by PAUL SOUTHWELL
THRONE of Thorns, the eighteenth album from Stryper, makes an immediate impact.
It opens with a pounding drum roll and a punchy rhythm guitar track, fronted by Michael Sweet’s distinct vocals, trademark vocal harmonies, and grounded, lived-experience lyrics. The title track promises to be a standout live performance, powered by Perry Richardson’s pedaled bassline driving seamlessly alongside Robert Sweet’s sharp drumming. Due to lead guitarist Oz Fox’s health challenges during recording, Michael Sweet handles all lead guitar work on the record. Nevertheless, this transition doesn’t diminish either musician’s contribution. Recorded at Spirithouse Recording Studio under Michael Sweet’s production, the release captures classic Stryper tone, feel, and execution with outstanding results.
The follow-up heavy track and recent single, “Here in Your Heart,” proves surprisingly infectious. It features key contributions from collaborator Paul McNamara alongside a driving Sweet-penned riff that integrates effortlessly into the arrangement. A dynamic key shift from minor to a brighter major elevates the chorus, allowing the heavy riffs to maintain their metal edge without sacrificing mainstream radio appeal. Subtle touches of flanger and wah pedal across the guitar lines add compelling sonic texture.
“Falling” delivers a straightforward, driving heavy metal cadence anchored by floor toms and cymbals, further elevated by soaring vocal performances. The energy builds into four-part harmonies before launching into crisp scalar and tapping guitar solos, culminating in a reprised opening riff enhanced with an old-school phased effect. Lead single “I’m Alright (I’m Okay)” keeps the momentum high with a fast-paced, pedaled rhythm, powerful vocals, and tight instrumentation. Its vibrant guitar solo packs all the classic Stryper signatures into a sharp, concise package before resolving back into the chorus.
Honoring the classic eighties tradition of placing a ballad in the fifth slot—marking the end of side one for vinyl listeners—”Waiting for You” offers a poignant sense of yearning. As the twin guitar lines enter, the track evokes the spirit of their early power ballads, executed with effortless skill.
“Carry the Flame” carries a marching tempo that balances heavy impact with melodic craft. Sweet’s vocal delivery mixes grit and conviction, showcasing the enduring strength of his voice. The guitar work remains fluid, incorporating tremolo picking and rich melodies without overpowering the song. This balanced approach continues effectively across the remainder of the tracklist.
Tracks like “Hollywood” and “Beautifully Broken” present cautionary, redemptive themes paired with heartfelt lyrics and near-virtuosic guitar work. Richardson’s bass stands out distinctly, giving the rhythm section a firm, driving push. “Beautifully Broken” serves as a standout deep cut for dedicated fans, highlighting sleek eighties-style rhythm guitar textures and soaring lead vocals.
“Ashes to Roses” shifts the tempo, reinforcing the band’s priority of strong songwriting over technical display. While not a conventional earworm, it carries clear radio potential. A harmonized twin-guitar solo recalls their classic catalog, while polished, contemporary production brings their signature sound up to date.
“Along Again” is an original piece rather than a Dokken cover—a nod that won’t escape fans aware of Sweet’s work alongside George Lynch. The song incorporates subtle atonal note choices and creative vocal processing, anchoring its movement around a strong, repeating chorus. A marching guitar rhythm transitions into a rich harmony line before swinging back to the core hook.
True to form, Stryper concludes the album with an absolute powerhouse. The release-day single “Shadowbreaker” is primed to become a concert staple, galloping out of the gate in classic Iron Maiden fashion. Sweet displays remarkable vocal vibrato, complemented by scalar guitar runs over a half-time groove and pentatonic tremolo accents—all tailored to serve the song without overshadowing it. A dramatic burst of instrumentation and a pitch-delayed final chord bring the track to a flawless end.
From a purely musical standpoint, Stryper remains exceptional. This release stands as a remarkable achievement, particularly when considering personal health hurdles and broader societal turbulence. None of these challenges have dimmed their artistic devotion or their commitment to their faith and spiritual King, Jesus Christ. Assessed purely on its artistic merits, Stryper has delivered an extraordinary, superb effort.
