Throne of Thorns

Throne of Thorns is the record the band counts as its eighteenth studio album, due on 25 September 2026 through Frontiers Music Srl. Michael Sweet revealed its existence back in May 2025, saying recording would begin in January 2026. Of the title track he has said the message comes from the crown of thorns — Christ on the throne, redemption through what he endured — and called the song a representation of the band's forty-three years. The first single, "I'm Alright (I'm Okay)," appeared on 28 May 2026, at which point the album still had no announced title. Sweet aimed it at old-school metalheads, describing it as a little 1985 mixed with a little 1991 with a little 2026 sprinkled on top. Of "Ashes To Roses" he has said it is a departure with a throwback, classic-rock feel, written for listeners who had been asking the band for a melodic rock ballad. Robert Sweet framed the record as a band effort under his brother's writing, and called it the best Stryper album yet.