When Stryper announced the title of its tenth studio album, God Damn Evil, there was some obvious push back. Many longtime fans were unsure if they could even say the name out loud. But the band’s formula for success in using the double entendre to get their message across is one that’s worked well for them over the past thirty-four years (most notably, on their monster 1986 release, To Hell With The Devil ), and this new album is no different.

With God Damn Evil (which will be released on Friday, April 20), Stryper continues to build on its mantra of shining light in a dark place. It’s an album that features the familiar Christian rockers’ signature sound, hook-laden anthems and thought-provoking messages, but it’s also one that takes a few chances as well.

From the opening track, “Take It To The Cross”; a soaring song that borders on thrash metal, to the modern heaviness and edge of songs like “Sorry” and “Lost,” Stryper continues to push the envelope of their musical creativity. The title track alone is an instant Stryper classic. With a bluesy guitar intro and fist-pumping chorus that’s certain to be a highlight of the band’s set on tour this year.

With a new album and full year of touring, Stryper is also welcoming new bassist, Perry Richardson (Firehouse / Craig Morgan) to the lineup.

Stryper is: Michael Sweet (lead vocals/guitar), Robert Sweet (drums), Oz Fox (guitars/vocals), Perry Richardson (bass/vocals).

AXS recently spoke with Michael Sweet about the new Stryper album and more in this new interview.

AXS: How does God Damn Evil compare with some of the band’s recent albums like Fallen and No More Hell To Pay?

Michael Sweet: Sonically, it’s a little more meatier. We didn’t get into the “loud wars” because the louder you make it, the less punch and dynamics there are. We also tried a few different techniques with cymbals and mic placement as well as with guitar heads and cabinets. With this album, we went for something a little bit different while still retaining our classic sound.

AXS: You’re known for waiting until the last minute to begin work on writing songs for an album. Was that the same process you used for God Damn Evil?

MS: It was the same process. I don’t like writing for six months and then having thirty songs to pick through. I used to write like that back in [the] Eighties. Now, I enjoy working under pressure and starting from scratch. It’s hard to explain but it’s a formula I don’t want to mess with.

Read the rest of my
Interview with Michael Sweet by Clicking Here!