God Damn Evil

God Damn Evil is the seventeenth release and twelfth studio album by Christian metal band Stryper, produced by frontman Michael Sweet and released on April 20, 2018. Bass guitar was played by John O'Boyle as current bassist Perry Richardson could not due to scheduling conflicts.[1]

God Damn Evil
Studio album by
Stryper
ReleasedApril 20, 2018
Recorded2017–2018
GenreChristian metal
Length44:46
LabelFrontiers
ProducerMichael Sweet
Stryper chronology
Fallen
(2015)		 God Damn Evil
(2018)		 Even the Devil Believes
(2020)

Critical reception
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[2]
CCM Magazine[3]
Jesus Freak Hideout[4]
Sonic Perspectives8.3/10[5]

Awarding the album four stars from CCM Magazine, Matt Connor writes, "Their unapologetic approach to stay true to their now classic rock/metal roots rewards longtime fans."[3] Andie Hardee, giving the album three and a half stars at Jesus Freak Hideout, states, "As impressive as the musicianship is, the songs themselves are also enjoyable."[4] Rating the album an 8.3 out of 10 by Sonic Perspectives, Alan Cox says, "Stryper is rocking so hard and well that even some close-minded skeptics are bound to be converted."[5] Wayne Parry, reviewing for The Washington Post, responds, "At an age where many heavy metal wailers dial it back due to the strains of decades of high notes, singer and guitarist Michael Sweet doubles down on his other worldly vocals."[6]

The name of the album has been the source of controversy and has caused some Christian music retailers and even Walmart to not stock physical CDs in their stores. Michael Sweet has responded by saying, "We're disappointed. Stryper has always been about making people think outside the box. Our new album title, God Damn Evil, is a statement that's needed in our society. We've seen evil rise to new levels and this title is simply a prayer request asking God to damn or condemn all the evil around us. Many chains have joined us in making such a statement. Walmart, unfortunately, has not. The odd thing is of all the chains out there we assumed Walmart would be one to understand exactly what our point and purpose is. Unfortunately not. Although we respect their decision and what's done is done, it's frustrating to see something that's meant for good get misinterpreted and misunderstood."[7]

Track listing
No.TitleLength
1."Take It to the Cross"4:53
2."Sorry"3:53
3."Lost"3:44
4."God Damn Evil"4:05
5."You Don't Even Know Me"4:10
6."The Valley"4:13
7."Sea of Thieves"3:40
8."Beautiful"4:03
9."Can't Live Without Your Love"4:43
10."Own Up"3:43
11."The Devil Doesn't Live Here"3:23
Total length:44:30
Japanese edition
No.TitleLength
12."Can't Live Without Your Love" (alternate version) 
Japanese tour edition
No.TitleLength
12."Can't Live Without Your Love" (alternate version) 
13."Loud 'N' Clear" (1983 Demo) 
14."Co'mon Rock" (1983 Demo) 

Personnel

Stryper

Additional personnel

  • Charles Foley – backing vocals
  • John O'Boyle – bass guitar
  • Paul McNamara – keyboards, synthesizer (Moog), backing vocals on "God Damn Evil"
  • Danny Bernini – percussion, recording and engineering
  • Matthew Bachand – death growl on "Take It to the Cross"
  • Tyler Murello – backing vocals on "God Damn Evil"
  • Kenny Lewis - additional editing

Charts
Chart (2018) Peak
position
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[8] 30
US Billboard 200[9] 77
US Christian Albums (Billboard)[10] 2
US Independent Albums (Billboard)[11] 5
US Top Rock Albums (Billboard)[12] 6

References
  1. "STRYPER Frontman On 'God Damn Evil' Album Title: 'It's A Prayer Request'". Blabbermouth.net. March 22, 2018. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
  2. Deming, Mark. "God Damn Evil – Stryper – Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved May 15, 2018.
  3. Connor, Matt. "Stryper – 'God Damn Evil' album review". CCM Magazine. Retrieved April 24, 2018.
  4. Hardee, Andie. "Stryper, "God Damn Evil" Review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved April 24, 2018.
  5. Cox, Allan. "Stryper – God Damn Evil (Album Review)". Sonic Perspectives. Retrieved April 24, 2018.
  6. Parry, Wayne. "Music Review: Stryper shines on 'God Damn Evil'". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 24, 2018.
  7. "WALMART Refuses To Carry STRYPER's New Album, 'God Damn Evil'". Blabbermouth. Retrieved April 24, 2018.
  8. "Swisscharts.com – Stryper – God Damn Evil". Hung Medien. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
  9. "Stryper Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
  10. "Stryper Chart History (Christian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
  11. "Stryper Chart History (Independent Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
  12. "Stryper Chart History (Top Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
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