Christian rockers STRYPER have released a new single, “See No Evil, Hear No Evil”. The song will appear on their upcoming studio album, which is due 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.
Michael Sweet stated about the track: “‘See No Evil, Hear No Evil’ was, believe it or not, inspired by the health issues that Oz [Fox, guitar] and I have been faced with. Despite our limitations, we were able to deliver an album that is powerful and relevant and ‘See No Evil, Hear No Evil’ is the perfect track to showcase that. We could not be more excited about this album! The best is yet to come.”
“See No Evil, Hear No Evil” follows last month’s successful release of another new single, “Rise To The Call”, which has been receiving praise from press and fans alike in the buildup to STRYPER‘s new LP. The effort firmly continues the trend established over the band’s last few albums, with STRYPER growing heavier while also maintaining their trademark melodies, virtuoso guitar playing, and air-tight rhythms.
Stream/Download “See No Evil, Hear No Evil” HERE.
When “Rise To The Call” was first released, 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.”
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,”
After being on a hiatus for much of the ’90s, STRYPER returned stronger than ever in the early 21st century. Musically, the band has progressed and grown their fan base steadily and continuously, being one of the few “classic” metal bands of the ’80s that managed to keep themselves front and center thanks to the consistency of their musical output.
Michael is joined in STRYPER by his brother Robert Sweet (drums), Oz Fox (guitars) and Perry Richardson (bass).
Last March, STRYPER and Frontiers Music Srl announced that they have extended their working relationship for the release of more new studio albums together. STRYPER and Frontiers originally joined forces in 2013 for the release of “Second Coming”, an album comprised of new recordings of 14 songs from the band’s early years, as well as two brand new songs. What followed has been a string of critically and commercially successful studio albums, including “No More Hell To Pay” (2013), “Fallen” (2015), “God Damn Evil” (2018) and “Even The Devil Believes” (2020). Additionally, a live album and long-form video, “Live At The Whisky” (2014) was made available. Every one of the albums released on Frontiers in the past eight years has successfully charted on the Billboard 200 chart and topped the Hot 100, Rock, Hard Rock, Current and Christian Music album charts.
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