Tag music

The conversations after a concert can tell you a lot about the show. Walking out of the Pickens County Performing Arts Center on Friday, October 23, I kept hearing people talk about Michael Sweet’s voice. Those high notes had made an impression, and fans were still marveling at them as they headed home. After watching Stryper that night in Liberty, South Carolina, I understood exactly why.

Local rock and roll band Chuck W. Chapman opened the evening. Before Stryper’s set, two representatives from the South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame stepped out to introduce the headliners and recognize bassist Perry Richardson. A Conway native, Perry was inducted in 1995, long before joining Stryper in 2017. Their enthusiasm for welcoming him to the stage gave the evening a nice South Carolina connection.

With the stage dark, a recording of “Battle Hymn of the Republic” filled the room. As it neared its end, the band members emerged one at a time and took their positions. It was a simple entrance that built anticipation before the live music began.

What followed was a set with plenty of reasons for longtime fans to get excited. “Calling on You,” “Free,” “Loud ’n’ Clear,” “In God We Trust,” “Always There for You,” and “Soldiers Under Command” brought the early years into focus. Those songs remain a huge part of the appeal of seeing Stryper, and hearing them together made for a fun night.

The newer material held its place alongside those favorites. “No More Hell to Pay,” “When We Were Kings,” “The Valley,” and “Yahweh” showed how much the band’s catalog has grown beyond its early successes. “The Valley” is one of my favorites, so that was an especially welcome part of the show. Michael also mentioned that they are working on new songs.

For all the music on the setlist, one of my favorite moments came from something that appeared completely unplanned.

Michael noticed a fan near the front wearing a Thin Lizzy shirt. He pointed it out and recalled that Stryper used to play one of their songs, although he needed a moment to remember it. The rest of the band watched while he worked it out on guitar.

Then he turned toward Robert Sweet.

You could see Robert nodding along, trying to catch what his brother was playing. Once he found it, he joined in on drums. Perry and Oz Fox, meanwhile, stood watching the two of them. Their expressions made the whole exchange even better. It looked like everyone was finding out about this little detour at the same time.

I did not recognize the Thin Lizzy song, but the brief jam lasted about 20 seconds before Michael stopped and acknowledged that he had reached the end of what he remembered. It was a funny glimpse of the musicians enjoying themselves, and it gave the crowd a moment that went beyond simply hearing the hits.

Michael’s singing was a highlight throughout the performance. The high notes were there, and judging by the comments afterward, I was far from the only person paying attention. After more than four decades with Stryper, he can still deliver the moments fans wait for in those songs.

Beside him, Oz Fox impressed me with both his guitar playing and vocals. Having followed what he has been through with brain surgery, seeing him perform was particularly meaningful. He moved around less than I remembered from earlier shows, but there was still plenty to appreciate in his playing.

Robert had his kit positioned sideways in his familiar arrangement, with cymbals surrounding him. It makes him easy to watch, and that is part of the experience. His drumming was as good as ever, and the setup let the audience take in more of what he was doing behind the kit.

Perry brought an obvious enjoyment to the performance. I have always appreciated how humble and friendly he comes across, and he looks completely at home with this band. There is something infectious about watching a musician who clearly enjoys being onstage with the people around him. He is a great fit for Stryper.

I shared the evening with my friends Eric, Wayne, Glenn, Steve, and Sally, along with my son Max. This was Max’s first time seeing the band, and he loved it. Having that mix of friends and family along made an already enjoyable show even better.

“To Hell with the Devil” closed the night, putting a familiar crowd favorite at the end of a set that covered a lot of ground. Between the classics, the later material, and that unexpected Thin Lizzy moment, Stryper gave us plenty to talk about on the way out.

The praise I heard around me matched my own reaction. Stryper sounded great, looked like they were having fun, and delivered exactly the kind of rock and roll night I had hoped for.

Artist: Skillet
EP: After the Storm
Release Date: October 9, 2026
Record Label: Hear It Loud (Independent)
Production: David Cowell and Korey Cooper
Publicity: Atom Splitter PR
Genre: Hard Rock / Alternative Metal
Length: 6 songs, approximately 22 minutes

Nearly three decades into their career, Skillet continues to prove that they are far from finished. With millions of records sold, billions of streams, and a loyal fan base that spans generations, the band could easily continue releasing familiar radio-friendly rock songs and calling it a day. Thankfully, that is not what they have done with After the Storm.

Released October 9, 2026, this six-song EP finds John Cooper, Korey Cooper, Jen Ledger, and Seth Morrison returning to a heavier, more aggressive sound while maintaining the massive melodies that have made them one of the biggest names in modern rock.

What makes After the Storm particularly interesting is the emotion behind the music. These songs were born out of difficult seasons involving betrayal, grief, anger, and personal struggles. Instead of allowing those experiences to defeat him, John Cooper has turned them into music about perseverance, faith, and hope.

The EP opens with “Scream,” and the title alone should tell listeners that Skillet has come ready to make some noise. Aggressive guitars, pounding drums, and Cooper’s unmistakable vocals establish the direction of the record. The band combines modern hard rock production with an intensity that longtime fans of their heavier material should appreciate. When Cooper unleashes his harsher vocals, it adds another dimension to a band that has never been afraid to experiment with its sound.

“Lift Me Up” follows with the kind of enormous chorus that Skillet has mastered over the years. It brings together crushing instrumentation and infectious melodies without sacrificing the emotional weight of the song. There is something powerful about music that acknowledges life’s struggles while encouraging listeners to keep moving forward.

Then comes “Grave Stomper,” one of the EP’s most aggressive tracks. The guitars hit hard, the rhythm section drives the song forward, and Cooper delivers his message with conviction. Inspired by personal experiences involving false accusations and betrayal, the song is about refusing to let lies and negativity determine your future. It is the kind of defiant anthem that should translate exceptionally well to the concert stage.

The title track, “After the Storm,” provides another example of the band’s ability to balance heaviness with melody. Its memorable chorus and strong guitar work help make it one of the EP’s standout moments. Seth Morrison continues to demonstrate why he is such an important part of the band’s sound, bringing the guitar-driven energy that keeps these songs firmly rooted in hard rock.

“Heaven Help Us” offers a change of pace, bringing a more reflective atmosphere to the collection. Skillet has always been capable of delivering emotionally charged slower songs, and this track gives the record some breathing room. The vulnerability fits naturally alongside the heavier material, reminding listeners that strength does not always mean pretending everything is fine.

Closing track “Come and Find Me” brings the EP’s themes together with a longing for restoration and hope. Rather than finishing with another relentless musical assault, the band leaves listeners with something more personal. It is a fitting conclusion to a collection that explores both the pain of difficult experiences and the possibility of finding peace on the other side.

One particularly exciting aspect of After the Storm is the return of John Cooper’s harsher vocal approach. While his melodic delivery remains a defining characteristic of the band, the additional screaming and aggressive instrumentation give the EP an edge that some fans may have missed on recent releases.

Production duties were shared by David Cowell, known for his work with Sleep Theory, and Korey Cooper. The result is a polished but powerful sound that allows the guitars, drums, and vocals to hit with plenty of force.

Another noteworthy development is the return of John Cooper to the recording environment of his hometown of Memphis, something the band had not done since 2003’s Collide. That connection to the past seems appropriate for a release that revisits some of the group’s heavier musical instincts.

At just under 22 minutes, After the Storm does leave the listener wanting more. Six songs fly by quickly, especially when there is not much room for unnecessary filler. However, that is also one of its strengths. Every track contributes to the overall message, and the EP never overstays its welcome.

With Skillet recently celebrating 30 million RIAA-certified units across its catalog and the massive success of songs like “Monster,” which has reached seven-times Platinum status, the band is enjoying extraordinary longevity. Yet After the Storm demonstrates that commercial success has not eliminated their willingness to get personal or turn up the heaviness.

For longtime fans, this EP offers plenty to appreciate. For listeners who may have drifted away from Skillet over the years, it provides a compelling reason to give them another listen.

After the Storm is more than a collection of new songs. It is a reminder that even after nearly 30 years, Skillet still has something meaningful to say and the musical firepower to deliver it.

The storm may have been difficult, but the music that emerged from it is powerful.

Standout tracks: “Grave Stomper,” “Scream,” and “After the Storm.”

Final Verdict: A heavier, emotionally charged release that successfully combines Skillet’s signature melodies, aggressive guitars, and messages of faith and perseverance. It is a welcome addition to their extensive catalog.