"We are the soldiers under God's command," announced Stryper on this day in 1985, and the army of Christian metal fans continues to march thirty-five years later. For me, the cassette from Enigma Records took up more time in my Sony Walkman and Sears jambox than it did in its plastic case.
So what is it that makes this album so good that it has stood the test of time and continues to be blasted not just for the sake of nostalgia?
It kicks off with the title track, whose opening guitar riff is one of the true signatures in rock history. Its fast and furious attack makes this an anthem calling everyone to join in, and join in people do. When the chorus hits, fans over three decades have screamed their heads off in unison with the boys in yellow and black.
"Soldiers Under Command"-Official Video
This is also the song I translated into Latin many years later and gave to Michael Sweet. A few years after that, I was able to get him to autograph it for me.
"Makes Me Wanna Sing" comes up next with chugging guitar that opens into an unabashed, Christ-glorifying lyric. "Jesus, King...King of Kings" then flows into a killer guitar solo of the kind that defined the era of '80s metal. If you think that metal must be doom, gloom, and depression, then think again. This song is full on metal, but it, well, makes you want to sing!
The third track, "Together Forever," may be the only metal song in history to feature a doo-wop section. Not only does it talk about the promise of eternal life, but it shares the way to receive it. "Together, forever...all you have to do is receive the One Who died for you." And mixed with the screams and doo-wop is more solid guitar riffing along the lines of Poison, White Lion, and the other '80s guitar-driven bands.
"First Love" gives us a chance to catch our breath. It is an elegant ballad that showcases the upper end of Michael Sweet's vocal range. Some people were surprised when this was the ballad they chose for their 2015 album Second Coming, which was a re-recording of songs from their first three albums, but give this a listen and you will see why. It is a powerful, soaring ballad that could seem to be merely a secular love song, but when heard through the words of Scripture reveals a much deeper message. Plus, and this is a huge plus for me, it is not just a piano-based ballad, but once again has a soaring guitar solo.
Ok. Break time is over. The soldiers continue their attack on the next song with "The Rock That Makes Me Roll." Chugging guitars under gird a lyric that challenges you to "stand up and fight for what you believe in." And if that seems daunting, we are promised that the rock that makes us roll will give us all the courage that we need. Air guitarists and air drummers of the world unite, for this is a song that demands you get your whole body into the action.
The a cappella opening of "Reach Out" may make you think we are back for another ballad, but you would be wrong. This is another great rocker that has become a staple for Stryper fans over the years. "You don't need the darkness when there's a light to see," proclaim the lyrics, which go on to declare that it is Jesus Who will set you free. Let's be honest for a moment. While we older folks love our rock, back in the day music like this had a mostly teenage audience, and as a teacher I can tell you that young people often find themselves in dark places. This song offers a message of true hope for those who seem to be in the dark.
Organ music. Next to the guitar, I'm not sure there is an instrument that is more metal than the organ, and that is what opens "(Waiting For) A Love That's Real." Told from a woman's perspective, something that was a bit unusual thirty-five years ago, it is the story of true love, not the sappy, greeting-card version that society sells.
From the organ we move to piano for the intro to "Together As One." This is another song that could be sung from lover to beloved or heard as descriptive of the Christian's life with God. It is a soaring ballad and one that even now I could sing to my wife. Beautiful harmonies and delicious guitar combine to make a song that is as moving today as it was in 1985.
"Surrender" is one of my favorite songs every by any band. Screams and guitar assaults open this song that grows and expands into a chorus that bellows, "Freely surrender! Open up unto His majesty!" It is the battle cry of an army that conquers in love, for as these soldiers sing, "Jesus Christ is the lover of your soul." This has been a guarantee in every Stryper concert set list for more than three decades, and it's no wonder. It has the message and in-your-face sonic attack that we metal heads love.
The album closes out with "Battle Hymn of The Republic." This is a powerful hymn from the days of the American Civil War, and I have loved singing it in choirs. It is the perfect hymn to get a metal makeover. Its ominous opening grabs your attention. Its trumpet call remind you that this is a song that came from a time of war. It builds and builds so that by the time Michael Sweet finishes the first verse, you are prepared for the heavy assault that follows. A battle hymn is indeed the perfect conclusion for these soldiers under command.
*As always, check out my podcast with Pastor Wildman called Classic Christian Rock Podcast! Links are on the sidebar.
