Stryper have released their 18th studio album, Throne Of Thorns, through Frontiers Music Srl, continuing to blend their signature message with a sound that’s been declared as powerful and relevant as ever, with a plethora of singles having been taken from the parent record.
Tracks featured on the album are: ‘Throne Of Thorns’, ‘Here In Your Heart’, ‘Falling’, ‘I’m Alright (I’m Okay)’, ‘Waiting For You’, ‘Carry The Flame’, ‘Hollywood’, ‘Beautifully Broken’, ‘Ashes To Roses’, ‘Alone Again’ and ‘Shadowbreaker’.
“‘Shadowbreaker’ is a full throttle banger and a great way to end the album. It represents our heavier side perfectly, and where we’re at as a band in 2026,” said lead vocalist Michael Sweet, who also handles lead and rhythm guitars alongside Oz Fox, Sweet’s brother Robert on drums and percussion, with Perry Richardson on vocals and bass.
Throne Of Thorns not only honours the band’s legacy but expands upon it. Richardson said of the new album: “The best music doesn’t come from comfort. It comes from living, struggling, growing, and refusing to quit. I hope these songs find you exactly when you need them.”
Fox also commented, saying: “I’m really happy with the final outcome of this record and of the heart that went into it. Michael continues to pour everything he has into the music and the message; Robert brings the power and energy that has always been the pulse of Stryper; Perry’s musicianship, vocal talents, and dedication are second to none, and I’m grateful to be on this journey with all of them.”
Their previous single was ‘Here In Your Heart’, about which the band commented collectively: “This song is the perfect representation of who we are now as a band. We work hard to retain our classic sound, but also mix in some modern flairs here and there. The message is always the same: God is always there. No matter what. We may not be, but he is.”
Before that came ‘Ashes To Roses’, with Sweet explaining: “‘Ashes To Roses’ is definitely a little different for us. It’s got a little bit more of a throwback/classic rock vibe yet it’s got everything you would expect from Stryper. It’s going to appeal [to] all the people out there who have been wanting a good melodic rock ballad from the band. You asked, we listened!”
The title track also came out as a single, and Sweet said of it: “‘Throne Of Thorns’ is a powerful message. Christ is on the throne, and we are redeemed because of the crown of thorns that He endured. This song is a perfect representation of our 43 years and who we were, and who we are. Heavy yet melodic, classic yet modern, and 100% Stryper!”
“This one is for the old school metal heads. It’s a little 1985 mixed with a little 1991, with a little 2026 sprinkled on top,” Sweet said regarding ‘I’m Alright (I’m Okay)’. “It has all the qualities that you’ve come to expect from Stryper, yet it also blends in perfectly with the times we live in. It’s a battle cry to stand strong and persevere no matter what, while believing that you will be alright, you will be okay!”
And on the album as a whole, Robert Sweet said: “Can you believe it? It’s album number 18! I really believe you’re all going to love it. Michael worked incredibly hard writing these songs and bringing everything together. Oz, Perry, and I also worked hard to make this, what I feel is our best record yet. I’m confident that once you hear it, you’ll agree. Thank you all for your incredible loyalty and for continuing to support what we do.”
Four decades and counting, Stryper show no signs of slowing down.
