Michael Sweet of Metal Band Stryper - The Seacoast Podcast - Ep. 114

In the pre-MP3 and CD era, vinyl albums abounded in Christian bookstores and local record stores. In 1986, today's guest, Michael Sweet, and his band Stryper (the name inspired by the Isaiah 53:5 verse "by His stripes, you are healed.") released their album To Hell With the Devil. The album sold millions in Christian and secular markets, with its songs on the radio and music videos on MTV. Host Joey Svendsen was in the 4th grade but found that Stryper album at Family Christian Bookstore, and it turned his life upside-down, resulting in music exploration being a full-blown hobby.

Stryper was no different than the other "metal band greats," like Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, and Poison. From impeccable songwriting to catchy melodies and shredding guitars, Stryper was on top of their game. What separated them from the rest was their motivation to spread the gospel of Jesus and their song lyrics that matched that passion.

Joey talks to Michael Sweet about the early days of Stryper, the hair and makeup culture of the 80s metal scene, and why Michael had to walk away to get healthy and prioritize God and family. Throughout the episode, Joey highlights some of his favorite Stryper songs, and listeners are treated to audio clips of them all.

At top of the episode, Abbie Love, Joey, Tomelex and Jack Hoey III discuss pointless homework assignments and spiritual warfare in the context of the Surratt's wreck discussed in episode 112.






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