Murder by Pride

Personnel: Michael Sweet, Oz Fox (vocals, guitar); Tracy Ferrie (vocals); Tom Scholz (guitar); Paul McNamara (piano, keyboards); Kenny Aronoff , Robert Sweet (drums); Danny Bernini (percussion).
Audio Mixers: Danny Bernini; Michael Sweet.
Editor: Kenny Lewis .
Arrangers: Tom Scholz; Michael Sweet.
After the original Stryper lineup (minus bassist Tim Gaines) reunited for 2005's somewhat alternative/nu-metal tinged REBORN, the band made a stylistic return to form with MURDER BY PRIDE. Brimming with harmonized twin guitar leads, big hair metal-approved shout-along hooks, and Michael Sweet's trademark soaring, Dennis DeYoung-esque vocals, the album rivals the best of Styper's `80s output, including the genre-defining TO HELL WITH THE DEVIL. Even casual fans who only know the band's mega-hit power ballad "Honestly" will find a lot to like in the piano-driven, Beatles-reminiscent "Alive." Elsewhere, songs such as the pounding, shred guitar solo-laden "4-Leaf Clover" and the head-banging title track manage to recapture the exciting essence of group's MTV heyday without ever sounding retro or dipping into self-parody.