Stryper Getting Ready to Uncover 'The Covering' - Preview New Stryper Album Clips

Formed in 1983 in Orange County, California, Stryper burst onto the Christian music scene with their debut EP The Yellow and Black Attack in 1984. Their yellow and black spandex outfits, makeup, and metal musical leanings revolutionized the gospel music industry. Stryper's 1986 album, To Hell with the Devil, was the first gospel album to go platinum, and they were the first Christian band to get airplay on MTV, where they had several hit videos. (Associated Content) They have since gone on to sell 8 million albums, touring the world with their inspirational message and their unique blend of gospel rock songs, heavy guitars, and tight vocal harmonies.

Stryper - "Murder by Pride" & 25th Anniversary Tour

In 1992 at a time when most metal and glam metal groups of the 1980s were losing popularity, Stryper disbanded, but the group reunited in 2003 and has released two new studio albums since then with a third on the way. Their last album, Murder by Pride, was released in 2009. The band promoted the Murder by Pride project with the 25th Anniversary World Tour which took Stryper across North America, South America, Europe and Australia over the course of the year.

Stryper - "The Covering"

Following the 25th Anniversary Tour, Stryper headed back into the studio to work on their next album, The Covering, which is the first studio album in nearly two decades which original members Michael Sweet, Tim Gaines, Robert Sweet, Oz Fox and longtime keyboardist Charles Foley have recorded together. The band says The Covering, which was produced by Michael Sweet, will be unlike anything Stryper has done before. The group has recorded a collection of cover songs from the bands that inspired them including: Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, Kansas, Black Sabbath, and more. The Black Sabbath song "Heaven and Hell" will be the first single, expected to hit iTunes in advance of the album. The Covering, which is tentatively scheduled to release October 13th on Big3 Records/SONY records, will also include "God," a new original Stryper song. (Examiner)

Stryper Fans Preview The Covering

Fans will be able to preview the new album for a limited time by following Stryper lead vocalist Michael Sweet on Twitter at twitter.com/michaelhsweet. Sweet promises to reveal a secret website where fans can go to hear exclusive song clips not available anywhere else.

"The Covering" - Original Stryper Lineup

"This record includes the original lineup," explains Michael Sweet. "Tim, Robert, Oz and I haven't recorded a full-length project together since 1990's Against the Law (Enigma Records), so this is truly history in the making. We also had what was probably the best time we've ever had recording a record together, and I believe that this comes through in the energy and the spirit of each track. We're all extremely excited about this record and more importantly, we're all extremely confident about the future of Stryper and the four of us making music together for years to come."

Sources:

Gospel Rockers Stryper Announce 25th Anniversary Tour - the Yellow and Black Attack is Back!

Stryper and Manic Drive on tour: yellow and black...and blue attack

Stryper announces Holy Land tour - gospel rockers to take 150 Stryper fans to Israel

Stryper announces 25th anniversary tour

Stryper's Michael Sweet to Release Solo Effort