STRYPER Is 'Reborn'

The multi-platinum and Billboard-charting rock band STRYPER is back and set to release "Reborn" via Big3 Records on August 16, 2005. "Reborn" marks the band's first complete studio release of original material in over a decade, since 1990's "Against the Law", and features 10 original tracks marked by STRYPER's trademark blend of melodic vocals, heavy guitar licks and pounding drums, as well a new version of the previously released track "In God We Trust". After writing and recording some songs in April 2004, vocalist Michael Sweet approached the band about reuniting and recording the material as a STRYPER record. The album was re-recorded in Massachussetts at Blue Jay Studio, Mixed Emotions, and Sweet's home studio. The title track, "Reborn" (mp3 sample),is provocatively dark with catchy lyrics and raw guitar riffs, and will impact radio on June 7.

Said Michael Sweet of the new record, "Our fans have said they would like to hear STRYPER with more edge, but I didn't want to do something so heavy that it would limit us. We were able to deliver the edge yet still keep the melody and catchy guitar riffs." As for the title "Reborn", Sweet remarks, "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. We truly feel like a new band."

The release of "Reborn" begins a remarkable new chapter in STRYPER's career. With eight albums released and more than eight million albums sold worldwide, the band has been a pioneering force in the Christian metal music scene, and one of the most exciting forces in American rock music. "Reborn" encapsulates the band's signature sound, yet includes a modern twist that will not only speak to STRYPER's loyal fan base worldwide, but also to hard rock fans everywhere. On this album particularly, Michael Sweet and the band have pushed the envelope while still understanding the delicate balance between heaviness and melody. "Reborn" was written, produced and arranged by Michael Sweet (with additional production by Kenny Lewis).

Original STRYPER members Michael Sweet (lead vocals, guitar),Oz Fox (lead guitar),Robert Sweet (drums) are pleased to announce the addition of Tracy Ferrie (bass) to the band. STRYPER will embark on a North American tour in support of the record this fall. Prior to the album release, the band will perform at Spain's big music festival Recinto Ferial Huerto de la Rueda on June 18, and coming off a smashing live show in Puerto Rico in late 2004, they will grace fans with a return visit on August 20, just days after the album is released on August 16. STRYPER will be showcasing material from "Reborn", as well as performing hits from their successful run of recordings in the '80s and early '90s. Big3 Records will also release a STRYPER DVD, packed with live footage and special features, by the end of the year. The DVD is history in the making. Not only is it the first STRYPER DVD to be released, but it is also the first-ever live music filmed in Puerto Rico.