Stryper – ‘The Greatest Gift Of All’

(Frontiers Music)

If there’s one band that refuses to let the sands of time dull their edges – or the shine on their trademark yellow and black armour – it’s Stryper. Nearly four decades into their career, the Christian metal veterans are still swinging with the same melodic conviction, the same sky-high vocals, and the same guitar harmonies that made them stand out in the Eighties. But with The Greatest Gift Of All, Stryper take a slightly different route: a warm, celebratory, and unapologetically sincere holiday album that blends the band’s heavy tendencies with the cozy glow of seasonal tradition. And to my ears, it works far better than you might expect.

From the start, it’s clear that this isn’t just another Christmas cash-in with some distorted guitars slapped underneath familiar carols. Michael Sweet and company approach the material like craftsmen who actually care about the songs. Whether they’re reimagining a centuries-old hymn or rolling out an original tune, the band treat the record as both a creative opportunity and a chance to reflect on themes they’ve always worn proudly: hope, faith, and joy. Add in the band’s signature melodicism – those stacked harmonies and crunchy guitars –and you’ve got a holiday release with more substance than tinsel.

They deliver a muscular take on a ‘Go Tell It On The Mountain’ and right away Stryper make their mission known: this is Christmas music you can actually headbang to. Michael Sweet’s vocals still improbably strong, with that elastic upper range that fans cherish are front and centre, soaring above chugging rhythms and harmonized leads. The arrangement respects the original melody while giving it enough metal flair to keep long-time Stryper devotees grinning from ear to ear.

One of the album’s biggest strengths is its balance. Stryper avoid the common holiday album trap of sonic sameness by moving between moods with intention. You’ll find thundering, arena-ready riffs on one track, then a soft, candlelit arrangement on the next. The acoustic moments shine particularly bright, showcasing the band’s versatility and Michael Sweet’s skill as a vocalist who can switch from soaring falsetto to tender warmth without missing a beat. Even the ballad leaning numbers avoid syrupy sentimentality by grounding themselves in sincerity rather than schmaltz.

Then there are the originals which are always a gamble on a holiday record, but Stryper pull them off with confidence. These songs stand shoulder to shoulder with the classics, anchored by hook heavy choruses and that unmistakable Stryper energy. There’s a certain timeless quality to them, too; they feel seasonal without leaning on cliché. The lyrics walk that familiar line between celebratory and spiritual, and whether or not you share the band’s faith, the conviction behind every line is undeniable. They believe what they’re singing, and that emotional clarity is infectious.

It’s the originals that push the album beyond “seasonal novelty” and into something genuinely replayable. “Still the Light” is the standout with big vocal hooks, tight riffs, and a chorus that practically begs for a live sing-along. “Heaven Came (On Christmas Day)” blends sweetness and steel in a way only Stryper can, and “On This Holy Night” brings the heaviest moment on the record with a riff that could’ve come straight off one of their recent studio albums.

Production-wise, The Greatest Gift Of All is polished but not over-processed. The guitars are crunchy, the rhythm section is punchy, and the vocal layering is rich without being suffocating. Long-time fans will appreciate how the album captures the band’s modern heaviness without abandoning the melodic charm of their classic era. The mix breathes, giving each song space to feel like its own moment while maintaining a cohesive holiday atmosphere. It’s a careful balance, and one the band navigate instinctively.

‘Little Drummer Boy’ is a real highlight where Stryper tackle one of the most recognizable Christmas standards with gusto. It’s here that the band’s trademark dual-guitar attack shines brightest. Oz Fox’s lead lines are tasteful yet fiery, weaving around Michael Sweet’s vocals in a way that elevates the familiar melody rather than fighting it. There’s something deeply satisfying about hearing a carol you’ve heard a thousand times suddenly sprout a melodic-metal solo that feels as natural as it is invigorating.

And let’s talk about Robert Sweet’s drumming – still thunderous, still theatrical, and still loaded with personality. His performance gives even the gentler tracks some backbone and injects the heavier numbers with authoritative groove. While the album never goes full metal assault (this is a Christmas album, after all), Robert ensures that the rhythmic engine never idles.

What truly makes The Greatest Gift Of All stand out in a sea of holiday releases, though, is heart. This is a joyful record, but it’s not frivolous. It’s uplifting without feeling forced. It’s celebratory without veering into kitsch. Stryper tap into the earnestness that made them so distinctive in the Eighties and, to their credit, never abandoned it. In a musical landscape often allergic to sincerity, the band’s unapologetic positivity feels refreshing.

Is the album perfect? Not quite. A couple of moments lean a bit too heavily on polished production, and one or two arrangements stay a touch too close to their traditional roots to truly distinguish themselves. But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise delightful and surprisingly robust holiday package.

In the end, The Greatest Gift Of All does exactly what a great Christmas rock album should do: it lifts your spirits, warms your heart, and gives you a reason to crank up the volume while you decorate the tree. Whether you’re a lifelong Stryper fan, a general lover of melodic rock, or someone simply looking for a holiday album with actual energy, this record delivers.

Stryper haven’t just wrapped up a seasonal stocking stuffer they’ve crafted a heartfelt, hook-laden, surprisingly dynamic album that just might become an annual tradition. The Greatest Gift of All isn’t just a Christmas album it’s Stryper doing what they do best, with bells on!

7/10

Essential Track – ‘The Greatest Gift Of All’

Review by Woody