Stryper frontman Michael Sweet has picked Judas Priest over Iron Maiden in the long-running fan debate. He explained his reasoning in a Facebook post. Sweet addressed the debate among metal fans and said which of the two bands he prefers.
In the post, Sweet said he likes both bands and grew up listening to them. He then explained why he leans toward Priest.
“There’s always been some sort of debate around Priest & Maiden,” Sweet said. “I love Priest, I love Maiden. I grew up with both bands.”
He then focused on songwriting.
“In my humble opinion, Priest is much more consistent when it comes to songs,” he said. “As a writer myself, I’ve always found more ‘hooks’ in the music of Priest. And, more often! Consistent as all get out.”
Sweet also described how he would choose at a festival.
“If I was at a festival and both bands were on different stages at the very same time, you’d see me front row and center at the Priest stage,” he continued. “Without a doubt.”
He ended by praising Iron Maiden.
“That being said, I totally respect Maiden,” Sweet added. “They are an incredible band and have an energy like no other. Especially live.”
Sweet’s answer fits what he has said about both bands before. He has often named Priest and Maiden among the groups that shaped his approach to heavy metal.
He has described them as the “true metal bands.” He said he values classic metal built around a great singer and strong melody. That focus on melody helps explain why he rates Priest’s hooks so highly.
“I grew up on Maiden and Priest. That’s metal to me.”
The timing of his comments matters for Stryper. The band released its 18th studio album, “Throne of Thorns,” on September 25 through Frontiers Music Srl. The release comes 43 years into the band’s career.
Sweet said the album’s single “Here In Your Heart” is “the perfect representation of who we are now as a band.” Stryper also started its Four Decades and Counting headline tour on September 29. The band has U.S. dates scheduled across several states. These include a stop in Warrendale, Pennsylvania, on October 4.
