Stryper’s To Hell With The Devil has surprisingly outperformed Mötley Crüe’s Shout At The Devil in a fan poll determining the superior album. The poll, hosted in the SiriusXM Hair Nation Facebook group, saw Stryper’s iconic record take the win, prompting frontman Michael Sweet to express his gratitude.
“Mind blown,” Sweet wrote on Instagram after learning about the results. “I did not expect that, but I’m thrilled and humbled to see how many people out there love THWTD.”
The comparison between the two albums isn’t new, as both represent pivotal moments in their respective bands’ careers, released just two years apart in the 1980s. While Shout At The Devil epitomized Mötley Crüe’s rebellious, hedonistic persona, To Hell With The Devil made waves with Stryper’s bold Christian themes and virtuosic musicianship, showcasing the band’s unique ability to bridge the worlds of heavy metal and faith.
In 2019, rumors swirled that Stryper might join Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard, and Poison for their highly anticipated stadium tour. While the idea sparked excitement among fans, the lineup ultimately included Joan Jett and the Blackhearts in 2022 and Alice Cooper in 2023.
Sweet, however, championed the idea of Stryper on the tour, outlining four reasons on Facebook why it would make sense:
- Breaking the mold: Mötley Crüe has always defied expectations, and adding Stryper would surprise fans and generate buzz.
- Shared fanbase: Despite their contrasting themes, Sweet noted overlapping audiences, with fans wearing Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard, and Poison merch at Stryper shows.
- A unique encore opportunity: An epic mash-up of “Shout At The Devil” and “To Hell With The Devil” could unite fans in an unforgettable way.
- A message of unity: Sweet saw the pairing as an opportunity to bridge divides, saying, “We’re all human beings, and we should all get along, no matter what we believe.”
Though Stryper didn’t end up on the tour, their continued influence and success in the hard rock and metal scene prove they remain a force to be reckoned with—evidenced by their victory in this unexpected fan poll.