Murder by Pride

Murder by Pride
Studio album by Stryper
Released	July 21, 2009
Recorded	2007–2008
Genre	Christian metal,[1] heavy metal, hard rock
Length	45:45
Language	English
Label	Big 3 Records
Producer	Michael Sweet
Stryper chronology
The Roxx Regime Demos (2007) Murder By Pride (2009) The Covering (2011)

Murder by Pride is the eighth studio album by Stryper. The first single for the album, "Peace of Mind", debuted at No. 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 rock band Boston on its debut 1976 self-titled album. Michael Sweet was a touring member of Boston for several years, before parting ways amicably in 2011.

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.^[2]

Robert Sweet did not play on the album as the drum parts were provided by Kenny Aronoff. However, Robert Sweet was present on the tour that supported the record, as well as the commemoration 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."^[2]

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[1]
Jesus Freak Hideout	[3]

The album debuted on the following Billboard charts:

• No. 73 on the Billboard 200
• No. 32 on Rock Albums
• No. 2 on Christian Albums
• No. 13 on Independent Albums
• No. 11 on Hard Rock Albums

Track listing

All tracks written by Michael Sweet, except "Peace of Mind", written by Tom Scholz.

1. Eclipse of the Son - 5:05
2. 4 Leaf Clover - 3:41
3. Peace of Mind (Boston cover) - 3:59
4. Alive - 3:36
5. The Plan - 3:11
6. Murder by Pride - 3:18
7. Mercy Over Blame - 4:10
8. I Believe - 3:43
9. Run in You - 4:15
10. Love is Why - 4:08
11. Everything - 4:25
12. My Love (I'll Always Show) - 3:15
13. My Love My Life My Flame - 4:08 (bonus track)

Personnel

Stryper

• Michael Sweet - Lead vocals, guitar
• Oz Fox - Lead guitar, background vocals
• Tracy Ferrie - Bass
• Robert Sweet - Drums

Session musicians

• Kenny Aronoff - Drums ^[4]

Guest musicians

• Tom Scholz - Guitar on "Peace of Mind"

Notes