Stryper have released a lyric video for “Ashes To Roses”, the second song unveiled from Throne Of Thorns.
The band’s 18th studio album lands September 25 through Frontiers Music Srl on CD, 12-inch vinyl and digital formats.
Frontman Michael Sweet framed the track as a departure that still sits inside the band’s identity: “‘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 all the people out there who have been wanting a good melodic rock ballad from the band. You asked, we listened!”
That last line is the point. Stryper built much of their commercial breakthrough in the 1980s on ballads, and the audience has never stopped wanting them. “Ashes To Roses” sits at track nine on the record.
The album’s opening song arrived in June alongside a music video. Sweet tied it directly to the band’s central message: “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!”
The band takes its name from Isaiah 53:5, a verse ending in the line about healing through stripes — the source of the yellow-and-black colors that made them visually unmistakable four decades ago.
Drummer Robert Sweet put the emphasis on his brother’s writing and on the album count: “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 [Fox], 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, who joined in 2017 after years with Firehouse, offered the shortest statement of the four and the one least concerned with the record itself.
“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,” he said.
Guitarist Oz Fox closed out the band’s comments with an assessment of his bandmates.
“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.”
Frontiers describes the album as a showcase of grand, meticulously built arrangements, pairing thunderous rhythms and layered guitar harmonies with anthemic choruses, and singles out Michael Sweet‘s vocal work as a defining element across the eleven tracks.
Throne Of Thorns follows a stretch of steady output. Stryper issued The Greatest Gift Of All, their first Christmas record, in November 2025 through Frontiers. Michael Sweet‘s solo album The Master Plan came in April 2026 on the same label.
The band’s catalogue also includes To Hell With The Devil, Second Coming, No More Hell To Pay, Fallen, God Damn Evil, Even The Devil Believes and The Final Battle.
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”
