Michael Sweet recently posted the cover of Stryper’s upcoming ‘When We Were Kings’ album on Instagram and addressed the expectations from fans nostalgic for the band’s earlier sound:
“I’m really excited about the new album, ‘When We Were Kings.’ It’s such a 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!”
He explained:
“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.”
The Album Will Reach Both Old And New Fans
The singer still mentioned their old records with pride:
“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!”
The first single from the new album, ‘End of Days,’ came out in late June, followed by ‘Loves Symphony’ on July 18. Sweet shared about overall sound of the upcoming tracks:
“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. Thank you.”
Sweet Says The New Record Is One Of The ‘Best’
Michael Sweet recorded ‘When We Were Kings’ shortly after recovering from some vocal issues but still said it was one of Stryper’s ‘best’ records on social media:
“I have to say that this album has a very special signature. It has a heaviness yet at the same time, a very melodic approach and a bit more of a ‘sing-along’ style when it comes to the choruses. I’m really pleased with the results and I truly believe it will be at the top of everyone’s ‘best of’ list. There are some stand out tracks to my ears already but I won’t go into details quite yet. Bottom line, a killer new Stryper album is coming! Stay tuned and we’ll keep you posted.”
‘When We Were Kings’ will arrive this September. The band will kick off their 40th-anniversary tour the same month.
