Simon Rushworth
Christian rock legends Stryper will return to the fray this summer with the release of new album Murder By Pride on the fabulous Frontiers Records.
And frontman Michael Sweet is promising a return to the band’s late 80s pomp coupled with a modern edge borne out of feedback from die hard fans. Stryper sold more than eight million records before splitting in 1992 but the US stars aim to celebrate their 25th anniversary in style with shows across the world.
“After years of speaking to fans and hearing comments like ‘more guitars,’ ‘more solos’ and ‘more screams’ I decided to keep those comments in mind as I wrote each song,” said Sweet.
“It was important to me to try to get back to that early sound of Stryper and yet, at the same time, to remain relevant today. It’s certainly not an easy thing to do but as I listen to Murder By Pride I think that was accomplished.
“I got the idea of the title ‘Murder By Pride’ from seeing pride consume dreams, goals and, many times, lives. We all deal with pride and it can be crippling so I wanted to write a lyric and a theme that would be a constant reminder of that.
“This record has been in the works for a long, long time and I can only hope that it was worth the wait!”
Murder By Pride’s European tracklisting is as follows and the record will be released in the UK on August 31:
01. Eclipse Of The Son
02. 4 Leaf Clover
03. Peace Of Mind
04. Alive
05. The Plan
06. Murder By Pride
07. I Believe
08. Run In You
09. Love Is Why
10. Mercy Over Blame
11. Everything
12. My Love (I’ll Always Show)
13. My Love, My Life, My Flame (Exclusive Bonus Track for Europe)