What makes Soldiers Under Command by Stryper notable?

The album was significant in bringing Christian themes into the heavy metal genre, achieving commercial success with notable chart positions, including a peak at No. 32 on the Billboard 200. It received critical acclaim and helped establish Stryper as a leading band within the Christian rock movement of the 1980s. Released in January 1986, Soldiers Under Command was Stryper's second studio album, following their debut, The Yellow and Black Attack. This album solidified their place in the emerging Christian metal scene and showcased their growing popularity among mainstream audiences.

Who is Soldiers Under Command for?

Soldiers Under Command works well if you're into uplifting anthems for camaraderie, sing-along energy with friends and dynamic shifts in pacing.

How many songs are on Soldiers Under Command?

Soldiers Under Command has 10 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

Soldiers Under Command

Stryper · 1986

45 min · 10 tracks · hard rock

Uplifting Christian anthems collide with glam metal flair, driven by soaring melodies and powerful guitar riffs.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Soldiers Under Command — This title track serves as a rallying cry for faith and perseverance, encapsulating the band's mission and sound with its powerful chorus and driving beat.
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Makes Me Wanna Sing — An upbeat anthem that showcases Stryper's signature harmonies and positive message, illustrating their ability to blend heavy music with uplifting lyrics.
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Together Forever — This ballad highlights the emotional depth of Stryper's songwriting, featuring heartfelt lyrics about love and commitment set against a backdrop of soaring guitar work.
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(Waiting for) A Love That's Real — This track combines melodic hooks with introspective lyrics, representing a more vulnerable side of the band's lyrical themes amid their hard rock sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100

Foothills

Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

Stryper's blend of uplifting themes and glam metal sound creates a distinctive entry in Christian rock.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature high-energy guitar riffs and anthemic choruses, establishing a consistent upbeat tempo.
Several songs incorporate dual guitar harmonies, particularly in the solos, which enhance the glam metal aesthetic.
The album closes with a reinterpretation of 'Battle Hymn of the Republic', contrasting with the preceding tracks by introducing a slower, more solemn tone.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

uplifting anthems for camaraderie
sing-along energy with friends
dynamic shifts in pacing
soaring melodies for motivation
cathartic moments of release

Maybe skip if you

prefer minimalist soundscapes
demand instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in January 1986, Soldiers Under Command was Stryper's second studio album, following their debut, The Yellow and Black Attack. This album solidified their place in the emerging Christian metal scene and showcased their growing popularity among mainstream audiences.
Stylistic neighbors: Bloodgood· Holy Soldier· Petra