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MICHAEL SWEET
Ten
2019 Rat Pak Records

In addition to STRYPER’s twelve studio albums, singer, songwriter and guitarist MICHAEL SWEET has now released ten solo albums as well (this includes the two albums under the SWEET & LYNCH moniker). Quite an impressive body of work, and a testament to Michael Sweet’s work ethic, drive and determination. Appropriately, this album is titled Ten.

To these ears, Ten picks up very closely to where One Sided War (2016) left off. On One Sided War, Michael had a few guest musicians like Joel Hoekstra (WHITESNAKE) and Ethan Brosh. On Ten, there is a guest appearance on almost every song. Jeff Loomis (ARCH ENEMY, NEVERMORE) contributes guitar to blazing opener “Better Part Of Me”. Marzi Montazeri adds guitar to the incredible (and a favorite song here) “Lay It Down”. Howie Simon (JEFF SCOTT SOTO) adds some stringwork to the pulsing “Forget, Forgive”, while Gus G. (FIREWIND, OZZY) adds his mark to “Now Or Never”. Title track “Ten” is an interesting take on the ten commandments, and features Rich Ward of FOZZY.

“Shine” is a positive enforcement track that I like a lot; this tight and punchy rocker has a great main riff and features a guest appearance by guitarist Ethan Brosh. You can view the lyric video for the song HERE. Ballad “Let It Be Love” is a nice way to catch your breath, and this song is not too “syrupy” and is played with a requisite passion. “Never Alone” and “When Love Is Hated” both feature Joel Hoekstra (WHITESNAKE) returning to add guitar. “Ricochet” adds Tracii Guns (LA GUNS) on guitar. The bonus tracks are as good as the main songs, and feature Mike Kerr and Ian Raposa from FIRSTBOURNE on “With You Till The End”. “Son Of Man” is one of the best tracks on the album in my opinion, and features Michael trading vocal lines with Todd La Torre (QUEENSRYCHE), and additional guitar from Andy James.

STRYPER fans, if you enjoyed the band’s recent albums like God Damn Evil, you won’t be disappointed with Ten. I liked this album as much as GDE, maybe even more. I liked One Sided War a lot; Ten is possibly heavier, faster and better produced though. Michael Sweet’s influences of DIO, JUDAS PRIEST, and IRON MAIDEN are all unmistakable on this album. If you’ve never explored Michael Sweet’s solo albums, I highly recommend you do so. Start here with Ten, and work backwards. Take my word for it, you won’t be sorry. Mr. Sweet, keep doing what you’re doing. Ten is available now digitally, as well as physical formats of CD, splatter vinyl and even cassette!

4.777 Out Of 5.0