Legendary Christian heavy metal band Stryper is set to electrify their fans once again with the release of their twelfth studio album, “When We Were Kings“. Known for their powerful messages and intense sound, Stryper‘s latest venture explores a heavier musicality while maintaining the signature elements that have defined their extensive career.
The band approaches each new album with the philosophy that “our best is yet to come.” This positive and forward-thinking mentality shines brightly in “When We Were Kings“, as it offers everything fans have come to expect from Stryper—and more.
The album opens with “End of Days,” a track that epitomizes Stryper‘s heavier edge, and continues to explore a variety of sonic landscapes. From the deeply groovy title track, “When We Were Kings,” to the haunting ballad “Betrayed By Love,” the album promises a rich tapestry of sounds. “Loves Symphony” bridges the gap between classic and modern influences, while “Grateful” adds a touch of classic pop sensibility.
Michael Sweet, Stryper’s singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer, alongside Danny Bernini, employed unique recording techniques to craft the monumental guitar sounds featured on the album. These efforts, coupled with memorable and melodic choruses reminiscent of past hits with a modern twist, have resulted in a cohesive and powerful album.
Michael Sweet shares his enthusiasm about the new release:
“I’m really excited about the new album, “When We Were Kings”. It’s such an honor and a true blessing to still be able to write, record, and release new music.”
“I do wish some people would open their minds (and their ears) to the new music. I am however thankful for those who have and who do! Thank you!!”
“We will never be the Stryper of old. Nor do we want to be. Asking us to go back to what we used to be is like asking someone to go back and dress the way they used to dress back in 1986, wear the same cologne (probably Liz Claiborne or Drakkar) and drink Sanka coffee! Times have changed and so have we. We all evolve. And change is good.”
“That doesn’t mean that we’re ashamed of what we used to be. When I do listen to the classic albums I always smile at the fact that we definitely had (and have) our own unique sound. Guitar tones, vocal technique, drum pattern, harmony solos. Love us or hate us, you can’t say that there’s another band that sounds like us. Not even remotely close. And then there’s our look/style!”
“With our new album coming out, I’m excited to say that it’s a perfect combination of the past with the present. You’ll hear flavors of 1986 yet there is also some 2024 moments. We’re not a modern rock band nor will we ever be (or long to be). We are however releasing our best music that seems to be reaching the old fans as well as many new fans. That’s a gift that we get to keep opening with every release.”
Preorder the album HERE
Tracklist
- End Of Days
- Unforgivable
- When We Were Kings
- Betrayed By Love
- Loves Symphony
- Trinity
- Rhyme Of Time
- Raptured
- Grateful
- Divided By Design
- Imperfect World
- A Musical Journey
Everything has come together perfectly to create something special with “When We Were Kings“. The album offers a unique blend of past and present, maintaining Stryper’s distinctive style while showcasing their evolution. Fans, both old and new, are in for a treat with this new chapter in Stryper‘s illustrious career.
Keep an eye out for the release of “When We Were Kings” and prepare to experience the monumental sounds of Stryper’s latest musical offering.