Having just reviewed the latest Cloven Hoof album, the only way to atone for my sins is by checking out the new Stryper album, Throne of Thorns. Still armed with their yellow and black duds and signature bibles, these metal ministers show zero signs of slowing down whatsoever. Amidst a seemingly never-ending touring itinerary, frontman Michael Sweet has managed to remain prolific, releasing a solo worship album and laying down guitars on Iconic’s sophomore effort, prior to the release of this here latest Stryper outing. And although guitarist Oz Fox is absent from this album due to ongoing health troubles, he remains a pillar, hitting the road for most, if not all, of their dates these days.
Interestingly enough, following a string of intensely heavy Stryper albums that saw the band incorporating elements of US power metal and epic doom, Throne of Thorns sees the band retreating back to the classic melodic metal approach of such albums as Soldiers Under Command (1985) and To Hell with the Devil (1986). There were always a couple tunes on these latter day Stryper albums that felt like throwbacks to these early yellow and black-clad days. On Throne, it’s these hook-heavy headbangers in the vein of Scorpions and Dokken that really take centerstage.
Sure, there are a handful of cuts on here that expand upon Stryper’s uber-heavy direction of late. The opening title track pummels with its Judas Priest-esque riffing and triumphant chorus. “Here in Your Heart” is easily the doomiest cut, boasting some bonafide knuckle dragging riffs that are contrasted by Frontiers-sanctioned symphonic flourish (pomp doom, anyone?). My choice cut, the closing “Shadowbreaker”, puts the pedal to the metal, showcasing some full throttle speed metal for the lord. Indeed, if you are going to worship, why not do it at 777 MPH? However, the better part of Throne lies in the aforementioned melodic metal realm.
Starting with the earworm that is “Fallen”, we’ve got chugging Scorps riffs, four on the floor drumming, and an utterly infectious chorus. Even this far into the game, Michael Sweet and company sure know how to pen a catchy tune! “I’m Alright (I’m Okay)”, “Hollywood”, and “Beautifully Broken” all adhere to this formula in one way or another. Strip away the modern day production and sonic tropes that come along with a Frontiers affair, and you’ve got yourself some no-nonsense melodic metal that could’ve easily fit on an early Stryper release. Like every Stryper album before it, the sappy CCM ballad is the weakest link (“Ashes to Ashes”), but aside from that, there isn’t much to complain about here.
With all due respect to the rhythm section of Robert Sweet on drums and Perry Richardson (formerly of FireHouse) on bass, the MVP award for Throne of Thorns goes to Michael Sweet, who really stepped up to the plate on this one. Not only do his vocals continue to grow more powerful and punishing with age (2026 Michael Sweet could easily beat up 1986 Michael Sweet), but his guitar playing is truly underrated. This guy stepped up and showed out, doing Oz Fox proud with fiery leads and solos that live up to his legacy. On the out chance Fox was ever sidelined again, Sweet is more than capable of carrying the flame, so to speak. That being said, if they’re gonna bow before a throne of thorns, I’m sure Stryper would rather do it as a quartet than a power trio. They’ll certainly do so on the inevitable follow up, but all things considered, Stryper 3.0 have given us a slice of heavenly metal on earth. Thank God!
7 out of 10
Label: Frontiers Records
Genre: Heavy Metal
For fans of: Judas Priest, Scorpions, Dokken
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