In a departure from their usual choice of venue when playing Southern California, Stryper landed at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano this time around. A much smaller venue for sure. Despite its history for being a great place for bands to play, I found it to be a bit cramped for my taste. Having tables that go right up against the stage for a rock show is just not cool. As a journalist who desperately looks forward to a photo pit to accomplish the job at hand, I was just plain out of luck. The smaller setting also gave for a more intimate show. It was kinda like having the band right there with us on the floor. That part I can dig. 

 

The guys this round were touring in support of their latest album When We Were Kings, and the 40th anniversary of the band's existence. This was presented as an evening with Stryper, also something I really liked, as they've never done that before. So, no opening band, just two full length sets, complete with a wardrobe change in between. The first paid homage to the classic Stryper material that shaped their career early on, and the second a set of newer material to show the bands evolution. In addition, they had a light show that promised to dazzle and the utilization of some high-tech video screens behind them that provided an extra special aspect of the visual side of the show.

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For the first set, the band blew through a slew of Stryper classics including, "Soldiers Under Command," "Loud 'n' Clear," "Always There for You," To Hell with the Devil," and "All for One." Covering every album from The Yellow and Black Attack through Against the Law. The band did very well. Michael seemed to struggle a bit vocally which is to be expected of course. I think the highlight of the set was the many stories that accompanied the songs. So much history and the whole time, all I could think is praise God that we still have Stryper today and how blessed I've been to be a fan all these years. The sound was cranked and sounded amazing. The lights were cool, but almost overkill. Trying to get shots that weren't washed out was nearly impossible, lol!

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Now, if I'm being honest, I've always favored the classic stuff over the newer material. That being said, tonight was the night that changed! The bands second show saw the guys completely set ablaze. Such vibrant life did these tunes take on and I was just in awe. Songs such as, "Yahweh," "Divider," "Sorry," "No More Hell to Pay," and "The Valley," had the band at the top of their game. I think the visuals were better as well. The later Stryper material shows a more mature, and dare I say heavier and more powerful approach both musically and lyrically. I can't wait to hear what they will come up with for their next release. The guys closed the set with the crowd participating "Sing Along Song." I never tire of seeing my favorite band!​

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-Priest