http://www.christianrock.net/news.asp?userid= Tuesday, May 03, 2005 The multi-platinum and Billboard charting rock band Stryper is back and set to release Reborn via Big3 Records on August 16, 2005. Reborn marks the band's first complete studio release of original material in over a decade, since 1990's Against The Law, and features 10 original tracks marked by Stryper's trademark blend of melodic vocals, heavy guitar licks and pounding drums, as well a new version of the previously released track "In God We Trust." After writing and recording some songs in April 2004, Michael Sweet approached the band about reuniting and recording the material as a Stryper record. The album was re-recorded in Massachussetts at Blue Jay Studio, Mixed Emotions, and Sweet's home studio. The title track "Reborn" is provocatively dark with catchy lyrics and raw guitar riffs, and will impact radio on June 7th. Said Stryper frontman Michael Sweet of the new record, "Our fans have said they would like to hear Stryper with more edge, but I didn't want to do something so heavy that it would limit us. We were able to deliver the edge yet still keep the melody and catchy guitar riffs." As for the title Reborn, Sweet remarks, "I wrote the song "Reborn" before we decided to reunite as a band, and once we came together it was natural to make this notion the essence of the album as we feel we are being reborn. We truly feel like a new band." The release of Reborn begins a remarkable new chapter in Stryper's career. With 8 albums released and more than 8 million albums sold worldwide, the band has been a pioneering force in the Christian metal music scene, and one of the most exciting forces in American rock music. Reborn encapsulates the band's signature sound, yet includes a modern twist that will not only speak to Stryper's loyal fan base worldwide, but also to hard rock fans everywhere. On this album particularly, Michael Sweet and the band have pushed the envelope while still understanding the delicate balance between heaviness and melody. Reborn was written, produced and arranged by Michael Sweet (with additional production by Kenny Lewis). Original Stryper members Michael Sweet (lead vocals, guitar), Oz Fox (lead guitar), Robert Sweet (drums) are pleased to announce the addition of Tracy Ferrie (bass) to the band. Stryper will embark on a North American tour in support of the record this fall. Prior to the album release, the band will perform at Spain's big music festival Recinto Ferial Huerto de la Rueda on June 18th, and coming off a smashing live show in Puerto Rico in late 2004, they will grace fans with a return visit on August 20th, just days after the album is released on August 16th. Stryper will be showcasing material from Reborn, as well as performing hits from their incredibly successful run of recordings in the 80s and early 90s. Big3 Records will also release a Stryper DVD, packed with live footage and special features, by the end of the year. The DVD is history in the making. Not only is it the first Stryper DVD to be released but it is also the first ever live music filmed in Puerto Rico.
Yeah, apparently it is. The real question is whether they still wing Stryper bibles out into the crowd at gigs.
Will they still be dressed like that bumblebee on Telemundo? And wear make-up? And have platonic relationships with groupies? WWJD?
"Can't you see that you're not making Christianity better? You're just making rock and roll worse!!!"
"Don't listen to your parents and... oh yeah, listen to heavy metal music...!" - Devil to Bart upon Bart's departure from H E double hockey sticks
