STRYPER's MICHAEL SWEET To Begin Recording New Solo Album In January

December 2, 2018

STRYPER frontman Michael Sweet has confirmed that he is working on material for his next solo album. The follow-up to 2016's "One Sided War" will arrive in 2019 via Rat Pak Records.

Sweet wrote on his Facebook page: "Writing songs has always been part of my DNA. Once I get into that mode, the flood gates open.

"I spent the past few days working on some ideas, and so far I have 11 that I like. Now I need to weed through them and arrange them and program drum grooves to make 'em feel right.

"Joel Hoekstra [WHITESNAKE] and I are co-writing two songs together so I'm waiting to hear what he comes up with and that will make 13 tracks total (12 for U.S., one bonus track for overseas).

"So far there are old school, straight-ahead metal ideas ala [JUDAS] PRIEST and DIO as well as a few uptempo riffs ala [IRON] MAIDEN. There's also a few ballads with a bit of a [LED] ZEPPELIN vibe. I'm sure there will be a few other ideas to come over the next few weeks as well.

"Between now and the first week of January, I'll arrange and finetune everything as well as compose the lyrics.

"So far, I'm really excited about the musical direction and I'm sure you will be too. I'm bringing back a few of those classic hooks and melodies that some of you have asked for. Ask and you shall receive.

"It's going to be a killer album, friends! We start tracking on January 14 and it should be turned in by mid-April at the latest (it would be sooner, but STRYPER is going to Japan in early February and rehearsing, so I'll be taking a few weeks off from recording).

"Thank you all for believing in me and for your undying support. I couldn't do this without you and I’m blessed to be able to encourage and inspire all of you through music.

"God bless and stay tuned."

"One Sided War" was released in August 2016 via Rat Pak Records. Backing Michael on the record were Hoekstra, EVANESCENCE drummer Will Hunt, bassist John O'Boyle and East Coast shred-master Ethan Brosh.

In a 2016 interview with The Aquarian Weekly, Sweet said that he enjoyed making solo albums "because it's an opportunity to free myself up a little bit more, experiment a little bit more, and try some things that STRYPER may not be able to try."

STRYPER's latest album, "God Damn Evil", was released in April via Frontiers Music Srl.

Writing songs has always been part of my DNA. Once I get into that mode the flood gates open. I spent the past few days...
Posted by Michael Sweet on Sunday, December 2, 2018

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