STRYPER Releases New Single 'Rise To The Call'
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Openly Christian hard rockers STRYPER have released a new single and lyric video, "Rise To The Call". The song is taken from their upcoming album, which is set for release later this year via Frontiers Music Srl. The follow-up to 2020's "Even The Devil Believes" was produced by guitarist/vocalist Michael Sweet and was once again recorded at SpiritHouse Recording Studios in Northampton, Massachusetts.
Sweet commented: "Although we have faced many obstacles over the past few years, we were somehow able to rise above everything that stood in our way and deliver (what I believe to be) our strongest release to date.
"Our new album encompasses everything that defines who we are: faith, guitar power, melodies and harmonies, consistency and longevity.
"We still have so much left to say musically and lyrically and this album showcases that. We couldn't do it without the fans worldwide. Those who have stood by us through it all, for almost 40 years!
"We're so honored and blessed to be able to release our 14th studio album and to be making the best music of our lives/careers. Against all odds, we're still here."
This past January, the 58-year-old Sweet, who recently underwent surgery for a re-detached retina, said that he was "more concerned with the state of our world" as he continued to work on lyrics for the band's upcoming 14th studio LP. At the time, he wrote on his social media: "I'll be honest. I'm a little nervous about the new album. Not the music itself but more so the process.
"We're obviously not operating at 100%," he continued. "Oz [Fox, STRYPER guitarist] lost the hearing in his left ear and I've lost my vision (hopefully and prayerfully short term) in my right eye. We'll be working this way and it's certainly a first. How will it affect our performances? Not much. It most likely will take a little longer to get what we want but maybe not. We'll have to see how that goes.
"I'm also at that place where I'm more concerned with the state of our world. I'm concerned about what I see on the news. Is it just me or does it feel as though we're in a much darker place these days? Our country, our world. Maybe I'm wrong but it feels as though darkness is overtaking the light. People seem much colder and more concerned about themselves than they do others. There are some good people out there but times are definitely changing sadly.
"So, as I've been facedown I've been writing lyrics and although there are some straight up songs about love, there's more of a take on the state of this world with lyrics that definitely address that," Sweet added. "Maybe, just maybe this album will shed a little light into and onto some dark areas. That's always my goal and always my desire. To help, not to hurt. To heal, not to damage. This is my intention with every song I write."
In December, Sweet stated about the musical direction of STRYPER's new material: "Lots of riffs, grooves, up tempo and mid tempo and everything has a great feel to it. I've only sent music to the guys so they haven't heard any melodies yet but the melodies are strong and powerful.
"It's always a little strange talking about your own music but I can say that I'm really excited about the direction of this album! I know you will be too. We've tuned down to D so the tuning makes it all sound a little fatter and heavier. There are a few songs with the low E string dropped down another step (C) so those songs have a bit more meat and potato's as well;-) There are a few ballads but they're not your typical 'piano' or 'acoustic' ballads. They're heavy as well and definitely guitar driven.
"Even though there have been obstacles along the way, this album really has shaped up to be an amazing piece of work," Sweet added. "We're a long way out but man, I can't wait for all of you to hear this!!"
In March 2021, Fox underwent the first of his brain surgeries to treat one of the tumors that were found in his head more nearly four years ago. That same month, STRYPER and Frontiers Music Srl announced that they have extended their working relationship for the release of more new studio albums together.
