STRYPER have checked in with the following update:

"Due to unforeseen circumstances, the coffee table book Stryper: By His Strypes will not be released this year. Through the years, Stryper has produced high-quality albums, videos, and tours -- this book will continue that tradition of quality. The original release date of December 2009 has been pushed back to February 15, 2010.

We offer our sincere apologies to the fans for this delay. One bright side is that the delay has allowed for some INCREDIBLE last minute additions to book!

These pictures, submitted by former Enigma Records employees as well as former Metal Edge editor Gerri Miller, are both rare and historic in the visual story of this groundbreaking band. The delay has also allowed the author to include many current pictures from the highly successful Murder By Pride tour!

Thank you for your patience -- we can't wait for you to see it!"

Stryper frontman Michael Sweet recently issued the following North American tour recap:

"I've always been a person who has given everything that I set out to do 110%. This tour has been no different. Rehearsals began 3 weeks prior to the tour and it was really important to work out every note of every song and to bring you all the best version of Stryper that you have ever heard or seen. We were extremely limited in the financial department and this would certainly fall into the 'low budget' category as far as tours go. Back in the day, we toured with 3 tour buses and 3 trucks loaded with walls of amps, lights, pyro, stage props and guitars galore. Now, we travel 12-15 people on a bus pulling a trailer. Although we don't have the production that we once showcased, we still give our all and want to give you the best Stryper show possible. We work hard and hopefully that has shown on this tour. We consider it an honor and a privilege to be able to do what we do and we will never, ever take that for granted.

It all began in Boston on 9/11 and here I sit typing these words on 11/20! How quickly the time passes. I've said this every night on this tour and I'll say it again - savor every moment, make every second count. Be an example in all that you do and live life to the fullest. Life is a precious gift and it passes by so quickly.

We have had some great times on this tour from meeting Criss Angel and finding out he's a huge fan to having dinner with Larry The Cable Guy (Dan), who is a great friend and an amazing guy (thank you for dinner buddy!) to hearing from my good friend Chris Jericho and finding out that he and his wife Jess were flying into San Francisco and driving down to Santa Clara to hang out. Thank you for coming Chris and Jess. There are so many stories and memories from this tour. Amazing!

It was also such an honor to be able to announce my son's band, Flight Patterns and to share the stage with him night after night. Also, to be traveling with Lena and to see her smile everyday. She is an angel.... I love you guys so much and I am proud to be your dad!

Also, to have such a beautiful woman in my life, who understands me and who brings me comfort, laughter, love and joy :-) I love you Lisa........

Thank you Oz, Robert, Tim and Charles for your friendship and for the brotherhood that we share. Maybe we'll be able to look back 25 years from now to celebrate 50 years?

I want to thank our crew - Rick, Kenny, John, CJ and Shaggy - you guys went beyond the call of duty and put up with so much and yet did so with a smile - thank you for being the best crew we've ever had.

As we wrap up this portion of the tour and prepare to head overseas, I want to thank all of you for your kindness in supporting us through the years and for always being there for us. We could not have done any of this without you and we will forever remember every moment, every kind word, every smile and everything that we have shared with you. We love you and we'll see you next time - sooner than later."

Be blessed and stay well my friends,

Michael