Search - Stryper :: The Roxx Regime Demos

Better Than The Yellow and Black Attack!!!

Angelo M. Scanzelli | 07/11/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These versions of these songs are better than the versions that appear on The Yellow and Black Attack! because these are more raw. The sound quality is excellent for demos. "My Love I'll Always Show" is the suprise gem here. I was expecting a melodic version of the song like "You Won't Be Lonely". Instead you get a "in your face" heavy rocker that's way better than the re-make that was turned into a ballad. Buy this! You won't be disappointed!"

Stryper-TheRoxx Regime Demos

K. Dale | Denver, Co | 07/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just got my copy of the Roxx Regime Demos from Stryper. "From Wrong To Right" goes really slow at the beginning, but it Rocks the rest of the way. The best song on the album is the most surprising as well in "My Love I'll Always Show". I have listened to this song the most and it just an awesome song to hear this way. "Loud N' Clear" sounds basically the same, a lot more bass and drum work though. "You Know What To Do" also starts slower and builds. The guitar work is more defined and grinding in this version. There is even some Cowbell going on in "You Won't Be Lonely" (Needs more cowbell). "Co'Mon Rock" has a little differences in emphasis on certain words and the bass and guitar seem more present here. "Tank" is a nice little drum solo from Robert Sweet and really showcases his talent, a welcome addition to the album. "Honestly" even has that trumpet solo that we heard about. Believe me, you guys can hear the little differences in every song.



The inside cover art is some old posters from back in the day when this journey with Stryper started. They played on the same stage with some of the biggest names in Metal back then...or rather, those bands got to play with Stryper! This is a Great album. I am actually very glad I have this. One of the best Stryper releases ever!!!"

Roxx Regime Rocks!

Raffere | Melbourne, Australia | 08/11/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Ok, so lets get this into perspective. It's 1983, Stryper as we know it are not to so named, and Roxx Regime put together a demo which would ultimately become their (as Stryper) first album. So having explained that, let's look at it.



Much of the demo recording stands alongside "The Yellow And Black Attack" - it's crisp, edgy, and contains Stryper's trademark harmonies. You can totally see the development from the demo's to the actual album, including slighty different solos, extended intros and slighty different vocals style/melody and lyric.



The massive surprise is the rock version of "My Love I'll Always Show". In fact, this version of the song showcases a heavier, more blues orientated Stryper that we only really discovered with "Against the Law". The songs is lyrically, musically and sonically totally different from the syrypy "My Love I'll Always Shows" that exists on "The Yellow And Black Attack". In fact, for this version alone, it's worth the price of the CD for any Stryper fan. (And if you listen closely, the intro does make a comeback on the "Soldiers Under Command" album).



"Tank" is a very short (too short!) drum solo from Robert Sweet which shows his chops nicely. And who would've thought that Stryper's huge hit "Honestly" was actually written in 1983 and left to shelve until "To Hell With The Devil"? The trupet solo is also an interesting note - and shows that Stryper could well have explored a totally different musical territory if they had have further experimened in this fashion.



Recording wise, the CD is very clear and all instruments and vocals are well presented. There are the occasional drop-out (victim to the source recording I'm guessing), and a little tape hiss (see "Honestly"), but it doesn't actually detract from enjoying the demos. In fact, it gives extra creedence to the determination, musicianship and talent of these Christian rockers. My only criticism is that it would've been great to hear some bootleg live recotrdings (the song called "Roxx Regime" is one that comes to mind), just to give it more historical value, and add a few more tracks to the 8 that exist.



Is it worth shelling out your hard earned cash? For the Stryper fan, totally. For the casual listener, maybe not. But if you want to learn how bands start off and adapt, and even if you just want to hear an alternate take on these tracks, it's worth every second!"