Interview With Michael Sweet | “I’ve Always Wanted To Make An Album Like This”

In just over a year since this webzine launched, this is already the second time we’ve had the chance to sit down with Michael Sweet, the prolific lead singer of the legendary band Stryper. Times are changing rapidly. Between interviews, Stryper toured Argentina, released a new album, and has another on the way; Michael himself recently released his new solo album, and there’s talk of his health, and more. We’ll be breaking down all these details in this interesting conversation.
The main focus of the interview? Of course, “The Master Plan”, the new solo album Michael has released, which, while moving away from the Hard Rock/Metal sound we’re used to from Stryper, reveals different facets in an album that looks musically compelling enough to be worth checking out….

First of all, I’d like to ask about your health—how are you feeling and how is your medical treatment going?

“I’m actually doing well right now. They are going to check me again in June, and they are doing what is called active surveillance. They’re just going to keep an eye on it for now because it’s slow growing and contained. So I’ll know more in June.”

Despite everything, you’re still working on your music, with a new solo album like “The Master Plan”. What did you set out to achieve with this new album?

“I’ve always wanted to make an album like this. During Covid, I had the opportunity, so I started writing and recording an album to inspire and encourage people. During those times, everything seemed so hopeless, and I wanted people to have hope. So now it is a reality and the album is finally coming out after a long wait. Almost 6 years.”

Beyond the overall tone of “The Master Plan,” we notice a slight influence of gospel music as well as country/blues—is that correct?

“There is definitely a little gospel in the sound of the album, but also I’m drawing from my roots. My musical roots are from the 60s, 70s and 80s. I listen to everything from the Bee Gees to Creedence Clearwater Revival, Al Green, ABBA, Motown, and obviously rock. But I love all kinds of music and I wanted to bring that out in this album.”

Is your solo work where you can express yourself musically in a different way than with Stryper? What musical style would you like to explore more deeply outside of Hard Rock/Metal?

“I love experimenting and bringing out different sides of my personality, musically speaking. I can’t do that with Stryper because we’re more focused on sticking to a certain sound. What the fans expect. We experiment a little bit, but when I do solo albums, I can experiment a lot more. And I really enjoy that.”

Speaking of Stryper, based on what you’ve posted on social media, you’re in the middle of recording a new album. What details can you share that aren’t known yet? Is there a release date?

“I just finished the vocals and guitar solos for the new Stryper album. It is shaping up to be an excellent album. It is a little different from past albums, yet there are similarities people will obviously hear when they listen. It’s going to be a great one.”

Have you ever thought about having a special guest on a Stryper track as a collaboration?

“We have thought about that, and we have done that in the past, but for the most part, it’s much easier for us to just go in and do everything on our own. Many times it’s difficult to make schedules align and work out all the logistics to make something like that happen.”

We heard that for this new album, you decided to change your vocal style, avoiding high-pitched screams this time. Is that decision related to your health, or just a change?

“There are still some high pitched screams on the new album, but just not a lot. I chose my battles, and I kept it more in line with the less is more mentality. It was not anything to do with my health. Just more so the fact that I was thinking about trying something different.”

Stryper’s last two albums are quite different from each other. What can you tell us about the new material in terms of style?

“It’s definitely got its own signature and sound. You will notice that it is 100% Stryper, but at the same time it’s got a little different feel and vibe to it, more so in the grooves and the riffs. But we’re very pleased with how it turned out and I think fans are going to love it.”

I assume that once the new album is released, you’ll go on tour to promote it. Are there any dates planned for a new tour?

“Oh yes, we will definitely be touring to promote the new album. The new album will come out this year most likely in September or October and we will tour next year in support of the album. The first single/song most likely will come out in July.”

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the release of “To Hell With The Devil.” How does that make you feel?

“Very old ha ha ha. In all seriousness, it is amazing to see the legacy of Stryper and historically see what we have accomplished over the years. This new album will be our 18th studio album and that’s not including all the compilation and live albums that we’ve done. So we’ve got quite a catalog. And then add to that all of my solo albums and all of the side projects that I’ve done. So a lot has been done and it’s really something else and something incredible.”

Do you plan to hold a commemorative concert or do anything in particular to celebrate the 40th anniversary?

“We have not really discussed that, but we may do that. Of course, once we make that decision, we will let everybody know. But that is our biggest album and I’m sure people would love it if we played it in its entirety.”

In 2025, you toured Latin America. What did you think of the audience’s response, particularly in Argentina?

“The audiences/fans are incredible throughout South America. There is a higher level of excitement, or so it seems. So much passion and people really love their music there. It’s always amazing to be a part of that and to feel that energy. And we look forward to coming back.”

Will you be coming back here this year?

“There is nothing confirmed as of yet, but I would say that most likely we will definitely be coming back next year. Even if it’s just to do a few local shows. But I’m sure we will be back and if not in 2026, certainly in 2027.”

I know you’ve spoken out several times about the topic of so-called “Christian Metal” or the “Christian band” label—do you think that affects bands in any way?

“Yes, I do. I think it puts limitations on bands. Because there are many people who don’t want to listen to Christian music. The minute they hear that it’s a Christian band they won’t even give it the time of day. So that’s unfortunate. This is why I like to be referred to as Christians in a rock band instead of a Christian rock band. It’s just how I feel and yet at the same time, we are probably the most bold band in the world in terms of our faith. So we are not embarrassed by our faith whatsoever!”

We’d like to thank you in advance for your time with us and for your usual kindness. Finally, we’d love for you to leave a message for all Stryper fans, especially those in Latin America and Argentina….

“I’d like to say God bless all of our fans in Argentina. We love and miss you and we appreciate your support and you are like family to us. So we will see you soon enough and until then, stay safe and much love and respect.”

It’s incredible how much strength Michael Sweet finds to keep going. Despite his health issues, he keeps pushing forward—not only with his solo work, as evidenced by “The Master Plan,” but also with a new Stryper album they plan to release this year, which they’re currently working on.
In the meantime, while we wait for whatever new material Stryper has in store, we have not only “The Master Plan,” a unique album to listen to, but also the band’s latest release. We’re talking about “The Greatest Gift Of All,” whose review you can find below, along with the preview we shared at the time of Michael Sweet’s latest solo effort.
And, as is our blessed custom, we’re also providing the social media handles for both Michael and Stryper, so you can stay up to date on all their latest news…