When you think of heavy metal what comes to mind? Usually people associate heavy metal with some type of satanic origin. Until 1983 when a group from California decided to change that mindset. Originally called Roxx Regime, this band was formed to put their Christian beliefs into their music. Hence the name Stryper, Salvation Through Redemption Yielding Peace Encouragement and Righteousness.


Their most popular album containing the most hits to date was “To Hell With the Devil” released in October of 1986. I don’t know if many people know or remember this, but this was the first Christian album able to be purchased at Walmart and Kmart. Every song on the album was well written and hard rockin except for the two power ballads “All of Me” and “Honestly” that feature beautiful vocals from lead singer Michael Sweet and and some great keyboards.


The rest of the album has some hard rockin tracks. It starts out with the ominous instrumental “Abyss” that sends a chill down your spine leading right in to the next track on the album “To Hell With The Devil” and the lyrics stating “Speak of the devil, he’s no friend of mine” stating the obvious direction of the album. “Calling on You“, “Free“, “The Way” and “Rockin The World” are my particular favorites that any Christian or 80’s metal fan could never get tired of. The awesome guitars, vocals and harmonies on this album are just what the doctor ordered. Maybe that’s why you could always find this album in the best seller rack along with Poison, Cinderella and the other hair bands of the era.


If this album isn’t in your collection you should pick it up. It has a perfect balance between hard rock and an uplifting message that is just as important today as it was back then.

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