The Metal Resource – mauce.nl

Christian hard rockers Stryper are in the studio recording 17 songs for a new album that will be released in 2012. Guitarist/vocalist Michael Sweet states, “We’re tracking 17 songs — 14 old classics, three brand new songs [‘Bleeding From Inside Out’, ‘Blackened’ and ‘How To Live’]. We’re doing the record in phases, a little at a time. It won’t be mastered until January, which means it won’t be available until sometime after that. We’re funding this ourselves, so it’s a tedious, time-consuming task that we have to do in phases due to extensive touring and other things going on between now and the end of the year.”

Stryper‘s covers album, The Covering, sold around 4,600 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 175 on The Billboard 200 chart. The band’s previous CD, 2009’s Murder By Pride, opened with 5,900 units to land at No. 73.

Produced by frontman Michael Sweet, The Covering  is unlike any previous Stryper recording in that it’s a collection of cover songs from bands that inspired them and helped to shape their sound and musical identity, including hits from Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Led Zeppel, Kansas and many others. The Covering will also include God, a new original recording from Stryper. (Listen below)

Stryper will be offering “VIP MEET & GREET PACKAGES” to fans at all shows on the 2011 Tour!

VIP Meet & Greet Package includes:

* Exclusive Meet & Greet with the members of Stryper
* Personal Photograph with the band
* Autograph session (includes 8X10 photograph)
* Limited Edition Hard Cover Book “Stryper: By His Strypes”
* Collectible Tour Lithograph (numbered)
* Official Meet & Greet Laminate

“VIP Meet & Greet Package” Cost: $100 Per Person

Please note:  This package does not include a ticket to the concert. Fans will need to purchase a ticket to attend the Meet & Greet. Only (30) “VIP Meet & Greet Packages” are available per venue.