'To Hell with the Devil' is generally regarded as 'Stryper's' best release, and there are certainly enough quality cuts here to support that. Due to their 'Christian' stance 'Stryper' were often overlooked, this is a shame as technically they were very good. If there is one thing that lets this release down however, it's the ballads, as they are pretty tedious and ultra soppy, the rockers on the other hand are pure quality.

First up is an instrumental forerunner for the title track, sounding a little similar to 'Black Sabbath's' 'E5150', 'Abyss' is a nice eerie atmospheric piece that sets the album off on a good foot. Following is the strong and notable title track 'To Hell with the Devil', a solid rocker braced by rich vocals, strong harmonies and fist raising lyrics, the choice guitar solo should also not be overlooked. Next up is 'Calling on You', the intro to which is pure 'Lillian Axe', the song matures into a carefree mid tempo affair that is uplifting while not too sentimental. The edge is maintained with the hook laden 'Free', guitarists 'Oz Fox' and 'Michael Sweet' are on fine form for this layered rocker, lyrically it's a tad light and unconvincing but still a solid number if only for the fret work. There's little hope for the horrific ballad 'Honesty' this is a dreary watered down cut of the worst order, skip this track for your own safety. The last effort is soon forgotten with 'The Way', the blazing intro is nothing short of magnificent and reminiscent of 'Chris Impellitteri's' shredding, vastly superior to most of the tracks with glorious guitaring, exceptional soaring vocals and some mean drum and bass work- an album highlight. Side two I personally find weaker than the first, 'Sing-Along Song' I can't take seriously, despite 'Stryper's' best efforts, the harmonies are excellent but the lyrics are wishy-washy. 'Holding On' is one of the better ballads but unfortunately not to my tastes. Improvements are found on the up tempo 'Rockin' the World', complete with fine drum and bass work and more quality vocals from 'Michael Sweet'. Things hit rock bottom with the ballad 'All of Me', a load of sentimental pap. Thankfully the album ends on a high with the superior belter 'More than a Man', while the Christian lyrics are a bit over the top, it's a glorious uplifting rocker, displaying clean guitar hooks and licks along the way with more select work from the 'Sweet' brothers.

A decent release with plenty of strong points, but for me the ballads just hold it back.