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Stryper
- The Covering Big3
Records – 2011 | |
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"Set Me Free" is one of the two new original songs included on the album and it rocks from Robert Sweet's first drum beat. This is an up-tempo rocker that shines with the band's positive light. The dual guitar trade offs and double team rhythm workings power the first track. I absolutely love the inclusion of the Scorpions "Blackout." This is a ass kicking tune and Stryper nails the song with authority. Michael Sweet's voice is powerful and he has the range to reach those high notes Klaus Meine sang. Michael Sweet and Oz Fox's guitars match the cool riffs Rudolph Schenker and Matthias Jabs originally ripped out. "Heaven and Hell" kind of surprised me because when I think of the song of course I think of Black Sabbath. I wouldn't necessarily think of Stryper as a match with that band, but when you reflect the lyrics and song meaning, it actually makes perfect sense. Stryper retells this song with good versus evil. The fourth track "Lights Out" really kicked me in the pants. It's one of the best off this album. UFO is such an underrated band. It's awesome how Stryper performs this song with such force and conviction. Robert Sweet's drums and Timothy Gaines are the prime movers that make this a killer! Oz Fox and Michael Sweet's expressive lead guitars burst out of the mix. "Carry On Wayward Son" is a natural inclusion for this band. The lyrics are what Stryper is all about and you'll love their rendition of the famous Kansas tune. The instrumental center with keyboards, guitars, drums and bass is done with considerable skill. The sixth track "Highway Star" another great oldie that's been resurrected by Stryper. It's easy to forget the power of this Deep Purple classic. Kiss favorite "Shout It Out Loud" brings fun and excitement. Ozzy gem "Over The Mountain" is brought back with the right amount of screaming guitars, pounding drums and bass. I didn't really expect this one, which is another testament to Stryper. There is something super cool just about the idea of Stryper doing "The Trooper" by Iron Maiden. But more importantly Sweet brothers, Fox and Gaines rock the Steve Harris tune for all it's worth. Judas Priest, why not. Michael Sweet is in Rob Halford mode belting out "Breaking The Law." The eleventh track absolutely shocked me! "On Fire" is one of my top-ten favorite Van Halen songs and Michael Sweet embraces the screams David Lee Roth captured and the rest of the band matches this performance. This and "Lights Out" have to be the two songs standing out the most on this very potent album. I also didn't expect Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song." It's another victory for Stryper as Sweet easily gets the voice just right and the band backs it beautifully. How many band's have the talent and guts to take on Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Kiss, Deep Purple, The Scorpions, Van Halen, UFO, Ozzy, Iron Maiden and Kansas. Stryper accomplishes the feat easily with passion. The Covering is one of the two best hard rock/metal albums so far in 2011. | ||
