STRYPER – Throne of Thorns

As mentioned in a review of their Christmas album, The Greatest Gift of All (2025), Stryper certainly have balls for sticking to their Christian roots after all these years because, not going to lie, Christian metal is not for everyone! Even if God and Jesus Christ aren’t mentioned in their songs, the messages they’re trying to convey feel like they’re being forcefully shoved down everyone’s throats. Michael Jackson did a song called “Keep the Faith” on his Dangerous (1991) album, but knowing not everyone is religious, he, Glen Ballard, and Siedah Garrett wrote it about perseverance. It still has that church vibe, but it’s not necessarily religious! Considering Stryper have been around for four decades, however, they must be doing something right. Their latest studio album, Throne of Thorns (2026), is the follow-up to When We Were Kings (2024). The lineup that plays on the album includes Michael Sweet on lead vocals and lead and rhythm guitars, Robert Sweet on drums and percussion, Oz Fox on lead and rhythm guitars and backing vocals, and Perry Richardson on bass guitar and backing vocals.

The Heavy Metal Christian Church

In a 2020 interview with Michael, he brings up a point about there being limitations on Stryper because they’re a Christian metal band. Religion aside, the music is actually really good and really heavy! The title track kicks off the album in a banging way; it’s got a great hook and the backing vocals are amazing. “Here in Your Heart” is obviously about God, but it’s such a beautifully written song with balls. If Stryper had their own church, “Here in Your Heart” would be the opening number to kick off service. The choir backing vocals in the chorus give the song an angelic quality. “Falling” has an insanely catchy chorus, the instrumentation is freaking heavy, and though the song is about God, neither He nor Jesus Christ are mentioned in it. “Waiting for You” is a groovy ballad with a lot of heart and soul.

“Ashes to Roses” is another slower song on the album, and what’s cool about it is the combination of electric and acoustic guitars. The melodies are gorgeous, and there’s a comforting feel to the song, just that no one has to feel alone, even in their darkest hour. “Shadowbreaker” is a barnstorming finale to the Throne of Thorns album with speed metal vibes, a piercing guitar riff, and fists pumping in the air saying Jesus Christ rules! In case it’s not obvious, Jesus Christ is mentioned in the song.

Final Assessment

Michael, for the most part, is a great singer, but on “It’s Alright (It’s Okay)” and “Carry the Flame,” he screams at the conclusion of both songs, and his voice painfully gives out at the end. Don’t try to be Rob Halford; it’s not worth it! “Alone Again” is actually not bad, but it’s annoyingly repetitive. “Beautifully Broken” is very corny, but others may disagree. Also, as mentioned before, the messages of God are forcefully shoved down everyone’s throats, but Stryper are sincere in their faith, so props to them for that! The album has a modern-sounding production that is both heavy and melodic; everyone gets their chance to shine, especially the drums. For those who are interested, give Stryper’s Throne of Thorns (2026) a chance!

Album Tracklist

1. Throne of Thorns
2. Here in Your Heart
3. Falling
4. I’m Alright (I’m Okay)
5. Waiting for You
6. Carry the Flame
7. Hollywood
8. Beautifully Broken
9. Ashes to Roses
10. Alone Again
11. Shadowbreaker

Band Lineup

Michael Sweet – lead vocals and lead and rhythm guitars
Robert Sweet – drums and percussion
Oz Fox – lead and rhythm guitars, and backing vocals
Perry Richardson – bass guitar and backing vocals

Check out the visualizer for “Shadowbreaker” from Stryper’s Throne of Thorns album!