Murder by Pride is the newest album by Stryper. The first single for the album, "Peace of Mind", debuted at #27 on Christianrock.net on October 24, 2008 and peaked at #1 on February 22, 2009. The track is a cover version, originally performed by Boston. Michael Sweet is currently a touring member of the legendary seventies' band.
Starting May 5, the band announced to release a song per week on iTunes up until July 21. As each new song was released, the previous one would no longer be available until the full album was released.
Robert Sweet did not play on the album as the drum parts were provided by Kenny Aronoff. However, Robert Sweet will be present in the tour that the band has announced in support of the record, as well as the conmemmoration of Stryper's 25th anniversary.
Stylistically, Michael Sweet has commented, that "after years of speaking to fans and hearing comments like 'more guitars,' 'more solos' and 'more screams,' I decided to keep those suggestions in mind as I wrote each song. It was important to me to try to get back to that early sound of STRYPER yet at the same time, to remain relevant today. It's certainly not an easy thing to do, but as I listen to Murder by Pride, I think that was accomplished
The album charted well debuting on the following Billboard charts:
#73 on the Billboard 200
#32 on Rock Albums
#2 on Christian Albums
#13 on Independent Albums
#11 on Hard Rock Albums
All tracks written by Michael Sweet, except "Peace of Mind", written by Tom Scholz.
Eclipse of the Son - 5:05
4 Leaf Clover - 3:41
Peace of Mind (Boston Cover) - 3:59
Alive - 3:36
The Plan - 3:11
Murder by Pride - 3:18
Mercy Over Blame - 4:10
I Believe - 3:43
Run in You - 4:15
Love Is Why - 4:08
Everything - 4:25
My Love (I'll Always Show) - 3:15
Stryper
Michael Sweet - Lead vocals, guitar
Oz Fox - Lead guitar, background vocals
Tracy Ferrie - Bass Session musicians
Kenny Aronoff - Drums
Guest musicians
Tom Scholz - Guitar on "Peace of Mind"
Released July 21, 2009
Recorded 2007–2008
Genre Christian metal
Hard rock
Length 45:45
Language English
Label Big 3 Records