Michael Sweet band photo

Michael Sweet Unleashes the Underrated Power of 'Murder By Pride'

By Jason •
Stryper's frontman reflects on a pivotal album that's been overlooked in the heavy metal canon.

In a raw and candid message to the Stryper faithful, frontman Michael Sweet has thrown down the gauntlet, declaring 'Murder By Pride' as potentially the most underrated gem in their extensive discography. Released on July 21, 2009, this album marked a crucial step in the band's resurgence into the heavy metal arena, and Sweet is ready to remind us all of its legacy.

Sweet reveals intriguing nuggets about the album's creation, noting that the iconic Oz did not grace the cover with his presence, and that this was the first and only record where bassist Robert Sweet did not make his mark. The album also marked the debut of drummer Danny Bernini, and was recorded in the legendary Longview Farms studio—a hallowed ground where rock titans like The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, and Alice In Chains once laid down their own sonic masterpieces.

As if that wasn’t enough, this album also features the drumming prowess of Kenny Aronoff, and saw the band wrap up the recording at the renowned SpiritHouse Studios. 'This album was written and recorded during the most difficult time of mine and my family's lives,' Sweet confesses, adding a layer of emotional weight to the already powerful tracks.

One thrilling highlight of 'Murder By Pride' is the guest guitar solo by none other than Tom Scholz on their cover of Boston’s classic 'Peace Of Mind.' According to Sweet, it was a rare moment when Scholz lent his axe to another artist's work. And if that isn't enough to pique your interest, Sweet adds a touch of the bizarre: 'We literally slept in the stables,' offering a glimpse into the unique environment that shaped the album's sound.

'Murder By Pride' boasts standout tracks like the title song, 'Alive,' 'Mercy Over Blame,' 'I Believe,' and 'Run In You,' which Sweet passionately declares are some of Stryper's finest. It’s a record that deserves more than just a passing nod in discussions about the band’s discography, and Sweet is on a mission to make sure it gets the recognition it deserves.