Stryper frontman Michael Sweet has opened up about the spiritual and emotional toll the band has endured over four decades of pioneering Christian metal. In a heartfelt statement shared on Facebook, Sweet reflected on the struggles the band has faced and how faith has kept them grounded through it all.

“It’s a miracle that we haven’t walked away from the faith,” Sweet wrote. “From Jesus. The scrutiny that we’ve been under for 41 years is unbearable.”

Throughout their career, Stryper has remained one of the few mainstream metal bands to unapologetically wear their Christian faith on their sleeves. But that bold stance has come at a cost. Sweet shared how the pressure from critics and skeptics has taken its toll:

“It’s the heaviest weight that we carry,” he added. “It’s broken our legs, our backs, our spirits time and time again.”

Despite that weight, Sweet made it clear that the band’s commitment to their beliefs remains unshaken.

“However – Thank God that we follow HIM!” he declared. “We listen to God. Not men!!! Otherwise, we would have disbanded, sold our souls to the devil and most likely be dead and lost for all eternity. Thank you Jesus for loving us, no matter what.”

His statement speaks not just to the band’s resilience, but to the spiritual warfare often waged behind the scenes—something many Christian artists silently endure. For Sweet and Stryper, faith isn’t just a lyrical theme—it’s the very force that holds the band together.

As Stryper continues to inspire new generations of faith-driven rock and metal bands, Sweet’s words resonate with artists who are still trying to balance their message with mainstream appeal. In many ways, Stryper’s journey laid the groundwork for Christian musicians to be heard in a genre often associated with rebellion.

Over 40 years later, Stryper remains a testament to enduring belief in a world that doesn’t always embrace it—and that may be their most powerful legacy yet.