Album Review: 1349 - The Wolf And The King
1349 are a band who have the soul intention and vision to maintain the legacy of black metal and their
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:
STRYPER Live 2024
7/18 - Mineral City, OH @ Alive Music Festival
40th Anniversary Tour:
9/11 - Greeneville, TN @ Niswonger PAC
9/13 - Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Casino
9/14 - Shippensburg, PA @ Uprise Festival
9/15 - Akron, OH @ The Goodyear Theater
9/17 - Columbus, OH @ TempleLive at the Columbus Athenaeum
9/19 - Anderson, IN @ Paramount Theatre
9/20 - St. Charles, IL @ Arcada Theatre
9/21 - Shipshewana, IN @ Blue Gate PAC
9/23 - Tulsa, OK @ Cain's Ballroom
9/24 - Cedar Park, TX @ The Haute Spot
9/25 - San Antonio, TX @ The Aztec Theatre
9/26 - Midland, TX @ Wagner Noel PAC
9/28 - Arlington, TX @ Arlington Music Hall
9/29 - Fort Smith, AR @ TempleLive
10/19 - Wichita, KS @ TempleLive at Wichita Scottish Rite Center
10/21 - Denver, CO @ Oriental Theater
10/25 - Stateline, NV @ Harrah's Lake Tahoe @ South Shore
10/29 - Phoenix, AZ @ Celebrity Theatre
10/30 - Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre
10/31 - El Paso, TX @ The Plaza Theatre
11/3 - Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theatre
11/7 - Patchogue, NY @ Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts
11/8 - Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom
11/9 - Glenside, PA @ Keswick Theater
11/10 - Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live!
11/13 - Clearwater, FL @ Capitol Theatre
11/14 - Jacksonville, FL @ Florida Theatre
11/15 - Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage
11/16 - North Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues
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