During a recent interview with host Mike “Radioactive MikeZ” Zara on the 96.7 KCAL-FM radio program “Wired In The Empire“, Stryper frontman Michael Sweet discussed his musical tastes, explicitly stating that he does not actively listen to Metallica. While acknowledging the group’s massive global success, the singer explained that their musical style never resonated with him.
“First of all, look, there’s no denying the greatness of Metallica and what they’ve done, what they’ve accomplished and how they have basically solidified their brand and what they do is amazing. And I think if you ask anyone in the world, most people know who Metallica are, and most people would agree that they’re probably one of the biggest, if not the biggest metal band ever. But that being said, I’m not a big Metallica fan. I’m just not. It’s not what I choose to listen to. It doesn’t do it for me. It’s not my style of metal,” he explained (as transcribed by Blabbermouth).
Michael Sweet noted that he respects the band but prefers other heavy metal artists, specifically highlighting Judas Priest and Pantera as his preferred choices. He praised the guitar playing of the late Pantera guitarist “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott, explaining that his technical style was much more captivating to him as a listener.
“And although I respect them, I wouldn’t pop in a Metallica disc or stream it. I’d much rather listen to [Judas] Priest. In terms of real heavy stuff, I even listen to Pantera a lot more than I listen to Metallica. But obviously there’s a Metallica influence there. But what I liked about Pantera much more was the guitar playing. It grabbed my interest, and I was much more into Dime‘s [Pantera guitarist ‘Dimebag’ Darrell Abbott] style of playing… And I like the Metallica tone, and obviously they’re great players, they’re a great band. It just never did it for me. The singing style, the lead soloing style, even the drumming style,” he continued.
The vocalist acknowledged that his opinion might be unpopular, comparing his stance to someone admitting they do not enjoy Van Halen or The Beatles.
“I know I’m probably upsetting a lot of people out there. And I understand. It’s like someone saying they were never really into Van Halen or never really into The Beatles — or pick any iconic band. I don’t know what to say. But no disrespect to those guys. Nothing but respect in what they’ve accomplished and what they’re still doing. It’s really amazing. And they deserve everything they’ve got, for sure,” he added.
Sweet also confessed that he has never purchased a Metallica song or album, noting that while he can appreciate their music when it plays, he is unfamiliar with their specific song titles.
“I remember I posted something not too long ago, and boy did I get flack for it. It was something to the effect of I couldn’t name one Metallica song. People were, like, ‘What? Man, I don’t know. Whenever a Metallica song comes on, I’m always, like, ‘Yeah, this is cool. This is cool.’ But I’ve never owned a Metallica album or a Metallica song. I’ve never purchased or downloaded or bought anything Metallica,” he concluded.
Sweet recently opened up about his ongoing battle with thyroid cancer and how the diagnosis has profoundly reshaped his worldview. During a recent interview with the “Christian Music Guys” podcast, he explained that facing his own mortality forced him to reevaluate his daily priorities and ultimately surrender control of his situation.
“Well, look, I tell you, I’ve been going through some health issues. I think most people know that. And I’m just kind of putting everything in God’s hands. And one thing that it’s taught me is how to do just that. And I found that until I was diagnosed — I have thyroid cancer, so they’re keeping an eye on everything, and I’m doing fine at the moment — but until I was diagnosed, I didn’t really think much about my mortality or the ever after, just being honest. But then the minute you’re faced with something like that, you do think about that. And it’s something we all better think about, because we’re all gonna face it. And what it did, in my mind, in my heart, is made me want to change my perspective and my priorities on life and try to put what’s important at the top of the list and what’s not important at the bottom of the list. That’s easier said than done, but if you can do that, you’re gonna be a lot better off by doing so. And I think that’s something that — my diagnosis has helped me somewhat to do that, and I’m very happy about that. And then just losing so many people, man,” he explained at the time.
The musician then reflected on the fragility of life, pointing to the sudden and tragic passing of his former Boston bandmate, Tommy DeCarlo, as a sobering reminder that tomorrow is never guaranteed.
“I don’t know about you guys, but it’s something I’ve really noticed the past year is how many people have gone. Just recently, Tommy DeCarlo. I was singing with Tommy in Boston. He’s gone. And if you had asked me a year ago if I would see that happening, I would say ‘no way’. But it’s reality. And not to sound morbid, but it’s coming for us all. And that’s why it’s important to stay humble and put God first. And let God lead your path and lead your way. And wake up every morning and say a simple prayer. Go to bed every night and say a simple prayer. Start and end your days with prayer. It doesn’t have to be anything long. Bring God into your day. Let him be a part of it. And if you do, you are gonna be a lot better off.”
The frontman remains active with several recent musical releases. Stryper released their all-original studio album, When We Were Kings, in September 2024, followed by a Christmas album titled The Greatest Gift Of All in November 2025 through Frontiers Music Srl.
Additionally, Michael Sweet released his latest solo project, The Master Plan, on April 3, 2026. The release is described as his most personal and spiritually focused solo LP to date.
