Stryper formed back in 1982 and the band hails from ​Orange County, California. Stryper is the brainchild of brothers Michael & Robert Sweet. The band plays classical Melodic Metal mixed with modern-day elements giving the group a unique today-relevant sound. Stryper takes the idea for their band's name from Isaiah 53:5 "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."

       Stryper released their debut album 'The Yellow And Black Attack' in 1984 and have been actively releasing albums ever since. Today, the band has an impressive discography comprised of eighteen studio albums. How many bands can you think of that even have more than 10 records to their credit? From album to album, one will find some subtle differences here and there. However, what is great about Stryper is that they always retain those elements that make them distinguishably Stryper. Some of these signature Stryper elements include vocals, guitars, bass, drums, and production. When I am listening to a playlist of bands and one of Stryper's songs begins to play, I immediately know that it's them even before the vocals begin. The reason for this is because the band simply has their own signature sound that is different from all other bands and that is a really good thing!

       In January of 2026, Stryper showed no signs of slowing down when they once again entered the studios to begin recording for a new project.

       In 2026 Stryper released their 18th full-length studio album titled 'Throne of Thorns' on Frontiers Records. With their latest release, Stryper stays true to their signature sound that fans connect with and have grown to love throughout the years. Solid production, and a hard-hitting wall of sound is what is in store for listeners! We're talking spot on vocals by Michael, plenty of hooks, punchy bass lines by Perry, and killer drums by the legendary skin pounder-Robert Sweet! The album was produced in house by the band's very own Michael Sweet. The record was mixed by Danny Bernini & Michael Sweet, and it was Mastered by Alex Saltz. The album's stunning cover art was done by Rafael Tavares Gripp. 

       In an interview at Lots of Muzik, Michael Sweet comments about the album's title track: "They don’t envision or imagine Jesus sitting on a throne of thorns. But the way I imagine it is, He wore the thorns to get to the throne. That’s why I’m saying “throne of thorns,” what He had to go through to get there." Speaking of the title track, the official video for "Throne of Thorns" was filmed in a castle in Milan, Italy. Another track worth noting is "I'm Alright (I'm Okay)" where Michael Sweet confronts his own battle with Thyroid Cancer. 

       The track-list for 'Throne of Thorns' includes 1.Throne of Thorns 2.Here In Your Heart 3.Falling 4.I'm Alright (I'm Okay) 5.Waiting For You 6.Carry The Flame 7.Hollywood 8.Beautifully Broken 9.Ashes To Roses 10.Alone Again 11.Shadowbreaker.

       During the recording process, guitarist-Oz Fox had blood pressure spikes which didn't allow him to perform on this album. This resulted in the guitar duties all falling on Michael Sweet. Hopefully on the next album we will see Oz Fox return to his position behind the guitar but until then, let's all keep him in our prayers.

The following are some excerpts from the album's lyrics:

THRONE OF THORNS

Bruised and bleeding

Walking through trail & fire

We hear the whispers of deepest desires

Chains of memories

Cutting the mind like a knife

Yet through the darkness

There’s a spark of life

Throne of Thorns

Don’t bear the pain alone

Rise up from the fire

Faith will take you higher

HERE IN YOUR HEART

I'm here in your heart
The light in the dark
When your soul needs something to start
The roar that remains
The joy through the pain
I'm the fire that burns
In your heart

FALLING

You kept me from falling
You turned me around
You're my world
My calling
Lost, but now I'm found

I was hard, running in circles
Holding on to what never lasts
I was gone, a heart so resentful
Unforgiving, living in the past
You would call but I wouldn't listen
You'd reach out, I'd push You away
Yet somehow, You broke through
And I knеw I was saved

WAITING FOR YOU

I'm waiting for you
I'm waiting for you
Through the fire that rages
Through the endless rain I'm waiting for you
I'm waiting for you
I'm the light of your life
Forever, I will remain

ASHES TO ROSES

I walked through yesterday
My past lingered, tried to stay
And then Your Spirit came
A gentle refrain

From ashes to roses
Beauty and grace from above
When my heart closеs
I'm always redeemed by Your love

Thе smallest moments show Your hand
The softest breeze whispers Your plan
I'm reminded
That it will be okay, yeah

SHADOWBREAKER
I am the Shadowbreaker
I will not fall for the night
Through all the darkness I'll rise, I'm unshaken, my victory's born in the light
Jesus Christ

One single flare
One holy spark
Shatters the black as it cuts and pierces the dark
Ooh, the dark

The fear of despair
Burning my mind
Every lie has to fall to the light it denies
It denies

I am the Shadowbreaker
I will not fall for the night
Through all the darkness I'll rise, I'm unshaken, my victory's born in the light
Jesus Christ

(See Site Info for Sword Scale meaning)

       With the release of 'Throne of Thorns', Stryper has once again released a solid top-tier offering that will have fans reeling.  Help support the band by picking up your copy of 'Throne of Thorns' today because this is one album that doesn't disappoint!

Musicians:

Michael Sweet - Lead Vocals, Lead Guitars, Rhythm Guitars

Oz Fox - Lead Guitars, Rhythm Guitars, Vocals

Perry Richardson - Bass, Vocals

Paul McNamara - Keyboards, Organ

Robert Sweet - Drums, Percussion

Guest Musicians:

Keith Pittman, Kendra Pittman - Backing Vocals