Stryper

Sep 13, 2024
May 10, 2024
Oct 21, 2022
Sep 04, 2020
Apr 20, 2018
Oct 16, 2015
5
Sep 23, 2014
Nov 05, 2013
5
Mar 26, 2013
Feb 15, 2011
5
Jul 21, 2009
5
Dec 08, 2006
Jan 01, 2005
May 18, 2004
Mar 25, 2003
Jan 01, 1991
Aug 21, 1990
Jan 01, 1988
3
Jan 01, 1987
Jan 01, 1986
Jan 01, 1986
5
1
Jan 01, 1985
Jan 01, 1984
5
Jan 01, 1984
2

Stryper is listed in the credits for the following albums:

Year Artist Album Role
2003 Stryper Seven - The Best Of Stryper Producer, Mixed, Songwriter
Award Organization Year Award Name Album Song
GMA Dove 1989 Hard Music Album of the Year In God We Trust
GMA Dove 1989 Hard Music Recorded Song of the Year In God We Trust

Stryper

Band Members:

Drums
Guitars, Vocals
Guitars
Bass (2017 - present)
Bass (1983 - 2017)

Image Gallery

Stryper remains hard rock's best kept secret. However, that secret has been hidden in plain sight for far too long. Sure they're Christian, but they're also decidedly metal. That's the first thing that should come to mind when you think of the black and yellow stripes as well as immortal hits such as "To Hell With The Devil," "Calling On You," "Free," "Honestly" and "Always There For You."

The iconic quartet—Michael Sweet [vocals, guitar], Robert Sweet [drums], Oz Fox [guitar], and Tim Gaines [bass]—built a formidable catalog since first forming in 1983. They've sold over 10 million albums worldwide, garnered GRAMMY Award nominations, scored DOVE Awards, sold out arenas everywhere, and inspired one of the most diehard fan bases in history. The band's signature style of overpowering melodies, harmony solos and thunderous rhythms is certainly its trademark, but it hits harder than ever on 2013's No More Hell To Pay.

The secret is out…

The members of Stryper initially bonded over their faith in God and their devotion to music in 1983. Originally named Roxx Regime, they signed to Enigma, and the label urged a name change. Nodding to a Bible scripture Isaiah 53:5, "By his stripes we are healed," they adopted what would become their moniker as a reminder of Christ's sacrifice.

Facing a close-minded musical climate not ready for "God in metal," Stryper did the most rock 'n' roll thing possible and completely went against the grain. It worked too.

"We were really defying the entire music industry," says Michael. "We had heard it all at that point, but we persevered and rose to the top. We progressed as a band in our abilities and in our faith."

Their spirit yielded one of the most successful rock albums in history, 1986's multi-platinum, GRAMMY-nominated To Hell With The Devil. Meanwhile, they made history by becoming the first band ever to simultaneously land two songs—"Free" and "Honestly"—in MTV's Top 10. However, in 1992, the group engaged in an extended hiatus. Michael would go on to pursue a very successful solo career with multiple #1 singles and a successful 4+ year stint co-fronting iconic rock band BOSTON (including their massive 2008 headlining tour), but Stryper always remained. 2003 saw them reunite for the first time with the original lineup. They released Reborn (2005), Murder By Pride (2009), The Covering (2011) and Second Coming (2013). Reborn and Murder By Pride were setting the stage for what was to come, while The Covering featured music that inspired the band and Second Coming revisited early material with fresh eyes and ears. It was time for something new though.

In April of 2013, they entered the studio to record their first original, full-length album, with all original members, since 1991's Against The Law, and the process proved natural (including Michael's production).

"There's something unique that happens between the four of us," Michael says. "Everyone brings something to the table. No More Hell To Pay is the album that takes us back home. We give fans everything they grew up on in regards to Stryper—and then some. There are guitar solos, screams and big melodies. It's everything we're known for. We found our way. Sometimes, you don't need to reinvent the wheel and we didn't try to with this one. Do what you do best. We came to that understanding and we went back to our roots - where it all began and we loved every minute of it."

You can feel that fire on the likes of "Sympathy," Kicking off with a bombastic beat, Michael and Oz's guitars entwine seamlessly. Already, Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine called it his "favorite" from the set, and it holds special significance for Michael as well.

"It's straightforward musically," he says. "There's no smoke and mirrors. It's in-your-face and real. It's got a strong message too. Can we show and give each other a little more sympathy? If we step back and offer more grace, the world would be a better place."

Meanwhile, continuing a long tradition of covers that began with Earth Wind & Fire's "Shining Star," Stryper's rendition of the Doobie Brothers' classic "Jesus Is Just Alright" possesses an anthemic, arena-ready flare.

"It says it all," laughs Michael. "We've talked about doing this song for years, and it's perfect musically and lyrically for us. We made it a roller coaster in terms of the arrangement."

That roller coaster ramps up on the title track as well as "Legacy," which concerns something that's been on the singer's mind for a while.

"I often ask myself, 'What is my legacy?,'" he admits. "What am I going to leave behind? It's not about material things. How many people did you touch? Who did you inspire? Who did you encourage? That's your legacy. I hope and pray people remember us for staying true to our faith, defending it and not backing down. Hopefully, many lives were touched along the way."

It's clear that time has only strengthened Stryper's impact. As soon as No More Hell to Pay dropped, it soared to #1 on the iTunes Rock Albums Chart and garnered universal applause from mainstream and Christian press alike. However, there's more on the horizon yet for this legendary band.

"I'd love for newcomers to be surprised by No More Hell to Pay," concludes Michael. "For all of the longtime fans, I want them to know we listened to them. We're still Stryper. We still wave the flag of Salvation, Through Redemption, Yielding Peace, Encouragement and Righteousness. It's a miracle that still we get to do this."

This is their legacy.

Florino, R. (2013, November). Stryper The Band. Retrieved October 10, 2014, from Stryper website: http://www.stryper.com/Band/band.html

Feb 10, 2021

I got to sit down with Michael Sweet. You know, the lead singer of Stryper, part of the duo Sweet & Lynch, and solo artist Michael Sweet. Yea, that guy. For those who may not be familiar with Michael, here is a quick intro. He has released 8 solo albums. Was the lead singer for the rock band Boston for four years. And is a founding member of the band Stryper, along with his brother Robert and friend Oz Fox. Stryper has sold more than 10 million albums and was a pioneer in Christian metal when it was getting started in the 1980s.

August 27, 2020

Stryper is set to return on September 4, 2020, with their new album, Even The Devil Believes.

August 17, 2016

Nashville, Tennessee -- The yellow and black returns this fall, as Stryper embarks on the 30th Anniversary To Hell with the Devil Tour, celebrating the multi-platinum hit album that made MTV history.

March 08, 2016

(New York, NY) -- After spending most of 2015 off the road, multi-platinum rock band Stryper will hit the road this spring in support of their new album, Fallen.

August 03, 2015

New York, NY -- Stryper is back to reclaim their throne in the hard rock/heavy metal world with the latest song from their upcoming 9th studio album, Fallen.

July 23, 2014

NEW YORK, NY -- Stryper is back with their latest release, a live CD/DVD combination called Live At The Whisky. The live recording will be available on September 23rd via Frontiers Records and is a must have for any fan. The concert was recorded at a sold-out show last November at the famous Whisky a Go Go on Sunset Blvd.

Created by: siremidor on 26-July-2010 - Last Edited by siremidor on 18-July-2024
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