Commemorating 40 years of recording and releasing music, Stryper continues to churn out rock-solid albums and pulsating live performances. The hardworking group shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Following on the heels of their successful studio project The Final Battle (Frontiers Music Srl), the definitive foursome released their first-ever acoustic album Acousticyzed on February 16, 2024. The double-disc set features an audio CD and DVD/Blu-ray video recorded and filmed at SpiritHouse Studios in western Massachusetts.
The 11-track acoustic collection features stripped-down versions of Stryper's classic songs - ranging from energized tracks "Loud & Clear" and "Soldiers Under Command" to power ballad "Honestly" - plus a never-before-released version of enduring hymn "Amazing Grace." The video unveils an up-close look at band members performing the album live in the studio.
For a limited time this spring, "To Hell with the Amps: The Unplugged Tour" will feature Stryper playing the entirety of the acoustic project during each performance.
"We're excited to show people a totally different translation of these songs," says lead vocalist, guitarist and primary songwriter Michael Sweet. "Most of the acoustic shows will be set in smaller, more intimate venues, and the set is naturally more toned down. It will feel like a family affair, like everyone is sitting in our living room listening to us play."
Sweet adds that the band will follow the acoustic stints with a full-on 40th anniversary tour kicking off September 13, 2024.
"The anniversary tour will feature songs ranging across our entire discography," he reveals. "We'll perform a set consisting of our classic songs, then play a second set containing more recent material."
Sweet further shares that the band's live shows will feature everything from heightened production to variations in wardrobe.
"We will be changing outfits from a classic look to a modern look, with production to match," Sweet says. "It will definitely be unprecedented because it's important to come up with a unique way for fans to celebrate this milestone anniversary with us."
In addition, the band plans to offer an exclusive pre-show VIP experience for its loyal devotees. A 45-minute encounter with Stryper will include a private screening of a short film featuring archival footage and photos and a brief Q&A session with the bandmates.
As for future endeavors, the band just wrapped recording another full-length studio album Sweet describes as "all killer and no filler." The anticipated release date is fall 2024.
"We're hoping it will continue the trend of our music getting better with each release," Sweet says. "It's loaded with high-quality tunes and great energy."
Stryper also has made solid progress on a much-anticipated Kickstarter-fueled documentary film. More than 1,700 backers helped the band far exceed its original funding goal, earning a "Projects We Love" tag on the popular crowdfunding platform.
"We found a brilliant director, Chris Atkins, and it's being filmed now," says Sweet, adding that footage will be captured throughout the rest of this year. "We're excited to see it's finally happening."
When it comes to groundbreaking bands in the Christian hard-rock genre, Stryper is renowned for its distinctive brand of "heavenly metal," extraordinary crossover success and venerable endurance. The group ascended to prominence in the 1980s with Billboard Top 40 hits like "Calling on You," "Honestly" and "Always There for You."
Stryper's career album sales exceed 10 million worldwide, including 1986's multiplatinum release To Hell with the Devil. The band also made history when it notched two songs simultaneously in MTV's Top 10 with videos "Free" and "Honestly."
Today, some 40 years after emerging from the southern California nightclub scene, the foursome continues to record, tour and perform for devoted fans around the globe. Comprising three original members including brothers Michael Sweet, Robert Sweet (drums) and Oz Fox (guitar) plus longtime bandmate and veteran bassist Perry Richardson, the group finds itself continuing to create their finest, most powerful music yet.