More details: Michael Sweet's HIM is being released August 1, 2006 through Infinity/Central South Distribution. They are shipping two songs to Christian AC and Christian Hit Radio - "Take My Life" and "Calvary." Sweet says, "We will be adding a list of all the stations which will include formats, contact names, cities and phone numbers to all the AC and Christian Hit stations across the US. I'll be calling all the stations myself to personally thank them for the support, and I'll also be doing some interviews with some of the stations. We need your help to not only spread the word, but to call these stations to request these songs. Our goal is to see these songs chart in CCM and Billboard! He continues, Him is a powerful message and it's an amazing opportunity to share the message of Christ with the world. Honestly, we can't do it without you - we need your help! Jeff will be updating www.michaelsweet.com with all the contact information for these stations and we will also be unveiling the brand new, totally re-vamped website on August 1st - the same date of the release! We're very excited about this record being heard and we want to thank all of you for your help and support."
Live DVD Finally Available
06.27.2006
Stryper.com is taking preorders (due to ship 8/21) for the long-awaited Greatest Hits Live in Puerto Rico DVD. Filmed in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 2004, this 100 minute video captures the band (including ex-bassist Tim Gaines) rockin' 14 of their biggest hits including Free, More Than A Man, Caught In The Middle and You Won't Be Lonely.
Rawkzilla.com Interviews Michael
05.27.2006
You've been a professional musician/guitarist for over two decades now, what changes have you seen in your life through your experiences with Stryper and as a solo artist? Many. I've come to realize that despite everything that comes and goes over the years, God has never left my side and for that I'm eternally grateful. I've also come to understand the importance of family and friends. Going through low and high points, it's made me who I am today - someone who likes to keep my priorities in check.
[more]
Michael Sweet Signed Print Available
05.27.2006
MichaelSweet.com has just added more new merchandise. This time it's an 11 x 13 print made from a recent Nigel Skeet photograph. The print is printed on heavy card stock and will be autographed by Michael. The autographed print is also available in a specially-priced package along with the t-shirt bearing the same design.
Michael Sweet's HIM Release Date Announced
04.10.06
MichaelSweet.com has updated with the announcement that the official release of Michael's HIM CD will be August 1, 2006. More news regarding the album is forthcoming.
New Acoustic Tour Date Announced
04.07.06
Stryper will be performing another acoustic show as part of their 2006 Church Tour. This one will be in Hamburg, PA on April 29th. More tour dates to be announced as available.
MichaelSweet.com Updated
04.03.2006
After a long wait, MichaelSweet.com has finally been updated. Among the news is the availability of new merchandise. In particular, a brand-new Michael Live T-Shirt. They've also posted some behind-the-scenes pictures from a Nigel Skeet-helmed photo shoot for the upcoming official release of Michael's HIM album as well as some shots from Stryper's recent concert in Spain.
"Write A Stryper Comic" Contest Begins!
04.01.2006
Cartoonist Ron Braun is getting the itch to do a new Life As We Know It comic strip about Stryper but is having a bad case of writer's block. Are you up for the challenge of creating the gag for a 3-4 panel comic? If so, check out the details, prizes and more for this wicked cool contest!
Michael Performs At Dog & Pony Show
03.31.2006
Stryper front man Michael Sweet is making a rare solo appearance at Dog & Pony Show 3 in Nashville, TN on April 4th.
[more]
Honestly Sheet Music Now Available
03.31.2006
For the first time in years, sheet music for Stryper's hit Honestly is available for purchase. This tune has long been a favorite for weddings and special occasions but has been out of print and unavailable for over 15 years. Now not only can you get in again, but it comes personally autographed by Michael Sweet. Head over to the Official Stryper Store to get yours now!
Stryper DVD Update
03.31.2006
Stryper has finally offered an explanation for the delay in releasing their much-anticipated DVD: "...it would have come out much sooner had we released it on our own as originally planned. Nothing can be done about the delay, but know this, it WILL be coming out relatively soon and we promise you this - you won't be dissapointed. So much more will be added to the dvd due to the delay that would not have been added had we released it sooner."
[more]
Stryper Takes A Spin
03.31.2006
Stryper makes a brief appearance in the March 2006 issue of Spin Magazine.
[more]
LibertyNJustice.net Interviews Tim Gaines
02.11.2006
Former Stryper bassist Tim Gaines, who is featured on the upcoming Liberty n' Justice album Soundtrack of a Soul, gives LibertyNJustice.net the lowdown on his past, present and future.
[more]
RockDetector.com Interviews Oz
01.20.2006
Just like I was taught in Physics class all those years ago, every wave has its origin. As we all see when we hit the beach in the summer, the bigger the wave, the bigger the crowd that will surf it. In the early 1980s there were only a few bands that could legitimately stake a claim to being wave makers rather than just surfers. STRYPER are one of them.
[more]
Stryper Cartoon T's Have Arrived!
01.14.2006
The Ron Braun-designed cartoon T-shirt is finally available! Head over to the Official Stryper Store to get yours now! Also newly available is a Special Edition LP of Reborn. The album is made of clear vinyl and comes in four versions with a with a different band member featured on each one. Check it out!
MSNBC.com Reviews Reborn
01.13.2006
Believe it: Stryper, the ’80s metal missionaries, not only resurrected their career, they made one of the best albums of 2005. In their first new studio album in 15 years, the band that won multi-platinum fame and followers by blending angelic four-part harmonies with bone crunching riffs and searing solos (not to mention tossing little Bibles into the crowd at each concert) shows that though they once were lost, they now are found.
[more]
RockNRollUniverse.com Reviews Anaheim Concert
01.03.2006
OK. For those of you that are either of the “They can’t rock if they are Christians” or “If they are rockers...” schools of thought...let’s get this part outta the way. Yes. The band is still strong in their faith, perhaps even stronger now than in the past. And they do share this with the audience. SO...if you fall into one of those two groups I mentioned...I suggest that you go check out some of the other GREAT articles here on Rock N Roll Universe. There’s a whole plethora of ‘em...take your time. Really...I’ll still be here should you decide to come back to hear about the gig.
[more]
Robert Takes On VH1
01.02.2006
Drummer Robert Sweet made a guest appearance on VH1's 40 Least Metal Moments this past month. The network's schedule doesn't show that it's reairing the episode any time soon, but be on the lookout in the future if you missed it the first time.
Happy New Year!
01.01.2006
To celebrate the arrival of 2006, we've updated the Tour section of the site with some newly-announced dates. As soon as more are announced, you'll be able to find them here.
Stryper to play Sweden Rock Festival
12.03.2005
Stryper has signed up to perform with Journey, Deep Purple, W.A.SP., Krokus and more at next year's Sweden Rock Festival on June 8-10, 2006 in Sölvesborg, Sweden.
Site Update
12.01.2005
We've updated the Gallery section of the site with several more live shots.
2006 Tour Date Announced
11.30.2005
The first confirmed Stryper show for 2006 will be at the Sonshine Festival in Willmar, MN on July 15th. More tour dates to be announced as available.
MichaelSweet.com Update
11.30.2005
As of 11/26, MichaelSweet.com has been updated to include a recent interview as well as new concert photos. A video interview from the Boston, MA show is also on the horizon according to Webmaster Jeff Wollschlager.
Asbury Park Press Interviews Oz
11.30.2005
It will seem like 1985 all over again when Stryper performs tonight at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park. The Christian-metal musicians will be churning out that righteous rock of yore while sporting their familiar yellow-and-black threads.
On the other hand, Stryper (Salvation Through Redemption Yielding Peace Encouragement and Righteousness) has retired the Spandex. That was the fabric for young, Southern California dudes who looked like ladies during the '80s. Fortunately, at least the fashion times have changed.
[more]
San Diego City Beat Talks Stryper
11.29.2005
There are two types of people who come out to see Stryper. There are cute, clean-cut conservative Christians from 13 to 40, and there are middle-aged mullet boys in Judas Priest and Motley Crüe shirts who just wanna drink a couple Buds and remember their Dial-MTV days. It’s fun to assume all Stryperites have a bunch of Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith CDs next to their copy of To Hell with the Devil (and lots do), but most freely mix the sacred and sacrilegious.
[more]
PhillyBurbs.com Talks Stryper
11.29.2005
It will almost seem like 1985 all over again when Stryper performs tonight at the Trocadero. The Christian metal band has reformed and will be churning out its righteous rock of yore. The group, which is touring behind its comeback disc, “Reborn,” is even throwing Bibles into the audience as it did during its salad days.
“We toss a small paperback of the New Testament,” guitarist Oz Fox said. “There’s never one left on the floor after a show. People take them home and read them and hopefully dedicate their lives to Jesus Christ.”
[more]
Prints Now Available
11.21.2005
Ron Braun's signed Stryper cartoon prints are now available. The wallpaper is still in the works but should be up soon as well.
UnRatedMagazine.com Interviews Oz
11.19.2005
"It was definitely an exciting thing to see us doing this again," said Stryper guitarist, Oz Fox, in a fervent conversation with UnRated Magazine. "I was very passionate about the music from the get-go after hearing the songs when I got the actual demo in my hand.
I was just really touched by the words – the message it gave. And the arrangements were a lot more modern sounding than what we normally sound like so it was very exciting to be able to do this and to take the challenge of putting the band back on wheels again and moving forward again."
[more]
NukedMetal.com Questions Tim Gaines
11.18.2005
Former Stryper bassist Tim Gaines talks about his past, present and future in this new 20 Questions Interview with NukedMetal.com.
[more]
Reno Show Cancelled
11.18.2005
The Reno, NV show that was scheduled for November 20, 2005 has been cancelled by the promoter. Refunds are available at the point of purchase.
Stryper Toon T's A Go!
11.17.2005
Ron Braun's Stryper band cartoon has been chosen to be an official Stryper T-shirt. The final design has yet to be decided but the plan is to have it available before the Christmas holiday. Within the next couple of weeks, you'll also be able to purchase signed prints of the cartoon here at StryperOnline.com. A selection of wallpapers based on the design will also be available for downloading at that time.
KNAC.com Interviews Oz
11.17.2005
Stryper guitarist Oz Fox checks in from the road on the band’s Reborn U.S. tour. The heavenly metallers are back and are currently out on the road across the U.S. in support of their most recent release, Reborn. [KNAC's Larry Petro] had the distinct honor of being able to chat with guitarist Oz Fox by phone from his hotel room in Austin, Texas on November 11, 2005 on a day off of touring between Austin and Houston. He gives us some insight into the current tour, original bassist Tim Gaines’ departure and what the immediate future holds for Stryper.
[more]
WordNews.org Interviews Michael
11.17.2005
ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (W.) Oct. 7, 2005 -- One of Christian music's top-selling -- and controversial -- bands, Stryper, is back on the road, and on a mission.
"We're back together," said Michael Sweet, lead singer and one of the founders of the band that dates back to 1983 and once topped Billboard.
The Stryper "Reborn" tour is in the early stages. The first new album since 1990.
[more]
CrazeWire.com Reviews Austin Concert
11.16.2005
Let's lift our voices to the King of Kings... So began Stryper's set, smack dab in the heart o' Texas, at La Zona Rosa in Austin. The difference between dedicated fans – and the curious onlooker – became harrowingly apparent immediately. Those who knew the "Sing-along-song" from 1986's To Hell With The Devil were instantly shaking their fists…those who were new took a bit longer to join in the raucous response that the hardcore fans were already displaying.
[more]
Robert Bangs Away On New Project
11.15.2005
Robert Sweet has produced the debut album by Dbeality which is now available online. The CD, boasting a Black Sabbath/Ozzy Osbourne-style sound, features vocalist David Benson, Dale Greer on guitar and Robert Sweet on drums. A preview of We Won't Bow, the lead-off track from the disc, is available for you to sample at the band's myspace site.
[preview]
[website]
HMMagazine.com Reviews Austin Concert
11.11.2005
After a 13-year sabbatical in studio albums, Stryper - the rockers who paved the way for Christian rock music - is back with a new album, new tour, and a new bass player, but with the same goals, beliefs, and ability to kick ass even though singing about God. Stryper still, after two decades in existence, not only proves that Christian heavy metal is hardly an oxymoron, but that despite what they're singing about - they're musically and vocally contenders among the best in rock and roll.
[more]
New Stryper Merchandise
11.09.2005
The Official Stryper Store has added a new t-shirt complete with tour dates and an updated 4-pack of signature guitar picks, now including one from bassist Tracy Ferrie.
Site Update
11.06.2005
We've updated the gallery section of the site with several more live shots.
UnRatedMagazine.com Reviews Chicago Concert
11.05.2005
After a 13-year sabbatical in studio albums, Stryper - the rockers who paved the way for Christian rock music - is back with a new album, new tour, and a new bass player, but with the same goals, beliefs, and ability to kick ass even though singing about God. Stryper still, after two decades in existence, not only proves that Christian heavy metal is hardly an oxymoron, but that despite what they're singing about - they're musically and vocally contenders among the best in rock and roll.
In support of their new album and tour - both aptly named Reborn - the Stryper guys blew into the Windy City on October 9 to rock the House of Blues.
[more]
The Mercy Covers "More Than A Man"
11.03.2005
Florida's The Mercy has recorded a smoking remake of Stryper's "More Than A Man."
[preview]
[website]
Boston's Weekly Dig Talks Stryper
11.03.2005
It’s Thursday, October 27, and House of Heroes is ripping through a great set at the Paradise. The guitarist pounds out power chords, the bassist noodles in the feedback, and the drummer is banging on those bongos like a chimpanzee. It’s high-concept emo; it’s muddy, massive math rock; and if the band were across the river at the Middle East, the crowd would be ecstatic. But as Stryper’s opening band, House of Heroes receives scattered cheers and polite applause.
[more]
Sacramento Show Cancelled
11.02.2005
The Sacramento, CA show that was scheduled for November 19, 2005 has been cancelled by the promoter. Refunds are available at the point of purchase.
Tim Gaines On New Liberty N' Justice Album
10.31.2005
Christian rockers, Liberty n' Justice have announced that Tim Gaines is going to make a guest appearance on their new album, Soundtrack Of A Soul, due to be released in early 2006. The former Stryper bassist is featured on the track "Another Nail" which also also spotlights Keri Kelli on guitar and former and original Skid Row vocalist Sebastian Bach on lead vocals.
[website]
Metal-Exiles.com Interviews Oz
10.31.2005
Guitarist Ox Fox talks about the Reborn album and tour as well as the past and the future of the band in a new interview at Metal-Exiles.com.
Site Update
10.30.2005
We've updated the gallery section of the site with more promo shots as well as concert photos.
Blissed Gets Corrosive
10.28.2005
Blissed, featuring Stryper's Robert Sweet along with David Pearson, Jeff Miller and Geoff Breen, is now 95% finished with their follow-up album entitled Corrosive. The new disc, which is now in the process of being mastered, will boast such songs as Superhero, Monster, Betrayal, and Rise and is guaranteed to satisfy those with a hard-rocking appetite.
[preview]
[website]
The Stryper Church Tour
10.28.2005
Stryper is in the process of organizing a tour that will take place in 2006 and be a first for the band, on multiple levels.
They will be doing a rare acoustic-style tour of churches across America.
Interested in making sure Stryper plays your church?
Here's what you do:
Go to your music director, youth pastor, pastor, or organizer of concerts in your church and ask if they would be interested in learning more about this very rare Stryper tour. The band will be playing churches that can hold at least 750 people.
If they would like to learn more about The Stryper Church Tour, please have them email Stryper's manager, Dave Rose at Dave@DeepSouthEntertainment.com.
(Please limit emails to this address to serious inquiries only). Fan mail, as always, should be sent to Stryper@DeepSouthEntertainment.com.
Break Time's Over, Boys!
10.27.2005
Stryper's well-deserved break in their 2005 Reborn tour has now ended and Michael, Robert, Oz and Tracy are headed out to rock the Paradise Rock Club in Boston tonight.
[more upcoming tour dates]
KNAC.com Reviews Reborn
10.26.2005
The Yellow and Black Attack is back! Okay, so maybe the yellow and black aren't as prevalent in their appearance as they used to be but the Soldiers Under Command are back in a big way with the release of their first studio album in nearly 15 years, Reborn. And this isn't really your parent's Stryper either. The new release showcases a somewhat different sound from the Christian metallers than previous offerings. A much heavier, grungier sound that appeals to the newer generation without alienating the fan base that made them successful as Christian rock pioneers in the 80's. The aptly titled Reborn applies to the band in so many ways. They have been reborn as a band, reborn in their sound and reborn in their commitment as individuals and collectively as a band to their message.
[more]
"Make You Mine" Singled Out
10.25.2005
Big3 has chosen "Make You Mine" to be the follow-up single from Stryper's Reborn album. Expect it to be available for airplay the week of 10/14.
Glam-Metal.com Interviews Michael
10.25.2005
Two years ago, the multi-platinum Christian glam-metal band Stryper reunited and toured for the first time in over thirteen years. But while many of Stryper’s diehard fans were excited that the band was back, Stryper band leader/singer/songwriter/ guitarist Michael Sweet wasn’t so sure that it was in his heart to continue with Stryper after the tour. At the time of the 2003 Stryper reunion, Michael was in the middle of his career as a successful solo artist. But as the Stryper tour went on and a key lineup change in the band was made, Sweet’s interest in the band was rekindled. Then in late 2004, Michael officially decided to keep Stryper together.
[more]
PiercingMetal.com Reviews Reborn
10.24.2005
Though Stryper has released the albums “7: Best Of Stryper” and “7 Weeks Live In America” it has been 14 years since the Soldiers Under Command have recorded an album of new material. The year 2005 would be a special one for the Brothers Sweet and Oz Fox for not only is a new CD ready for their fans but they also come featuring a new member. Not long after the release of the live CD, bassist Tim Gaines decided to leave the group. He is replaced by the talented Tracy Ferrie who adds a different edge of bass playing to the already tight lineup. The band sounds just as heavy as they came across on “Soldiers Under Command” and deliver the level of harmony and musicality you would find on “To Hell With The Devil”.
[more]
