What makes Against the Law by Stryper notable?

Against the Law debuted at number 23 on the Billboard 200 chart, showcasing Stryper's continued popularity in the late '80s and early '90s. The album sparked controversy due to its title track, which challenged traditional Christian norms and led to debates about faith and rock music. Despite mixed reviews, it solidified Stryper's place as one of the leading bands in the Christian metal scene. Released in 1990, Against the Law was Stryper's fifth studio album, coming after their mainstream success with To Hell with the Devil. The band was navigating a transition from commercial glam metal towards a more mature sound while maintaining their Christian identity. This album marked a pivotal moment as they began to face increased scrutiny from both secular and religious audiences.

Who is Against the Law for?

Against the Law works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, uplifting and motivational themes and mid-tempo reflective moments.

How many songs are on Against the Law?

Against the Law has 11 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Against the Law

Stryper · 1990

45 min · 11 tracks · hard rock

Glam metal riffs intersect with a strong Christian message, creating anthems that resonate with both rock fans and spiritual seekers.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Against the Law — The title track addresses themes of defiance against societal norms while encapsulating the band's blend of heavy metal and faith-driven lyrics.
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Two Bodies (One Mind One Soul) — This song showcases Stryper's signature harmonies and lyrical depth, exploring unity and spiritual connection through a powerful melodic structure.
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Rock the Hell Out of You — With its aggressive riffs and energetic spirit, this track serves as a bold declaration of the band's unapologetic embrace of rock music amidst criticism.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

43 /100

Lowland

Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

The album blends hard rock with spiritual themes, showcasing solid songwriting but lacking standout moments.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature driving guitar riffs and high-energy choruses, establishing a consistent hard rock sound.
The title track employs a slower tempo and more complex lyrical themes, contrasting with the preceding anthems.
Several songs incorporate harmonized vocals that emphasize the band's Christian message, particularly in the choruses.
The album closes with a high-energy track that returns to the glam metal style, creating a sense of resolution.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady, consistent energy levels
uplifting and motivational themes
mid-tempo reflective moments
dynamic emotional journeys

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1990, Against the Law was Stryper's fifth studio album, coming after their mainstream success with To Hell with the Devil. The band was navigating a transition from commercial glam metal towards a more mature sound while maintaining their Christian identity. This album marked a pivotal moment as they began to face increased scrutiny from both secular and religious audiences.
Stylistic neighbors: Bloodgood· Holy Soldier· Petra