The Yellow and Black Attack
The Yellow and Black Attack is the debut EP by American Christian metal band Stryper. It was originally released in 1984 as a six-song EP, and fewer than 20,000 copies were pressed, as their label, Enigma Records, was unsure of the potential market for Christian metal. CCM Magazine was slightly critical, citing production quality and the short length of the release, but commented that "Stryper has the promise of a major success story." According to Michael Sweet's autobiography, the album was re-recorded and released as an official album, after their first manager, Daryn Hinton, loaned them $100,000 to re-produce the record. The album initially sold 150,000 units in the first three weeks.
After Stryper achieved major success with their second release and first full-length album, Soldiers Under Command, The Yellow and Black Attack EP was reissued. Re-released on August 10, 1986, with two additional songs, "Reason for the Season" and a new, mellowed-down version of "My Love I'll Always Show", which dates from their Roxx Regime days. The version recorded for The Yellow and Black Attack featured less obvious Christian lyrics than the one to feature on The Roxx Regime Demos.
Track listing (1984 EP)
- "Loud 'N' Clear" – 3:34
- "From Wrong to Right" – 3:51
- "You Know What to Do" – 4:47
- "Co'mon Rock" – 3:46
- "You Won't Be Lonely" – 3:43
- "Loving You" – 4:15
Track listing (1986 re-release)
- "Loud 'N' Clear" – 3:34
- "From Wrong to Right" – 3:51
- "My Love I'll Always Show " – 3:38
- "You Know What to Do" – 4:47
- "Co'mon Rock" – 3:46
- "You Won't Be Lonely" – 3:43
- "Loving You" – 4:15
- "Reason for the Season" – 6:30
- "Winter Wonderland" - 3:16
Personnel
Stryper- Michael Sweet – lead vocals, guitars
- Tim Gaines – keyboards, bass, backing vocals
- Oz Fox – lead guitars, backing vocals
- Robert Sweet – drums
- Christopher Currell – Synclavier programming
Production
- Stryper – producers
- Ron Goudie – producer
- Jim Faraci – mixing
- Eddy Schreyer – mastering at Capitol Mastering
- Brian Ayuso – art direction, design
- Tom Utley – cover illustration
- Glen La Ferman – photography