STRYPER's MICHAEL SWEET Says A Lot Of Good Rock Bands Are Putting Out 'Crap' New Music

March 14, 2015

In a brand new interview with Guitar International, STRYPER guitarist/vocalist Michael Sweet was asked for his take on the Grammy Awards overlooking rock and heavy metal.

"It's really crazy," Sweet responded. "I'm a fan of all types of good music. When I hear a song, I don't care if it's R&B, country or whatever. If it's a good song, it's a good song. You have to recognize and respect it regardless of what type of music it is."

He continued: "I think rock is the best music and involves the best players and songwriting. I may be [biased] here. [Laughs] I'm sure people will be reading this going, 'What an arrogant jerk!' But, I think I'm right and a lot of people would agree with me."

Sweet added: "The sad thing is that rock is so overlooked these days. We have to figure a way out of this fast, to get it back on top again.

"As long as bands keep making CDs that are better than their last, then fans will come around again. Unfortunately, there are a lot of good bands that are putting out crap. You A/B it to their glory days and it doesn't compare. That's a big part of the problem. Maybe they stopped caring.

"Put a little more into it, [and] lose the pride and the ego in thinking you can still write hit songs. You can work with co-writers or figure out how to put something out that rivals the old days. Fans will come back and radio will play good music.

"Maybe I'm dreaming, but think it is as simple as that. If you make a great CD, they will come."

STRYPER entered SpiritHouse Recording Studios in Northampton, Massachusetts last month to begin recording its new album, "Fallen", for a late 2015 release via Frontiers. Songtitles set to appear on the CD include "Let There Be Light", 'Big Screen Lies", the title track and a cover version of the BLACK SABBATH classic "After Forever".

"Fallen" will include a song that was co-written by SEVENDUST guitarist Clint Lowery.

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