Stryper frontman Michael Sweet has checked in with the following update: 

"The new Stryper album is extra special to me.

To be honest I actually thought that we would have to postpone everything entirely. It seemed as though there were just too many adversities that would keep the album from taking place. Obviously the situation with Oz, Robert having issues with his shoulder, and then my situation with my retinal detachment. Add to that Perry needing an emergency dental procedure days before we entered the studio. It just felt as though the stars were not aligning properly in order for us to get the job done.

After thinking about it and praying about it, I really felt in my spirit that God wanted us to go into the studio regardless of everything going on. It was overwhelming and it was certainly a lot more work but I never felt like we should stop.

Basically, after my first surgery and spending two weeks face down, I started writing the album. Once I finished writing the album my retina redettached and I went in for a second surgery, and then had to spend two more weeks face down. The very day that I could sit upright was the day that we started recording the new album! I started to look at it as a 'perfect timing' situation. Perfect timing being that I had the time in between surgeries to write the album and then I had the time to get through the second face down and start on the album. So I started to look at it from a different perspective.

After doing so, I realized that something amazing was taking place. We were recording or 14th studio album and although it seemed impossible, we did it anyway. And because of that, God has really blessed this album in ways that I’ve never seen before.

This seemed to be the smoothest recording as well. Everything went so well. It was such a simple and easy recording process and rehearsal process and the results are incredible! It has taught me in my almost 59 years here on earth to trust God even more and that God will take us at our lowest and use us to the highest. 

If you’re facing anything that makes you think and or feel that you cannot continue on doing what you’re called to do, don’t buy the lie. Rise up and believe that you can do it and put your trust and faith in God and he will see you through. That’s a promise. Hopefully our situation inspires your situation and makes you believe a little bit more.

By the way, our best is yet to come."

Stryper initially announced a string of US tour dates for May. The schedule has been updated and now features shows into October, with more due to be announced soon.

A message from the band follows:

"We are so excited about touring again. We'll be touring heavily in 2022 and hope to see you all. What venue should we hit in your city? Here's our first round of  tour dates. More coming soon but if you live near one of these cities, grab tickets now. Love you all and can't wait to see you in person next year.

Fun fact: The first leg of our 2022 tour is called Calling On You 2022 to celebrate 35 years since you put Stryper on the Dial-MTV charts in 1987 with the songs 'Free', 'Honestly', and 'Calling On You'."