Stryper

After four decades of producing, recording and performing high-caliber music, prolific rock foursome Stryper continues to relentlessly show itself as a renewed force with unquenchable firepower. In addition to kicking off an ambitious 40th anniversary tour in fall of 2024, the group releases its 16th studio project, the triumphant When We Were Kings (Frontiers Music Srl), on September 13, 2024. The 11-track project fortifies Stryper’s signature sonic output by showcasing tight harmonies, riff-infused instrumentation and impassioned vocals. Among the album’s most spiritually straightforward songs, hard-charging track “Trinity” speaks to the mysterious unity of the Father, Son and Spirit, while thundering tune “End of Days” addresses the last days prior to the apocalypse. Elsewhere, guitars loom large and a captivating chorus encompasses the title track focused on the futility of dwelling on the past. Further song themes run the gamut from overcoming bitterness and showing mercy (“Unforgiveable”) to finding common ground in relationships (“Divided by Design”) and dealing with deceit and unfaithfulness (“Betrayed by Love”). Stryper also has made solid progress on a much-anticipated Kickstarter-fueled documentary film. More than 1,700 backers helped the band far exceed its original funding goal, earning a “Projects We Love” tag on the popular crowdfunding platform. When it comes to groundbreaking bands in the Christian hard-rock genre, Stryper is renowned for its trademark style of “heavenly metal,” remarkable crossover success and venerable endurance. The group ascended to prominence in the 1980s with Billboard Top 40 hits like “Calling on You,” “Honestly” and “Always There for You.” Stryper’s career album sales exceed 10 million worldwide, including 1986’s standard-bearing multiplatinum release To Hell with the Devil. The band also made history when it notched two songs simultaneously in MTV’s Top 10 with videos “Free” and “Honestly.” Today, over 40 years after emerging from the southern California nightclub scene, Stryper continues to record, tour and perform for devoted fans around the globe. Comprising three original members including brothers Michael Sweet (lead vocals, guitar) and Robert Sweet (drums), Oz Fox (guitar) and newest bandmate, veteran bassist Perry Richardson (formerly of Firehouse), the group finds itself continuing to create their finest, most commanding music yet. -777-