The Covering

Stryper | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 15, 2011)
• Original Release Date: 2011
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Big 3 Records
• ASIN: B0043ZNMKS
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (70 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,734 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Stryper, the world s most celebrated multi-platinum Christian metal band, is back with an evocative take on classic rock songs. After 25 years, The Covering marks Stryper s journey throughout rock history by paying homage to their favorite rock songs with the brilliant style that only Stryper could accomplish.
Stryper's 'The Covering' album features their distinct brand of Christian rock with a twist that never goes out of style. The extraordinary vocals from front man Michael Sweet are not only unsurpassed, but aid in the energy and vibrant flow of the melodical dueling guitars and hard-hitting drums. 'The Covering' features songs that have inspired the sound and band, Stryper, as the four original members united to record this cover album. Stand out tracks include the heart-felt tribute to Ronnie James Dio, Black Sabbath's 'Heaven and Hell', and Iron Maiden's popular 'The Trooper'. Also included is the guitar driven new original song from Stryper, 'God'.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great collection of cover songs that sounds amazing!, February 15, 2011

By 

Polar Bear - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Covering (Audio CD)

First of all I must say I'm a HUGE Stryper fan and love all of their recordings. When I found out they were releasing an album of cover songs (with "God" being the only original song), I was initially disappointed. Their original music is so inspirational, the lyrics so moving, that I didn't want any of that being lost on an album full of covers. After hearing the songs on this album, I'm so glad they decided to record it! They chose some awesome tunes to cover; songs that influenced each member of the band and helped them become who they are. This album is well recorded, the music is amazing, and Michael Sweet's vocals are nothing short of extraordinary; he would make Ronnie James Dio proud on Heaven and Hell and takes Carry On My Wayward Son to a new level. The guitar playing is top notch, and the solos from the Trooper and Over the Mountain really stand out. Plus "God" is a really cool song and is reminiscent of tracks from earlier works like Soldiers Under Command. This is a great cd and I'd highly recommend it!!!

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stryper hasn't sounded this good since "To Hell With The Devil", February 28, 2011

By 

Daimion - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Covering (Audio CD)

From the very first notes of the very first track of Stryper's latest album, "The Covering", you know you are in for something special. The first full length studio release to feature the original four members of the band - Michael, Robert, Oz, and Timothy - since 1990's "Against the Law"; "The Covering" erupts from your speakers, grabs you by the neck, and takes you on a no-holds-barred exploration of `70s and early 80's rock. But this isn't just a random collection of cover tunes. If you listen closely, you can hear the threads in these songs that run through Stryper's own music. It's a roadmap of how Stryper became who they are musically. It's also an exceedingly good album.

I can't say it's not strange at first to hear Stryper tackle songs by Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Kiss, etc. But here's the thing - it really, REALLY works. It's clear the guys grew up listening to this music and they treat it with respect. The real genius of the album is in the balance they strike between remaining faithful to the original recordings, while still leaving room to stamp each track with their distinctive Stryper sound. Every song is instantly recognizable (no experimental jazz/fusion takes on Iron Maiden to be found here), but also instantly recognizable as Stryper.

This is the best the band has sounded since "To Hell With The Devil". Both Michael and Oz's guitars sizzle with a gritty resonance that sounds born straight from the "Soldiers Under Command" sessions. Their twin lead lines are so crisp and so much in the pocket together, it's hard to believe it's really two guitarists and not some crafty producer with a knack for Pro Tools. Timothy and Robert still blend seamlessly together to deliver one of the best metal rhythm foundations around. Michael's voice is as powerful and pure as ever, with the band's trademark lush backing vocals in evidence throughout the album.

Stryper rips through "The Covering" like a band 25 years younger. I challenge you to go back and listen to "To Hell With The Devil" or "Soldiers Under Command" and find a step the band is missing today. There is seemingly no note that Michael still can't hit. Oz doesn't miss a single riff, and both Timothy and Robert push the band along at the same driving pace they always have. If anything, the band sounds like they have a new energy with this album. And more importantly - they sound like they are having fun.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars God Is Rocking To This One!, February 25, 2011

By 

Tommy Morais (The Great White North) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Covering (Audio CD)

So it has come to this: Stryper releasing an album of cover songs. Did the band run out of ideas? Inability to come up with new material? Or perhaps this is something the band has been wanting to do for a long time, after all they're not the first band to release an album of cover songs. In fact Guns N'Roses and Metallica have famously done so with The Spaghetti Incident? and Garage Inc. respectively. I have nothing against a band releasing a covers album, if the performances are solid and the choices are good it can always be interesting. Yes this a covers album but it's definitely one of the best cover albums I've heard and I must say I'm in love with their choices of songs. Iron Maiden's "The Trooper", Ozzy's "Over The Mountain" (I'm impressed with this choice, one of my fav Ozzy songs), KISS' "Shout It Out Loud", Judas Priest's "Breaking The Law", Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song" and Black Sabbath's "Heaven & Hell" are all terrific picks and they're all classic metal songs. I'm a huge fan of the artists and songs they chose to cover and let me tell you they did a great job! To me some of the highlights are the cover of the Scorpions song "Blackout" (which delivers great energy and plain rocks), "The Trooper" by Iron Maiden (no matter how tired I am of hearing the Maiden version this one is fresh and amazing to me), Ozzy's "Over The Mountain" (terrific again)

Originally I wasn't too sure about Stryper doing this and if it would work for them but now I must admit I was wrong, "The Covering" is incredible. This being a cover album of artists that influenced them and that they respect it's obviously not going to be the Christian-rock flavor of lyrics that they usually have. Not that there is anything wrong with that, hardcore Christian fans of the band may be disappointed but metal fans like me in general should be pleased. Of course there is the obligatory new song on the album, "God", which is a very good one, makes me want to hear some more new material, this new song is what the band is all about. Until new Stryper material is released this should satisfy your hunger. I'll have to join the five stars chorus here, "The Covering" is a terrific cover album and it's one that should be heard.