Only to Rise

Personnel: Michael Sweet (vocals, guitar); George Lynch (guitar); Paul McNamara (organ, keyboards); Brian Tichy (drums); Robbie LaBlanc, Charles Foley (background vocals).
Audio Mixer: Danny Bernini.
Recording information: "Temple Of Tone" Studio, Los Angeles, CA; SpiritHouse Studios, Northampton, MA.
Editor: Kenny Lewis.
Photographer: Alex Solca.
The Frontiers-issued debut album from Stryper vocalist Michael Sweet and guitar legend George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob), Only to Rise offers up a master class in hook-driven, radio-ready hard rock and classic power balladry. Rooted in the genre's late-'70s and early-'80s heyday, the 12-track set, which also features the talents of fellow hard rock veterans bassist James LoMenzo (Megadeth, White Lion, Black Label Society) and drummer Brian Tichy (Whitesnake), was produced by Sweet and dutifully invokes names like Journey, Night Ranger, Van Halen, Aerosmith, and Bad Company, as well as the aforementioned Dokken and Stryper. ~ James Christopher Monger