To Hell With the Devil

To Hell with the Devil is the commercial and creative zenith of Stryper, marking the first time a Christian metal album achieved platinum status. Released in 1986, it successfully bridged the gap between the burgeoning glam metal scene of Los Angeles and the contemporary Christian music market. Produced by the band alongside Stephan Galfas, the record features a sophisticated layering of guitars and vocals that defined the 'Stryper sound.' Despite internal friction regarding the bass player role, the session work provided a rock-solid foundation for Michael Sweet's virtuosic vocal performances. The album's success was bolstered by heavy MTV rotation for singles like 'Honestly' and 'Calling on You,' proving that their yellow-and-black aesthetic and spiritual message could compete on a global stage. It remains a landmark for its high production standards and its role in diversifying the heavy metal genre's thematic boundaries.