The new STRYPER record “The Covering” is just that; a record of cover songs by groups that have influenced the band over their 25-year career. The idea came to the band early last year and on February 1, 2011 “The Covering” will be released on Big3 Records.

This is both your typical and not so typical covers record. God knows (pun intended) there have been a slew of artists issuing cover albums over the last number of years and at first glance “The Covering” would seem to be just another but the songs chosen are both cool and interesting at the same time and the band pulls them off with great conviction and prowess. You get cover songs by some acts you may not first associate with God’s rockers! It almost seems a bit funny to think STRYPER would enter into the realms of BLACK SABBATH, KISS, OZZY OSBOURNE, JUDAS PRIEST and IRON MAIDEN but upon hearing them tackle songs by these artists it doesn’t sound out of place… or blasphemous at all!

What the band does is offer up some truly classic tunes and some lesser-expected ones and combine it into one enjoyable collection of songs.

The band sounds great on selections like “Heaven And Hell” (BLACK SABBATH) and “Lights Out” (UFO) as well as the outstanding “Carry On Wayward Son” (KANSAS) and “Highway Star” (DEEP PURPLE). The band had been covering “Breaking The Law” by JUDAS PRIEST on their last tour and so that is included here too. The band also includes selections from SCORPIONS with “Blackout” (great choice!), IRON MAIDEN (“The Trooper”) and LED ZEPPELIN (“Immigrant Song”).

You also get some lesser-known or more obscure tunes with likes of “Set Me Free” from SWEET and “On Fire” by the mighty VAN HALEN.

To round out the package you also get a brand new track from the band entitled “God”. The song is edgy yet very melodic right down to the guitars of Oz Fox and Michael Sweet. Sweet still has a great set of pipes too.

All in all, “The Covering” is an enjoyable affair and something a little unexpected from this group of Christian rockers.

Well done.