Bible-thumping ’80s metal band Stryper will release their twelfth studio album, When We Were Kings, on September 13. To promote the album, the band has just released two new singles. “Loves Symphony” is a hybrid of classic metal and modern rock, while “Grateful” is softer, poppier and clearly more rooted in religion (see lyric videos for both tracks below). The new songs follow the album’s first single “End of Days,” which dropped last month, and also taps into the band’s transmogrified sound.
“We’re always trying to merge the past with the present,” says Michael Sweet. “We want to incorporate the classic sound that older fans miss with the modern sound that newer fans hope for.”
While many ’80s metal bands are rocking with largely new members, Stryper has retained three-quarters of their original lineup — vocalist and guitarist Michael Sweet, drummer Robert Sweet, and lead guitarist Oz Fox. Joining the veteran trio as they celebrate their 40th anniversary, is bassist Perry Richardson, who has played with the quartet since 2017.
“Loves Symphony” serves as a good microcosm of the band’s approach to blending styles while remaining contemporary. “It not only represents who we were, but also who we are. We really are excited about this one,” Sweet says.
By contrast, Sweet admits that “Grateful” is a flashback to the days of spandex, hair ballads, and Bic lighters held aloft until fans’ fingers were burning. “‘Grateful’ is an answer to all the fans that have been wanting to hear a throwback to songs like ‘Calling on You,’ he says. “It’s a different side of the band musically, with a straight ahead, pop/rock melody and groove. It’s also a message of gratitude and being grateful for what you have, no matter who you are.”
Stryper will launch a 40th Anniversary tour September 11 in Greenville, Tennessee. The tour wraps up November 16 in North Myrtle Beach, SC (dates below). The show will be a celebration of classic hits and new-era fan favorites, will include outfit changes and plenty of uplifting stage production. In most cities, the band will play two sets.
Looking forward, Stryper will continue working on a Kickstarter-funded documentary film directed by Chris Atkins. No release date has been announced.
STRYPER Live 2024
7/18 – Mineral City, OH @ Alive Music Festival
40th Anniversary Tour:
9/11 – Greeneville, TN @ Niswonger PAC
9/13 – Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Casino
9/14 – Shippensburg, PA @ Uprise Festival
9/15 – Akron, OH @ The Goodyear Theater
9/17 – Columbus, OH @ TempleLive at the Columbus Athenaeum
9/19 – Anderson, IN @ Paramount Theatre
9/20 – St. Charles, IL @ Arcada Theatre
9/21 – Shipshewana, IN @ Blue Gate PAC
9/23 – Tulsa, OK @ Cain’s Ballroom
9/24 – Cedar Park, TX @ The Haute Spot
9/25 – San Antonio, TX @ The Aztec Theatre
9/26 – Midland, TX @ Wagner Noel PAC
9/28 – Arlington, TX @ Arlington Music Hall
9/29 – Fort Smith, AR @ TempleLive
10/19 – Wichita, KS @ TempleLive at Wichita Scottish Rite Center
10/21 – Denver, CO @ Oriental Theater
10/25 – Stateline, NV @ Harrah’s Lake Tahoe @ South Shore
10/29 – Phoenix, AZ @ Celebrity Theatre
10/30 – Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre
10/31 – El Paso, TX @ The Plaza Theatre
11/3 – Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theatre
11/7 – Patchogue, NY @ Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts
11/8 – Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom
11/9 – Glenside, PA @ Keswick Theater
11/10 – Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live!
11/13 – Clearwater, FL @ Capitol Theatre
11/14 – Jacksonville, FL @ Florida Theatre
11/15 – Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage
11/16 – North Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues
