After a sold-out 2023 event that hosted Kataklysm, Suffocation, Incantation, and many more, Trois-Rivières MetalFest is proud to announce their 2024 lineup for its 17th edition on November 22nd and 23rd at the Amphitheatre Cogeco in Trois-Rivières, QC, which stands between Montreal and Quebec City.
Legendary, long-running metal band Stryper is set to return with their 12th studio album When We Were Kings, out September 13th via Frontiers Music Srl. Stryper's current lineup includes original members Michael Sweet, Robert Sweet, and Oz Fox, along with bassist Perry Richardson.
Make sure to check out our recent interview with Michael Sweet below!
When We Were Kings opens with 'End Of Days,' setting the tone with classic heavy metal complete with crushing guitars, soaring, impassioned vocals and a rousing, uplifting atmosphere. The dual guitar solos fly, twisting and turning into a dizzying crescendo. Soaring seamlessly into 'Unforgivable,' this chugging mid-tempo stomp harbors aggression and addictive melodies with a darkened edge. The title track continues in this same vein except the chorus takes on a powerful, nostalgic energy.
'Betrayed By Love' is somber in nature but still retains that heavy, chugging stomp which is a welcome reprieve from the aggressive metal attitude. 'Loves Symphony' is a great example of a classic Stryper track being met with a modern approach. Chant-worthy and uplifting with catchy hooks and powerful vocals. 'Trinity' changes things up with progressive time signatures and the guitar solo in particular here is a standout moment; it explodes into the forefront flying and screaming.
'Rhyme Of Time' and 'Raptured' aren't quite ballads but they're not as hard or heavy as the tracks which preceded them; however the latter takes a more groove-esque approach. Much like 'Grateful' which also skirts around the ballad territory with a hint of classic rock. 'Divided By Design' picks up the heavier side if things once more with a catchy, groove-infused riff and serious classic heavy metal attitude. 'Imperfect World' is the album's conclusion and it ends the same way it began; heavy melodies, rhythmical drum beats and soaring clean vocals screaming with classic heavy metal/hard rock vigour.
Stryper stay true to their roots with When We Were Kings; it is a relatively safe album with little experimentation or expansion however it serves as a well-rounded celebration of their legacy which slots in quietly with their discography.
Rating: 6/10 Release Date: September 13th 2024 Released By: Frontiers Music Srl FFO: Dokken, Skid Row, Def Leppard
Track List
1. End Of Days 2. Unforgivable 3. When We Were Kings 4. Betrayed By Love 5. Loves Symphony 6. Trinity 7. Rhyme Of Time 8. Raptured 9. Grateful 10. Divided By Design 11. Imperfect World
STRYPER will be embarking on its 40th Anniversary Tour this fall. The show will be a celebration of both classic hits and new-era fan favorites, including outfit changes and an exciting new show production. In most cities, this will be a 2-set “evening with” style show. Get your tickets at the blue button below:
Metalhead of 20+ years from Scotland, UK. History & Psychology nerd,
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Degenerator, led by Barrett Klesko (Alle Else Fails) who is joined by Jonathan Webster (Pass of Era, ex-Striker), this relentless musical force delivers a spellbinding sound that resonates with fans of grunge, sludge, stoner, and doom metal.
