Stryper Is 'Reborn' On August 16th
With eight albums and over eight million records sold, Christian metal pioneers Stryper are set to release their ninth career disc and first full-length studio recording in nearly 15 years, Reborn, on August 16th.
The word reborn communicates so much from a spiritual perspective, says Stryper front man Michael Sweet. It really speaks to how we feel as a band right now. This is a whole new time for us, and were excited.
This marks the groups premier release on Big3 Records and the first album to feature new bassist Tracy Ferrie. Reborn, which was produced by Michael Sweet and Kenny Lewis, will also feature 10 original tracks including a Stryperized version of Amazing Grace re-titled 10,000 Years as well as an updated rendition of the groups song, In God We Trust. The albums first single, Reborn, can already be heard on radio nationwide.
I wrote the song Reborn before we decided to reunite as a band, and once we came together it was natural to make this notion the essence of the album as we feel we are being reborn, said Sweet. We truly feel like a new band.
Beyond the core theme of renewal, Reborn embraces subjects like forgiveness ("If I Die"), God's patience ("Wait for You") and true enlightenment ("Open Your Eyes"). One hard-driving song in particular, "When Did I See You Cry," conveys the reality that God can move in anyone's life, whether homeless, addicted to drugs or simply wandering.
"The power of God is alive, but we often miss it," Sweet asserts. "We see opportunities to share the gospel, but we are so caught up in other things of life that we get sidetracked."
And as with the bands previous albums, Stryper makes sure not to miss their opportunity to share the Gospel in Reborn.
The one theme that is woven into every song on our new album is this: Look to Jesus, says Sweet adamantly. Some people may get tired of hearing this, but we feel God has called us to share the message of Christs love, mercy and grace. Hes always there no matter what, and that what we will proclaim until we die.
Reborn is currently available for pre-order through the bands website. Those who pre-order will also receive a Stryper pocket Bible autographed by the band.
Also in the works from Big3 Records is the first ever Stryper DVD, which will feature the bands 2004 performance in Puerto Rico. The DVD will be the first ever live music filmed in Puerto Rico.
For more information about Stryper, including the bands tour itinerary, go to www.stryper.com.