Even after some years of delay, Stryper follow the trend of cover albums, which many bands have already done, filling that way the time spaces between their studio albums, or simply masquerading their discography weakness. A trend that became boring very fast as most of these albums was mediocre or just careless. Unfortunately the examples are many. Although, Stryper belong to the exceptions, as their recent studio efforts are very good, while “The Covering” is one of the very few cover albums that I have enjoyed since the new trend started. Surely, it will stay on my record library for many future listening.

Stryper are since many years one of my favorite bands, as except from their first three amazing albums, have in their line up one of the greatest vocalists, Mr. Michael Sweet, that he always raised the band level.  Now, on “The Covering” Sweet’s voice is an inducement for the listening of these 12 very classic songs. The choices are indefectible as from AOR anthems like “Carry On Wayward Son”, we can also hear heavy metal from Iron Maiden to Judas Priest, and classic rock on songs like “Highway Star” and “Shout It Out Loud”.  Easily, someone can say that a mix of these 12 cover songs could illustrate perfectly the Stryper’s characteristic sound.

Although the whole album is on a very high level, I will underline “Set Me Free” (Sweet), “Heaven And Hell”(Black Sabbath), and the amazing cover of “Lights Out”(U.F.O.). As an extra we also have a new song named “God”, in which Stryper sound exactly as we have loved them. Melodic Heavy Metal that makes us wait for their new studio CD.