I vividly remember seeing the video for the Stryper track Calling On You on the Kerrang! Video compilation back in 1986 and feeling unsure whether I liked them or not. I mean, it was a catchy tune, but the image? The stripes, the big hair, the fireworks. It was the antithesis of my Metal path at the time. I was a fully signed-up Thrasher, but I did like Calling On You.
Stryper – Throne Of Thorns
Release Date: 25 September 2026
Words: Kenny Kendrick
Due to my indifference, I never went any further on my Stryper journey, but after hearing their latest LP, I am already digging further into the Stryper back catalogue.
Stryper enjoyed huge success in the ’80s and never wavered from their Christian message. Apparently, the band would throw out Bibles to the audience at the end of their shows. I am sure the Christian element was a genuine statement and not just a gimmick.
Stryper’s latest effort, Throne Of Thorns, is their 18th studio album. It is a slick, polished Metal record that is dripping with quality songs, musicianship and crystal-clear production. I am pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed listening to this album.
The album opens with the title track, wielding a bombastic chorus highlighted by sublime vocal melodies. Vocalist Michael Sweet has this to say about the title track, “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.”
Here In Your Heart kicks off with a mid-paced chugging riff before it dives into a huge chorus complete with classical strings. There is some blistering guitar work on display from Michael Sweet. Falling is another superb track. The vocal melodies are off the scale. Drummer Robert Sweet plays a blinder throughout the album, rock solid.
The album is jam-packed with massive arrangements and sing-along choruses. Carry The Flame is my favourite track on the album. A chunky riff is carried along by more lush vocal arrangements. Absolute quality.
Hollywood soars with its angelic chorus. Michael Sweet is on fire throughout the record. He really does sound amazing, and his songwriting abilities are evident throughout the record.
The final track Shadowbreaker closes the album with flair, as Michael Sweet shreds like a beast, while Robert Sweet showcases some tasty double bass flurries.
Stryper has delivered a record to be proud of. Throne Of Thorns is a banger.
Stryper release Throne Of Thorns on 25 September 2026 via Frontiers Music Srl. Pre-orders are available from ffm.bio/stryper-throneofthornsalbum.
