Stryper frontman Michael Sweet has checked in with the following message to the band's fans:

"I hope this isn't too random and that you understand. I just read a very disturbing post presented by one of the most hateful people I've seen on Facebook. I won't give him his two seconds of fame by mentioning his name (I'm sure some of you have already seen his post/posts). 

It's about a recent interview I did where I talk about not wanting to be called and or labeled a Christian band. When I said 'We're not a Christian band' I meant I don't want to be labeled a Christian band. I stand tall for Christ. I do my best to live for Christ (although I fail daily and admit it) and in the end I'll die for Christ, unashamedly. I am a Christian and I'm proud to say it. We're not however a Christian band (at least I don't want to be labeled that). Why? Because we want to reach the world, not just a limited few. When you say 'Christian band' it instantly limits the cause. Why? Many people don't want to have anything to do with Christianity. Why? Because there are some people out there who are hypocritical, judgemental and fanatical who continue to drag the name of Christ through the mud by misrepresenting him. 

I hope you understand what I'm trying to convey and realize that I'm not ashamed of my faith in any way, shape or form. We'll continue fighting the good fight and spreading the true message of Christ to the world - Grace, Love, Mercy & Forgiveness."

Stryper will release their new album, Fallen, on October 16th. Frontman Michael sweet recently spoke with Classic Christian Rock Zone about the first song from the album, "Yahweh”, which is now streaming below.

Sweet: "I met Clint Lowery of Sevendust on a plane last year. He said hello and when we got off the plane we took a photo and he mentioned the influence Stryper was on him when he was younger. It was surprising to hear due to the obvious talent that Clint is blessed with. We started following each other on Twitter and Instagram and then we exchanged contact info. I reached out to Clint and asked him if he would like to co-write a track or two for the new Stryper album. Clint agreed and sent me a few riff ideas. I was instantly drawn to the riff that he sent which eventually became 'Yahweh'. I took his original idea and somehow created this 6:30 minute song, which is quite epic and honestly may be one of the most powerful songs we've done in a long time."

Click here for more.

Says Stryper: “On the album artwork for Fallen we're proud to say that we had the honour of working with Stanis Decker again (who also did No More Hell To Pay). We sent Stanis the concept about Lucifer being cast out of heaven and he sent us this amazing illustration, capturing the original idea perfectly. We're excited to be able to finally show all of you!”

Fallen tracklisting:

"Yahweh"
"Fallen"
"Pride"
"Big Screen Lies"
"Heaven"
"Love You Like I Do"
"All Over Again"
"After Forever" (Black Sabbath cover)
"Till I Get What I Need"
"Let There Be Light"
"The Calling"
"King Of Kings"

Audio samples:

Sweet recently issued an update offering some insight on Fallen: "The album was written and arranged very quickly (9-10 days actually). This by no means reflects on the quality of the album. It's some of our best material to date and so far those who have heard it have said the very same. Chris Jericho texted me and said that “Yahweh” may be the best song since reuniting. Kevin (our publicist) said that the ballad is our new “Honestly”!

There are songs on this album that coincide with sitting down and reading the bible. The music is heavy and the lyrics are bold and powerful, some taken right from scriptures. Sonically I think this is our best sounding album to date! Everything is crystal clear. The highs are crisp and the lows are tight and punchy. The more I listen, the more excited I am for all of you to hear it!!!”