Reviewed by Collin Maclean

If you are a Stryper fan of old then you will have already bought this. If not I would start with another one, since at best they are treading water here, both musically and with the content of their lyrics. With the exception of one Philip Bailey song ("Shining Star"), "All songs are written by Stryper". Whether this displays humble acknowledgement of a group effort, or just simple disownment, the lyrics could just as easily have been written by almost any (HM) band (on a mellow day) - perhaps one of the few criticisms that could unite both fans of Amy Grant and Stryper at the moment? This is predominantly neutral heavy metal, albeit with some finger tapping qualities, particularly on the first side. As a distinctly commercial album it will do its part to keep the "are-we-Christian-artists-with-a-music-ministry-or-musicians-w ho-happen-to-be-Christians?" issue alive and kicking.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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