Stryper have released a lyric video for “Here In Your Heart“, the latest song from Throne Of Thorns, which arrives on September 25 through Frontiers Music Srl.
Michael Sweet described it as a summary of where the band currently stands.
“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.”
It is the fourth song made available from the record, following “I’m Alright (I’m Okay)“, the title track in June and “Ashes To Roses” at the start of August.
Throne Of Thorns is unusual in the band’s catalogue for a reason not mentioned in its announcement. Sweet played every guitar part on it himself, after Oz Fox was unable to record.
“Well, I’ll tell you, just because I just did an interview for [a media outlet from] Italy, and they asked me the question directly. They said, ‘Oz did a great job on guitar on this album.’ And then they said, ‘What’s your favorite solos that he did?’ And I postponed the interview, ’cause it was a written e-mail interview, and I called Oz and I said, ‘Hey, man, we better talk about this, ’cause I’m gonna start getting questions and whatnot.’ But basically, on this album… Oz had problems with his blood pressure and regulating that, and it really affected his pitch and his hearing, and he wasn’t able to play. He wasn’t able to play, and he was having trouble at rehearsals with Robert [Sweet, Stryper drummer and Michael‘s brother], and Robert came and pulled me aside and said, ‘Hey, Mikey, I just wanna warn you, Oz is having some trouble.’ And I said, “Oh, gosh, okay.’ And then when it came time to track guitars for Oz, and sure enough, he wasn’t able to do it. So, I’m basically playing all the guitars on this album, which is a first. It’s different, and maybe that’s part of the difference in the sound, or maybe not. Who knows? But I tried really hard as a guitar player myself to make it sound like two guitar players, with the style of sections and adding harmonies here and there, coming in and out, doubling, and I really tried my best to make it sound like Stryper sounds,” Sweet told Canada’s “The Metal Voice“.
Sweet built the twin-guitar sound the band is known for by layering and doubling parts himself, varying his approach across the record. Fox remains in Stryper and contributed to the album in other ways.
That context sits behind his own comments on the record.
“I’m really happy with the final outcome of this record and of the heart that went into it,” Fox said. 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.”
Drummer Robert Sweet put the album in the context of the number.
“Soon our new Stryper record will be out, and 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 [Richardson] 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.”
Bassist Perry Richardson was briefer. “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.”
Michael Sweet explained the title when the album was announced. “‘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!”
Throne Of Thorns tracklist:
- “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“
- “Shadowbreaker“
Stryper open a United States headline run on September 29 in Derry, New Hampshire, working through to October 25 at the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, with a further date on December 5 at the Coca-Cola Music Hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The band released a Christmas album, The Greatest Gift Of All, in November 2025 through Frontiers, and Michael Sweet‘s solo record The Master Plan followed in April this year on the same label.
Stryper formed in California 43 years ago and took their name from Isaiah 53:5. The lineup is Michael Sweet on vocals and guitar, Oz Fox on guitar, Perry Richardson on bass and Robert Sweet on drums.
