking behind_ _It ain't over till it's done and I'm able to find_ _The one thing that drives me to reach far beyond the stars_ _I won't break, I'm not gonna breach until I make my mark_
Lyrics are from the BIBLE. These are not something the band wrote. It's the story of the trial and crusifition of JESUS. It is telling how Jesus could have saved himself but instead died for OUR sins. Sins that he himself was innocent of. To me the lyrics are powerfull.
I don't think it's strange. The musicianship is solid and it's a great heavy metal song. The only real difference between this an the more popular bands for the genre is the religious lyrics but I could see metalheads who enjoy religious themes gravitating towards this in the same way that atheist metalheads might gravitate towards something like Light Bearer. It's music you enjoy with a message that you vibe with.
@@benireges Yeah, I'm an atheist and if the rest of Stryper's more recent work is like this I could definitely see myself checking them out. I love classic-sounding metal like this.
@@jonathanhenderson9422 I have explored a variety of bands, metal and rock alike, and Stryper is by far the most consistent out of all in terms of putting out high quality music. They are also the most active band since the 80s according to a famous music historian. Listen to the albums No More Hell To Pay, Fallen, God Damn Evil, and To Hell With The Devil. If you like what you hear, check out the rest of their work. I recommend starting out with God Damn Evil. Link to album with music videos: ruclips.net/p/OLAK5uy_k7V4oEVp8N8p32c1wEcpVr4luPhnLcPas If you are interested to know about the band's career and background, I left a comment talking about it
I saw them in concert a couple years ago and they opened with this song and the singer (Michael Sweet) was nailing every note. The dude has pipes of gold!
"The Valley" is another great song from them
Stryper is easily the most underrated band of 80's and early 90's. So many people missed out on what I consider to be the best band of that era. Thank God they continue to make amazing music.
That is metal
One of best vocalist ever micheal sweet...stryper is a killer band one of best ever ..
Wow... Haven't heard this for years... They handed out Bibles at there concert when I saw them a million years ago
Reaction Stryper - To hell with the devil, Stryper - The way
You can look forward to back to back reactions to The One and Murder by Pride next week.
The choir it's just the lead Guitarist and lead singer dubbed over and over to achieve that choir sound. Alot of there backing vocals have been them two. For almost forty years now. In 2024 it will be 40 years minus about a 12 year break in the 90s.
Stryper is a truly class A metal band. This is an awesome song. It's from 2015, btw. I'm not a musician, so there was more going on here than I could appreciate. So I really liked hearing your take. It's interesting hearing how the music alters thematically to emphasize what is happening in the narrative of the lyrics. I've actually got tickets to see these guys this summer. Yes, they are still touring in 2023! Should be a great show.
Reaction please christian band Theocracy - Martyr, Theocracy - As the world bleeds, Theocracy - Mirror of souls, Theocracy - Laying the demon to rest, Theocracy - Nailed, Theocracy - I AM
Thanks
🤯🤯🤯
I either seen an interview or video where the riff was an idea of Clint Lowerly of Sevendust and he shared the riff with Michael on a plane together. Not sure how true it is. But it does sound like a Sevendust riff.
That is indeed what Michael said.
Yep Michael actually played the original riff in a video about this song.. it was a little faster he just slowed it down a tad and built song around it
Please review, STRYPER - TRANSGRESSOR
amazing song
Thanks for the clear reaction to this. Great, thoughtful breakdown of the music! Definitely one of their better tracks in their catalogue and one that really stands out for its more epic sound.
Just to be clear on the lyrics, according to the Bible, Jesus actually did know his crucifixion and resurrection were forthcoming. He had told his followers many times before it happened and described what would come. The majority of Jews during that time had expected something different of him so it was hard for others to overcome their preconception. It was a surprise for everyone but him. There is a line in the song that speaks to that when it says "dragging his cross to a place where he knew."
YHWH - is the sacred name for God. It actually isn't typically spoken by Jews as it is considered too holy. It is used hundreds of times in the Old Testament of the Bible and is substituted out and replaced with LORD in most English Bible. I think you did a good job thinking through and processing that on the spot!
On the song, it's from 2015 but the band really has gone back in time to their 80s-90s sound, a "return to their roots." You're right that it sounds old in that way.
I just found you.. I subscribed.
Music doesn't have to be complex to get it's emotion across I think you would agree.. I'm also a musician and have been for 45 years as a guitar player .. This was very very good!
It's actually an early 80's band, but these guys were and are great.. He's like in his late 50's or early 60's at the time of this coming out.
Man, Stryper is a blast from the past! Last time I heard them was over 20 years when I was exploring 80s hair/glam metal. I don't remember a ton about them (as you probably know by now, it's easy for bands to blend together when you do these "genre dives!"), but this is probably better than anything I remember. Really solid riffing, impressive (and catchy!) vocals... this is just good, solid, classic-sounding metal. As for genre this is somewhere between glam metal and power metal but with more modern production techniques. Maybe it's because I got turned on to metal through Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, but the simplicity and repetition doesn't bother me because the riffs and melodies make up for it. As for era, I'd say this is probably more late-80s than 90s. Though there were some bands doing music like this in the 90s they tended to be the international power metal bands; but in the mainstream Grunge pushed glam/hair metal out of the mainstream, at least in the US, but before that in the 80s music similar to this was massively popular.
Exactly. It's just a solid, iterative track from start to finish that nails the exact sound their going for.
Not glam at all. Power metal all the way!
You been missing out stryper since they reunited in 2003 pretty much put out album a yr
..and some of the best they ever done .also mocheal sweet puts out a solo album every yr or so also ..and they are equally awesome ..i prefer his solo albums to stryper
Yahweh is the Hebrew name of God, a name so sacred Orthodox Jews would never pronounce it. A generic name for God in Hebrew is El. Sometimes God is referred to as Adonai, which means Lord (evoking sovereign rule/authority).
Drumer is playing triplets on his bass drum in the churus
😊
Dang! That was intense!
You should see this live
I just came back to this video to check the comments and a big fat no from me! Haven't heard a single good live performance of this song. The vocals are really difficult to pull off and Michael is getting old
Peel lot day? Lol. Dude musta had Mexican when then was recorded
Hey, it's rather 80´s heavy metal than 90´s hard rock. This sounds very much like some of their work in 1985 and 1986 when they released their most famous records. They were considered heavy metal in 1986.
Modern rock bands suck...
And radio dont play shit
It does not sound ninties it is now.....and metal And hard rock has never gone anywhere...best music on the planet
.
I'd call this glam metal. Hard rock is usually more bluesy and slower in tempo. I'd say it also has a more "organic" sound than this kinda polished power.
I can appreciate some in this but it's a bit too uninteresting to me. Great analysis. Enjoyed that more than the song 😁
I can't say I've heard the term glam metal before but after listening to a few bands labeled as such, I think you're right.
I can definitely see why you find it uninteresting. The verses are very "gallopy" as Bryan stated with little to no melody involved. This is usually not the case for Stryper as they are a very melodic band, but this one time they chose that linear approach in favor of the storytelling. There is almost no point listening to the song without observing the lyrics😅 You'll just get bored by the repetitive beats (unless you listen through a very strong and detailed Hi-Fi speaker that changes the experience completely). Not a perfect song but the bridge and solo sections are genius
@@CriticalReactions usually refers to bands like Pretty Boy Floyd and Poison. This music is nothing like that. This would be more akin to straight power metal.
21:04 I forgot to ask yesterday, could you point me to the exact timestamp of this thing you're talking about?
4:40 Is a string of quick notes that ends on a held note that goes to 4:42 which does the same into 4:44. You can hear the 2 bar ideas where the downbeat of a new bar *also* indicates the introduction of a new melodic concept.
@@CriticalReactions hi i just came across this video again and want to point out that they fixed that issue live as if they heard your feedback😁
A reaction to the Russian "blackgaze" bands Trna or Olhava would be sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet
Good job on the review. Check out "I Am" by Theocracy
early bird here haha
Never liked hair bands but this song has a typical power, heavy metal sound not bad though. The xtian aspect scared me away from this band
whats wrong with Jesus?
Most. Bands they called hair bands ...they. Put out best music ..even today ..music or bands of today are weak and vocally suck
..
New Sub Here. Great Reaction. Please checkout NF - The Search
Good musicianship. I can't say the songwriting impressed me that much, it's a bit weak. Lyrics were a bit cheesy to me as well. Overall not bad heavy metal at all, though can't say it's for me.
"Yahweh," "Fallen," "Let There Be Light," and "King of Kings" do have some cheesy and explicitly religious lyrics, but the rest of the album has some of the finest lyrics _I_ have read personally
_I'm still standing, even though I've been to hell and back_
_Taking off and landing, with my heart in place and faith intact_
_I won't give up, even though the odds they tell me to_
_I'm here with a purpose, every word I say and thing I do_
_I came in at sixty three with a song in my head_
_I grew up impatiently, thinking too far ahead_
_With no choice I started to voice everything I believed_
_I knew you that I was the one who would never retreat_
_On the run and chasing the sun, never looking behind_
_It ain't over till it's done and I'm able to find_
_The one thing that drives me to reach far beyond the stars_
_I won't break, I'm not gonna breach until I make my mark_
Lyrics are from the BIBLE. These are not something the band wrote. It's the story of the trial and crusifition of JESUS. It is telling how Jesus could have saved himself but instead died for OUR sins. Sins that he himself was innocent of. To me the lyrics are powerfull.
It's so weird to me that there are people who listen to this stuff.
I don't think it's strange. The musicianship is solid and it's a great heavy metal song. The only real difference between this an the more popular bands for the genre is the religious lyrics but I could see metalheads who enjoy religious themes gravitating towards this in the same way that atheist metalheads might gravitate towards something like Light Bearer. It's music you enjoy with a message that you vibe with.
@@CriticalReactions Well said.. I actually know plenty of atheists that are hardcore fans of Stryper. My best friend is one
@@benireges Yeah, I'm not saying it's mutually exclusive. I was just showing examples of how people can be drawn to the lyrical side of music.
@@benireges Yeah, I'm an atheist and if the rest of Stryper's more recent work is like this I could definitely see myself checking them out. I love classic-sounding metal like this.
@@jonathanhenderson9422 I have explored a variety of bands, metal and rock alike, and Stryper is by far the most consistent out of all in terms of putting out high quality music. They are also the most active band since the 80s according to a famous music historian. Listen to the albums No More Hell To Pay, Fallen, God Damn Evil, and To Hell With The Devil. If you like what you hear, check out the rest of their work. I recommend starting out with God Damn Evil. Link to album with music videos: ruclips.net/p/OLAK5uy_k7V4oEVp8N8p32c1wEcpVr4luPhnLcPas
If you are interested to know about the band's career and background, I left a comment talking about it