**Stryper: The 80s Metal Heart of “Against The Law”**
In the pantheon of 1980s metal, Stryper stands as a unique figure—a band that not only thrived on the soaring melodies and heavy riffs emblematic of the era but also carried a message defined by their unwavering faith. Emerging in the early part of the decade, Stryper’s cross-shaped logo, shrouded in black and yellow, quickly became a symbol of their brand of Christian metal, distinguishing them in a genre often dominated by themes of rebellion and earthly pursuits. The band’s 1990 album, “Against The Law,” serves as a fascinating chapter in their journey, reflecting both the cultural landscape of metal at the time and the band’s internal evolution.
**The Cultural Context of 1990**
The late 1980s were marked by the rise of glam metal bands that embraced a flashy aesthetic and a party-centric ethos. Stryper, with their signature style and theological overtures, carved a niche for themselves in this environment. Their earlier albums, particularly “To Hell with the Devil” (1986), garnered both commercial success and considerable controversy, often drawing scrutiny from both secular and religious communities. By the time “Against The Law” was released, however, the metal scene was shifting. The glam metal wave was beginning to fade, and grunge was lurking just around the corner, ready to redefine rock music.
**The Sound of “Against The Law”**
“Against The Law” marked a noticeable evolution in Stryper’s sound. While previous albums leaned heavily on the glam metal and hard rock formulas characterized by anthemic choruses and virtuosic guitar solos, “Against The Law” signaled a departure towards a heavier, more aggressive style. With this album, Stryper embraced more riff-driven songs, often aligning itself closer to the burgeoning thrash metal scene. The opening track, “Against The Law,” sets the tone with its darker lyrics and a powerful rhythmic drive that showcases the band’s newfound intensity.
The album also features standout tracks like “Shining Star” and “Can’t Stop the Rock,” blending the band’s trademark melodies with the more aggressive instrumentation that characterized the harder edge of late 80s metal. The guitar work, primarily by Michael Sweet, remains intricate and melodic, incorporating shredding solos that were a hallmark of the era. The production, handled by Sweet himself, manifests a polished yet gritty sound, a reflection of the duality that Stryper managed to maintain throughout their career—balancing Christian evangelism with the hard-hitting elements of heavy metal.
**Lyrical Themes and Controversies**
One of the most notable facets of “Against The Law” is its lyrical content. The title track’s exploration of rebellion against societal norms echoes the sentiments of rock and metal in a broader context but presents it through a lens that aligns with Christian values. This juxtaposition was often a double-edged sword for Stryper; while it endeared them to fans seeking a deeper message, it also drew criticism from purists who felt that faith-based themes were incompatible with the tenets of rock and metal.
Songs like “Two Bodies (One Soul)” and “Rockin’ the World” showcase Stryper’s ability to address love, faith, and the struggles of life while maintaining a sense of urgency and passion. This approach allowed them to resonate with listeners on multiple levels, making their appeal broad and their message poignant.
Debates around the band’s Christian identity often fueled important conversations within the metal community. Many praised Stryper for their commitment to sharing their faith, while others criticized them for “selling out” or diluting their message to fit into the mainstream. These tensions reflected larger cultural conversations about the intersection of faith and art, a theme that continues to be relevant today.
**Impact and Legacy**
“Against The Law” may have faced mixed reviews upon its release but has since been recognized as a pivotal work in Stryper’s discography. It showcased a band that wasn’t afraid to evolve in a rapidly changing musical landscape. Their ability to integrate heavier elements while remaining true to their roots made them pioneers within the Christian metal subgenre.
Though Stryper disbanded for a time in the mid-1990s, they eventually reunited and continued to release new music, often revisiting the themes of “Against The Law” as they bridged the gap between their past and the modern music scene. The legacy of the album is evident in the way it paved the way for a new generation of Christian rock and metal bands, who cite Stryper as a key influence in their own musical journeys.
**Conclusion**
As we reflect on Stryper’s “Against The Law,” it becomes clear that this album does more than capture a unique moment in the band’s history; it mirrors the complexities of the 1980s metal scene itself. The album’s blend of hard-hitting sounds with uplifting messages exemplifies the band’s commitment to their faith while grappling with the changing tides of music and culture. With its array of powerful compositions and thought-provoking themes, “Against The Law” remains a significant entry in the metal canon, a testament to the enduring spirit of Stryper and their place within the ever-evolving landscape of rock music. In an era where the dichotomy of faith and rebellion was often at odds, Stryper carved out a legacy that resonates to this day, proving that metal can indeed have a heart filled with faith.
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