STRYPER
7 Weeks: Live In America 2003
Fifty Three Five
2004
As an old metalhead (I'm only 32, really, but by the law of averages, I'm ancient in the music culture), obviously I was around when Stryper was in their hair metal hayday. Unfortuneately, being situated in the middle of nowhere, about an hour away from the nearest live music venue and not being old enough to drive at the time, about the closest I've ever came to getting to see this band live was a used copy of their Live In Japan videotape. And believe me, after a few minutes of seeing them on that tape now, I wish the entire concert was released on CD, so I don't have to watch them prance around in those (retrospectively speaking) ridiculous spandex outfits of theirs.
Now, it being a good near-15 years since they played together as Stryper, news of their regrouping for a reunion tour back in '03 was taken with a grain of salt. Then it actually happened (headline: HELL FREEZES OVER!). But, then I realized that the tour wasn't going to be anywhere near Omaha (the closest I believe was Kansas City, and who really wants to go to Kansas City?), so I imediately dropped all hope of seeing them live, albiet a bit older and wiser band than what I grew up listening to.
Now, with the release of 7 Weeks: Live In America, at least me not getting to listen to them live (and without disturbing visuals) has been greatly vindicated. This CD is perhaps the best live offering from any band to grace my player since Deliverance's Live @ Cornerstone 2001. The sound quality is excellent, showcasing a band that's as tight as ever after all these years. Collected is a virtual best of list from just about every past record except for In God We Trust (which, save for a couple of songs on there, sucked, so I understand the omission). Live, though, the songs sound a bit heavier, and a bit more agressive than the studio versions, which makes for some great cranking. Mind you, there were times where I thought the CD sounded a bit too polished, especially with the background vocals (almost like they used a DAT tape for those), but those are minor quibbles. Basically, if you're a Stryper fan, or just a fan of good heavy live metal, 7 Weeks will not disappoint.
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