It's 40 Years Of Hits At The Colonial Theater 10/23

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All Photos By Breezy Bird Photography

It was a night to remember as Christian metal band STRYPER took the stage at The Colonial Theater in Idaho Falls, Idaho—a venue steeped in 105 years of history, but never before host to a rock show of this kind. The theater's antiquated yet classy atmosphere made for an unexpected setting for a heavy metal concert, adding a unique twist to the experience. The friendly and welcoming venue staff set the tone for an unforgettable evening. STRYPER's 40th Anniversary Tour features an electrifying 22-song setlist performed in two parts, spanning both their classic hits and newer material. With no opening act, the full focus was on the headliners, and they did not disappoint. Adding to the significance of the night, the show fell on the 38th anniversary of their iconic album To Hell With The Devil. The combination of the venue's history and the band's high-energy performance made it a truly special event.

I wouldn't call myself a huge STRYPER fan-blasphemous, I know! I'm familiar with some of their songs and like what I've heard, but I didn't have any specific expectations for the show. As I looked around the venue, I saw a diverse crowd of fans from all walks of life, covering all ages. The vintage stage was filled with massive speakers and amps, but the thing that stood out the most was the towering, elevated drum kit at the center. When the lights dimmed and "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" began to play, the energy in the room became palpable. As the black-and-yellow-clad band members took their places on stage, I knew I was in for an extraordinary evening.

The opening song, "Loud 'N' Clear", transported us all the way back to 1984, the beginning of STRYPER's discography. My attention was immediately drawn to drummer Robert Sweet, who was almost completely immersed in his impressively large sideways drum kit. I was thrilled to see lead guitarist Oz Fox on stage, especially given his recent health struggles-he looked genuinely happy to be there, and I was happy for him. Bassist Perry Richardson embodied the classic rocker image, with his voluminous blonde hair bouncing as he energetically held down the rhythm beneath the scorching guitar solos. From the very first note, frontman Michael Sweet left no doubt that his voice was just as powerful as it had been at the start of his career.

The four-piece band moved chronologically through the classic part of their set, playing a mix of songs from their catalog including fan favorites like "Free" and "Calling on You". Each song sounded incredible, but what impressed me most was their guitar work-they still had the power to rock! Throughout the set, Michael engaged with the crowd, reflecting on how much he missed the 80s, when things felt more cool and fun. I couldn't agree more! Pocket-sized New Testaments emblazoned with the STRYPER logo were tossed out to the crowd, along with the occasional guitar pick, adding a unique and memorable touch to the night.

The crowd erupted as STRYPER launched into their chart-topping anthem, "To Hell With The Devil". Flames roared across the stage monitors, intensifying the song's powerful vibe as fans belted out every word alongside the band. This high-energy, fan-favorite hit seemed to reach every corner of the venue, uniting everyone in an unforgettable moment. The classic set continued with equally electrifying renditions of "In God We Trust", "Always There for You" and "All for One", each song hitting with the same iconic 80s energy that made STRYPER famous. Their harmonies and musicianship felt timeless, a testament to how well their music has aged. Still, I was caught off guard by the absence of their signature ballad, "Honestly". For many fans, this song holds a special place in STRYPER's discography, representing a softer, deeply emotional side of the band. I had expected it to be one of the evening's highlights. Its absence left me with mixed emotions-surprised and a bit disappointed, yet still energized by the incredible set we'd just witnessed.

As intermission began, we had about 30 minutes to hit the merch table, grab another drink, and catch up with friends in the audience. While we waited, the banners on stage were swapped out for more current ones. The best thing about the break was having the opportunity to listen to those around me chat about their fondest STRYPER memories. For 30 minutes the entire building turned into a bit of a time capsule of nostalgia. Since I wasn't too familiar with STRYPER's newer songs, my trusty setlist documentarian and I briefly pondered calling it a night-at my age, every bit of sleep counts! But being the diehard rockers we are, we opted to stay the course and I'm so glad we did. The second half of the show ended up being my favorite, with the music evolving from classic 80s glam to a heavier, more modern edge that truly impressed me.

It made perfect sense for STRYPER to kick off the second set with "Reborn", a title track from their 2005 album of the same name, which marked their return after a 15-year hiatus. The music landscape had changed dramatically during their time away; from the release of Against The Law in 1990 to 2005, hair and glam metal had faded from the spotlight, grunge had come and gone, and nu-metal had taken center stage. Given this evolution, it's truly astonishing that they managed to navigate this shifting musical climate with such grace. "Reborn" truly showcased their ability to adapt while still maintaining the core elements that made them beloved in the first place. The song captured the essence of their signature sound while incorporating a much harder groove, demonstrating their resilience and commitment to evolving without losing their identity. It set a powerful tone for the rest of the set, reminding everyone that STRYPER was still a formidable force in the metal world.

As they played, there were moments that left me absolutely stunned! I stood there, mouth agape, shocked, thinking, "Wow, they got heavy!" They blasted through blistering tracks like "4 Leaf Clover" and "No More Hell to Pay", each one resonating with an infectious energy and power that captivated the crowd. When they launched into "Yahweh", I took a moment to look up the song, because it sounded so familiar. I quickly realized it was co-written by one of my favorite musicians, Clint Lowery of SEVENDUST. That explained why I liked it so much! The collaboration infused the song with an extra layer of intensity, making it a highlight of the set.

The set momentarily slowed down with "This I Pray". While still powerful, it had the feel of a country gospel ballad that brought a different vibe to the evening. This lull was short-lived, as they quickly fired back into "Divider", which kicked off with blistering guitars and heavy drums, re-energizing the crowd. The setlist kept the momentum going with hard-hitting tracks like "No Rest For The Wicked" and "When We Were Kings". As the night came to a close, they wrapped up with "Sing-Along Song", inviting the entire audience to join in, creating a lively, communal experience that perfectly capped off an unforgettable performance.

By the end of the night, STRYPER had delivered an astounding 22 songs, taking us on a journey through their impressive 40-year career. They proved to everyone that, despite the passage of time, they had no plans to slow down; on the contrary, they were more determined than ever to crank it up. I left the show truly amazed by what I had just experienced and pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed myself. If this tour comes anywhere near you, I encourage you to check it out. You won't be disappointed!

Setlist:

• "Battle Hymn of The Republic"
• "Loud 'N' Clear"
• "You Know What To Do"
• "Soldiers Under Command"
• "The Rock That Makes Me Roll"
• "Free"
• "Calling On You"
• "To Hell With The Devil"
• "In God We Trust"
• "Always There For You"
• "All For One"
• "Reborn"
• "4 Leaf Clover"
• "No More Hell To Pay"
• "Yahweh"
• "Sorry"
• "The Valley"
• "This I Pray"
• "Divider"
• "No Rest For The Wicked"
• "When We Were Kings"
• "Sing-Along Song"