The Yellow and Black Attack strike back on their sophomore release! This 1985 album introduced me to Stryper in that same year. Look past the silly cover and you'll find a record chock full of solid metal tunes and even a few obligatory power ballads, which were always a big part of Stryper's repertoire. On 'Soldiers Under Command', Stryper's style is more refined and polished than on their initial effort released a year earlier. Also the sound is much more full and rounded. This disc opens with the strong title track. Booming drums behind harmonized dual guitar leads kick it off up until the first verse where the song settles into a paced rocker. This track also features the signature early Stryper guitar solo in which both guitarists trade licks back and forth.

A highlight on 'Soldiers' is "Reach Out", which has such a catchy chorus it's hard not to get hooked if you enjoy pop metal. Although, listening to it now it seems like a little too much pop. "Reach Out" is almost like a gospel tune transformed into hard rock. Although if it was, it wouldn't surprise me since Stryper was heavy metal's premier Christian band (in case you didn't know) with their devout Christianity being their primary theme. 'Soldiers' is definitely no exception as the message is somewhat heavy-handed (as in most of Stryper's records).

My favorite track is "Surrender" which is an all out metal assault with a killer solo that leads nicely into Stryper's cover of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic", a tune only Stryper could pull off with such grace and intensity at the same time. Much of Stryper's sound is the splendid double guitar rhythm laced with harmonics and Michael Sweet's powerful lead singing. 'Soldiers' captures both of those very well. Besides the metal tracks, Sweet's voice is especially endearing on the ballads "First Love" and "Together As One", which are both palatable escapades into Stryper's softer side.

This album was released on white vinyl for a limited time (I had one of those until a friend stole it), which I thought that was a novel idea for a band that preached "the Word" without reservation. Overall, I like 'Soldiers Under Command' for what it is, an excellent early 80's metal record. It shows a marked improvement over their debut even though there are a couple of throwaway tracks. This record is a judgement call for 80's pop metal fans. If you like the Christian theme or can separate the music from the words, then this is recommended listening. Avoid this album if the message is as important to you as the music and you're not down with Jesus.

Track Listing:
1. Soldiers Under Command
2. Makes Me Wanna Sing
3. Together Forever
4. First Love
5. The Rock That Makes Me Roll
6. Reach Out
7. (Waiting For) A Love That's Real
8. Together As One
9. Surrender
10. Battle Hymn Of The Republic



Recommended: Yes