Christian rock veterans Stryper are about to unveil their new album, Throne of Thorns, and they are marking it with a one-night-only celebration in Nashville. The record arrives September 25, 2026 via Frontiers Music Srl, and on Wednesday, August 26 the band hosts an intimate record release party at The Museum of Christian and Gospel Music in downtown Nashville, giving fans the first chance anywhere to hear the album in full a month ahead of release.
Limited to just 70 guests, the evening runs from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. and centers on a complete advance listening session of Throne of Thorns, paired with track-by-track commentary from frontman Michael Sweet on the inspiration and creative process behind each song. Attendees also get an advance first-look screening of the band’s brand-new music video before its public debut, plus a meet-and-greet, photo and autograph session with the band over dinner and dessert from Lady Bird Taco Bar.
The night also features a special Stryper Pop-Up Exhibit of rare memorabilia and artifacts spanning the band’s career. As the band’s official historian Brett Christensen put it:
“These items come from an extraordinary collection assembled over the past 40 years, with treasures carefully sourced from around the world. Some pieces were acquired one at a time through years of dedicated searching, while others came from the purchase of entire collections. Now, we’ve gathered the very best of that collection, the true cream of the crop, to celebrate the greatest rock band ever to boldly proclaim the name of Jesus.”
– Brett Christensen
The event is produced by Stryper in coordination with Frontiers Music Srl and The Museum of Christian and Gospel Music. Members of the band shared their excitement ahead of the night.
“I could not be more excited than to be able to come to Music City and hold our record release party for Throne of Thorns at the Museum of Christian & Gospel Music. We look forward to seeing you there, as we listen to the new album together and take a walk down memory lane at the museum! A once in a lifetime opportunity & event! This album is a special one and you all are family to us. Much love and see you soon.”
– Michael Sweet
“Throne of Thorns means so much to me, and I couldn’t imagine a better place to celebrate its release than Nashville. I’m excited to spend the evening with the fans who have supported this project. I hope you’ll grab a ticket and join us at the Museum of Christian & Gospel Music for a memorable night.”
– Perry Richardson
“I am so looking forward to seeing you all in Nashville, a city that has been so good to STRYPER since our beginning starting in 1984. It’s going to be wonderful to share Throne of Thorns with all of you. God bless you, Nashville.”
– Robert Sweet
“I am looking forward to celebrating the release of Throne of Thorns at the Museum of Christian & Gospel Music in Nashville on August 26. To release another album 40 years into our career is a true blessing, and I’m thankful to be a part of it alongside my band brothers, who skillfully nailed every note with passion and creative soul. The evening looks like a lot of fun, and I can’t wait to see everyone there.”
– Oz Fox
Beyond the Nashville celebration, Stryper are in the middle of a busy fall US tour, returning to Nashville on October 15 at Cannery Hall.
Stryper 2026 tour dates
- Aug 26 – The Museum of Christian & Gospel Music, Nashville, TN (Throne of Thorns Release Party)
- Sep 19 – Loud and Proud Festival 2026, Wissen, Germany
- Sep 29 – Tupelo Music Hall, Derry, NH
- Sep 30 – Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall, Wantagh, NY
- Oct 01 – The Newton Theatre, Newton, NJ
- Oct 03 – XL Live, Harrisburg, PA
- Oct 04 – Jergel’s Rhythm Grille, Warrendale, PA
- Oct 06 – Marion Cultural and Civic Center, Marion, IL
- Oct 08 – The Vixen, McHenry, IL
- Oct 09 – Crystal Grand Music Theatre, Wisconsin Dells, WI
- Oct 10 – EPIC Event Center, Green Bay, WI
- Oct 12 – The Hawthorn, St. Louis, MO
- Oct 13 – Bogart’s, Cincinnati, OH
- Oct 15 – Cannery Hall, Nashville, TN
- Oct 16 – Newton Performing Arts Center, Newton, NC
- Oct 17 – Meadowview Conference Resort & Convention Center, Kingsport, TN
- Oct 19 – FIVE, Jacksonville, FL
- Oct 20 – House of Blues Orlando, Lake Buena Vista, FL
- Oct 22 – Center Stage, Atlanta, GA
- Oct 23 – Pickens County PAC, Liberty, SC
- Oct 24 – Beacon Theatre, Hopewell, VA
- Oct 25 – Sherman Theater, Stroudsburg, PA
- Dec 05 – Coca-Cola Music Hall, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Feb 27, 2027 – The 80s Cruise, New Orleans, LA
Throne of Thorns is available to pre-order here. For more information, visit stryper.com.
