In a new interview with Screamer Magatine, STRYPER frontman Michael Sweet discusses the band's new album of re-recorded songs from their catalogue, Second Coming, and their forthcoming album of all original material. An excerpt from the story is available below:

The new material is going to be some of the heaviest material from Stryper we have ever seen, even heavier than To Hell With the Devil which is saying something. "Every song has a hooky guitar riff," enthuses Sweet. "Everything is in minor keys, so it’s a little darker sounding and a little tougher. It’s definitely our heaviest record and I think people will be pleasantly surprised."

A warning though, Stryper is known for its heaviness but they are also known for a poppier sound to their music in songs like 'Calling On You', and this album isn’t really for that part of the Stryper fan base.

"The people who do like the poppier side of Stryper like 'Calling On You', 'Holding On', this record isn’t going to really give them that," states Sweet. "There are a lot of vocal hooks and melodies going on but it’s a little darker, and a little edgier. To reference, there is less songs like 'Calling On You' and more songs like 'To Hell With The Devil'. It’s more in that vein than the poppier vein.”

Go to this location for the complete story.

Frontiers Records has been named as the label behind the yet-unnamed new band project featuring STRYPER's Michael Sweet, former DOKKEN and LYNCH MOB axeman George Lynch (pictured below), former WHITE LION bassist James Lomenzo and ex-WHITESNAKE and FOREIGNER drummer Brian Tichy.

The band's debut album will be recorded in early 2014 with Sweet overseeing production duties, for a release pencilled right after the summer of 2014.

Earlier, Michael Sweet (pictured below) took to Stryper's official Facebook page here and posted yet another teaser regarding things to come: "I just signed a deal to do a record with the legendary George Lynch, James Lomenzo and BrianTichy early next year. I'm excited! And you?"

Updates to follow.