The Master Plan, the brand-new solo album from Michael Sweet, acclaimed singer, songwriter, producer, and frontman of Christian rock icons Stryper, is releasing, via Frontiers Records, on April 3, 2026!
Click here for details.
Watch the new lyric video: https://youtu.be/nYlvxAflcug
Source/photo: Michael Sweet Bandsintown & newsletter
Do you live in Australia, New Zealand, or anywhere in the United States? GOOD NEWS! Stryper is putting together an impressive list of LIVE concert dates that will take them to Australia, New Zealand and cities across the United States (including the east and west coasts)!
VISIT STRYPER.COM FOR ALL CONFIRMED TOUR DATES
Want to meet Stryper on the road? New Meet & Greet dates have just been added! Check out STRYPER.COM for details.
Source: Stryper newsletter
Congratulations to Michael Sweet!
From: Michael Sweet facebook:
The numbers are in and I couldn’t be more thankful🙏 I’m breathing, I’m creating and I’m surviving in a completely different music world. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your continued support and for helping me get to where I’m going. I could never do it without you👊 “TEN” is a huge success and I can’t wait for 11😉 Sincere gratitude👆🙌🙏 Now who’s ready for some 2020 shows? God Bless you all.
More info:
STONE.
STRYPER will be playing live in Mexico, this February! Visiting Mexico City, Chihuahua and Monterrey, respectively. Check out the dates and ticket links below.
BUY TICKETS: February 20, 2020 – Mexico City, Mexico
BUY TICKETS: February 21, 2020 – Chihuahua, Mexico
BUY TICKETS: February 22, 2020 – Monterrey, Mexico
STONE.
From the Stryper Facebook – September 16, 2016:
As many of you know, we are preparing a tour to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of To Hell With The Devil. Although we’re extremely excited about this tour, our band and ministry is facing a crossroads for a variety of reasons, including some personal matters affecting our bassist, Tim Gaines that have affected the unity of our band.
As a result, upon the conclusion of this tour, we have decided to take a hiatus to allow each band member to think and pray about the direction of the band going forward.
We believe the right thing to do is to be open with all of you so we can continue on with integrity and put to rest any false rumors and accusations. We also believe we must honor our commitments in moving forward with the tour.
The name “Stryper” is very important to us. What (and who) it represents is even more important. We take what we do very seriously as a band and ministry and we believe it’s our duty to take this hiatus based on our faith, so we can move forward in the right way.
We do appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
God Bless you all,
Stryper
From the Stryper Facebook – September 17, 2016:
Dear friends,
To adress a few concerns regarding our most recent statement:
1 – Tim has not left the band.
2 – We felt the need to make a statement based on a multitude of emails, texts, private messages and phone calls. Because of this, we felt that the right thing to do was to make you all aware of the situation before the tour rather than start the tour based on false rumors, speculations and gossip. We respect you all and you mean everything to us so we wanted to at least present a statement that would put to rest (at least to some degree) all the here say.
3 – The tour IS continuing. We are NOT canceling or postponing the tour. We made this decision based on honoring our commitments, as originally planned, with the original lineup.
4 – Stryper is not breaking up. We plan to take some time after the tour to reevaluate things and at the right time, we will proceed. There is more planned and we are looking forward to that.
5 – As stated, we are a ministry every bit as much as we are a rock band. Because of this, we have to deal with things accordingly and biblically. We’re not perfect, but we are accountable to God and each other. At least we should be. That’s not to be taken lightly or passively.
6 – Before you comment and respond emotionally, please understand that we have thought, prayed, talked and counseled with others for weeks about the right way to handle all of this. Our decision to release a statement with the content that it contains was based on patience, wisdom and honor. We’re trying to do the right thing. That’s all we can do.
Here’s to a great tour and God Bless you all!
Stryper
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Stone.
MICHAEL SWEET – The legendary Michael Sweet has released (March 4th – Big 3 Records) a grand new music video, I’m Not Your Suicide, which is also the title track of his forthcoming solo album. I’m Not Your Suicide carries a positive message to young people: that choosing suicide from being abused or bullied is not the answer and help is available to those being tormented.
Child abuse in all its forms must be addressed and Michael Sweet has succeeded in raising the awareness to this troubling social crisis, through his song and music video. A suicide crisis hotline number is also shown at the end of this music video: 1-800-4-A-CHILD.
I love this song, both for its incredibly positive message to young people and for its melodic and inspiring music. A brilliantly beautiful song is I’m Not Your Suicide. The vocals of Michael Sweet are filled with intense and undeniable emotion. Amazingly well done. Listen and watch for yourself, below:
Find out more about Michael Sweet’s new single and how a portion of the proceeds are graciously going to benefit Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline:
https://donate.childhelp.org/page/contribute/michaelsweet
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* The single I’m Not Your Suicide is available now on iTunes and Amazon.com.
* Pre-Order The New CD By Clicking The Link Below:
http://michaelsweet.portmerch.com/stores/product.php?productid=19030
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* The full-length album, I’m Not Your Suicide, will be released on May 6th, 2014, via Big 3 Records.
* Michael Sweet is the vocalist, guitarist, songwriter and co-founding member of the iconic Christian Heavy Metal band: Stryper. Michael Sweet is also an ex-vocalist and guitarist for the super-legendary Boston.
Michael Sweet’s autobiography, Honestly – My Life And Stryper Revealed, will be released on May 6th, 2014.
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* For more related news features on Michael Sweet:
Michael Sweet Of Stryper – Expresses Thoughts On His New Solo Album “I’m Not Your Suicide”
Michael Sweet – “I’m Not Your Suicide” Single And Music Video Release Dates Announced!
The above links are for posts featured on Metal Odyssey, on January 24, 2014 and February 25, 2014.
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* For more info on MICHAEL SWEET:
Facebook: Michael Sweet
Website: http://www.michaelsweet.com
Stone.
As reported on the Michael Sweet & Stryper Facebook pages:
The single “I’m Not Your Suicide” drops on @Itunes and @Amazon 3/3 and the video drops on 3/4!
Michael Sweet’s new album “I’m Not Your Suicide” releases on May 6th, 2014, via Big 3 Records.
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* For more info on MICHAEL SWEET:
Website: www.michaelsweet.com
Facebook: Michael Sweet
Facebook: Stryper
Stone.
(Photo Credit: Michael Sweet Facebook)
As written by Michael Sweet and originally posted on the STRYPER Facebook page:
It’s an opportunity for me to express myself in new ways, and experiment a little more musically. As a writer, I respect all styles of music and although hard rock/metal is where I lay my head, it’s cool to be able try different things and reach outside the box. Stryper has a particular style and sound and it’s important that we don’t venture too far away from that. My new solo album has some heavy music on it and at the same time, it also has a little more diversity and different instruments going on which makes it very interesting. I used steel guitar on a few tracks, 12 string guitar here and there, mellotron, live cellos, B3, and all kinds of instruments that you don’t or most likely here on a Stryper album.
It’s exciting for me to be able to go into a studio and have the freedom to incorporate new sounds, techniques and instruments. I also brought in quite a few guest singers and musicians to add to the overall sound of the album. Kevin Max, Electra Mustaine, Tony Harnell, Chris Jericho, Doug Aldrich, Kenny Aronoff, Paul McNamara, Charles Foley, John O’Boyle & Pete Adams all helped to make this album the best solo album to date and a record that I’m most proud of. I look forward to all of you hearing it and I want to thank you all for being friends and fans, solo or not:-)
Love & Respect, Always ~ M
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* I’m Not Your Suicide will be released on May 6th, 2014, via Big 3 Records.
* Michael Sweet’s autobiography Honestly will be released on May 6th, 2014.
* For more info on MICHAEL SWEET:
Facebook: Michael Sweet
Stone.
As reported on the STYPER Facebook page:
Stryper has been nominated for “Best Album Art” at HM Magazine’s The HM Awards! Spread the word and encourage fans to vote! Online voting runs through Dec. 31.
http://vote.hmmagazine.com/#album-art/1
* For more info on STRYPER:
Facebook: Stryper
Website: http://www.stryper.com
Stone.
STRYPER – Released on November 5th, the NEW studio album, No More Hell To Pay, from the ever-legendary STRYPER has accumulated impressive Billboard Chart positions; while receiving critic and fan praise around the globe!! Another new and official music video from this sensational album has been released and it’s Sympathy.
Michael Sweet sounds ultra-fabulous on vocals and guitar, once again!! The entire band is Rocking on all fired-up Metal cylinders!! This new album isn’t about STRYPER being back. Nope. These Christian Metal icons have never denied their fans of Rockin’ inspiration! STRYPER are always touring, along with consistently reaching out to their fans via social media. No More Hell To Pay is about STRYPER bringing on their Heavy Metal attack!! This is STRYPER’s Metal 2013!! Dig it!! Metal be thy name!!
Michael Sweet – Lead Vocals & Lead Guitar
Robert Sweet – Drums
Oz Fox – Guitar & Vocals
Timothy Gaines – Bass & Vocals
iTunes: www.smarturl.it/stryper
Via the Official STRYPER website: www.stryper.com
Amazon: http://smarturl.it/strypercd
* For more info on STRYPER:
http://www.facebook.com/stryper
Stone.
As reported on the STRYPER Facebook page, November 15th:
We’d like to point out some amazing numbers that just blow our minds, to you this morning. This page just hit 155,000 likes! In it’s first week of release, No More Hell To Pay was #2 on the Contemporary Christian Albums, #3 on the Current Hard Music Albums, #3 on the Top Hard Music Albums, #3 on the Billboard Top Christian/Gospel Albums, #6 on the Top Current Rock Albums, #33 on the Billboard Top 200 Current Albums and #35 on the Billboard Top 200!
The Live CD/DVD Recording at the Legendary Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles on November 16th is SOLD OUT! The video for NMHTP has over 199,000 views in less than a month. The video for Sympathy has over 71,000 views in less than 2 weeks. Plus, we just announced the special 77 hours sale for those who haven’t gotten the new album on our website. You can get the CD, or order multiple copies to give to others for just $7.77 each. We just want to say that STRYPER Fans ROCK! We are overwhelmed and blessed by all of you! Be watching for more announcements in the next few days and weeks. By His Strypes We Are Healed!
Michael Sweet – Lead Vocals & Lead Guitar
Robert Sweet – Drums
Oz Fox – Guitar & Vocals
Timothy Gaines – Bass & Vocals
* For more info on STRYPER:
Facebook: Stryper
Website: http://www.stryper.com
Frontiers Website: http://www.frontiers.it
Stone.
STRYPER – On November 5th, 2013, the eighth original studio album from STRYPER, No More Hell To Pay, will be released via Frontiers Records. A stirring and fabulous song that is featured on this forthcoming STRYPER album is Revelation. Below, you can follow this song’s lyrics while cranking up the Heavy Metal!! Just a fantastically well-written and executed song. By the way, the guitar solo is nothing short of maximum whiz-bang! Metal be thy name.
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Michael Sweet – lead vocals & lead Guitar
Robert Sweet – drums
Oz Fox – Guitar & vocals
Timothy Gaines – bass & vocals
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* For More Info On STRYPER:
Facebook: Stryper
FRONTIERS RECORDS:
Stone.
STRYPER – Being a lifelong fan of STRYPER, I found it exciting news that this legendary Christian Heavy Metal band was going to release an album of re-recorded hits; with two new studio tracks. I’m even more excited now that I’ve had this entire Summer to enjoy Second Coming (Frontiers Records). This album makes for a definitive collection of STRYPER classics. These are the songs that STRYPER chose to re-record and they have given powerful new life to each one of them!
Don’t get me wrong, I’ll always revere the original songs that are represented as re-recordings on Second Coming. Besides, I’ve always found it (gasp) fun when a famous band decides to do a cover song album. With STRYPER covering their own classics, it really doesn’t get any better than this for fans waiting on their forthcoming studio album of original material: No More Hell To Pay (Frontiers Records – On November 5th).
Michael Sweet (guitarist, vocalist) has never sounded better on vocals, on Second Coming. Cliche? Nope. It’s truth for me. Collectively, this album of sixteen songs couldn’t sound any better unless there were thirty-two songs! Guitarist Oz Fox, drummer Robert Sweet and bassist Timothy Gaines all shine once again. Cliche? Nope. It’s reality for me.
The two new studio tracks, Bleeding From Inside Out and Blackened are Heavy Metal gems! If this is the direction STRYPER is going with No More Hell To Pay, then I’m chopping at the bit for November 5th to come! Both of these new and heavy songs signify loud and clear, to me, that STRYPER are proud leaders of Christian Heavy Metal and have so much more to give to their fans!
I now look upon Second Coming as a victorious moment in the illustrious career of STRYPER. Why? This is a band that has survived and thrived, since 1983; overcoming the same hurdles, setbacks, trends and record industry gaffes that any other band from their era has endured. Nevertheless, the strong survive and STRYPER has stood the test of time and persevered, through their quality discography and sensational live concerts.
Second Coming, to me, serves as a powerful musical testament from STRYPER that they have been here all along, are here now and are looking to the future as well. An inspiring, influential and faith-filled Heavy Metal band that has spanned four decades and stuck to their principles. You can’t get any more truer than that; therefore, my sincere admiration for STRYPER is obvious and I’ve (historically) never held that back, here on Metal Odyssey. Metal be thy name.
Loud N’ Clear
Loving You
Soldiers Under Command
Makes Me Wanna Sing
First Love
The Rock That Makes Me Roll
Reach Out
Surrender
To Hell With The Devil
Calling On You
Free
The Way
Sing Along Song
More Than A Man
Bleeding From Inside Out (New)
Blackened (New)
* For More Info On STRYPER:
Facebook: Stryper
FRONTIERS RECORDS:
Stone.
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Frontiers Records is proud to announce the release of iconic Christian rockers Stryper’s new studio album, NO MORE HELL TO PAY; the offering has been confirmed for a November 1st release in Europe and November 5th in North America and will be available in two formats – standard CD and deluxe digipak featuring exclusive video content.
Produced by frontman/guitarist Michael Sweet himself, the set features some of Stryper’s strongest and heaviest material ever. Check out below a special video message from Michael Sweet:
Sweet also commented: “NO MORE HELL TO PAY marks our 30 year anniversary and what a journey it has been! It’s our eleventh studio release since our first album in 1984 (THE YELLOW & THE BLACK ATTACK) and it’s quite possibly our best record to date. Why? It’s everything you might expect from a Stryper record – high octane vocals, layered vocal harmonies, guitar solos galore, driving drums and bass and an energy that hasn’t been achieved since our glory days. The message is equally as powerful as it offers hope and inspiration to anyone listening. If you’re a Stryper fan, it’ll make you proud to be one. If you’re not, listen with caution as you may actually become one. We’ve been waving the striped flag for 30 years and we’re proud to say that it’s an honor to still be making music with you and for you. The best is yet to come and it’s coming November 5th!”
(Photo credit: Mark Weiss/editing: Tina Enos)
Photo L to R: Michael Sweet, Robert Sweet, Oz Fox, Tim Gaines
Stryper is one of the top Christian rock bands of all time. Comprised of the original line-up of Michael Sweet (vocals/guitar), Oz Fox (guitar), Tim Gaines (bass), and Robert Sweet (drums), Stryper has been rocking since 1984, and is responsible for such ’80s metal classic albums as SOLDIERS UNDER COMMAND, TO HELL WITH THE DEVIL, IN GOD WE TRUST and such MTV hit singles/videos as “Calling on You,” “Free,” and “Honestly.”
After a sabbatical for much of the 1990’s, Stryper returned strong in the early 21st century. To date, the band has sold upwards of 8 million records worldwide and are a Dove Award-winner and Grammy nominee. Stryper is the first band to have two songs in MTV’s Top 10 simultaneously.
See below for the confirmed track listing for NO MORE HELL TO PAY. Stryper is currently playing select tour dates around the nation as a warm-up for an upcoming extensive tour around the release of NO MORE HELL TO PAY. Please see below for remaining tour dates.
NO MORE HELL TO PAY – Track Listing: Revelation; No More Hell To Pay; Saved By Love; Jesus Is Just Alright; The One; Legacy; Marching Into Battle; Te Amo; Sticks & Stones; Water Into Wine; Sympathy; Renewed.
9 Bolingbrook, IL Tailgaters Sports Bar & Grill
10 West Allis, WI Wisconsin State Fair
13 San Juan Capistrano, CA The Coach House*
14 West Hollywood, CA The Whiskey A Go Go*
16 Henderson, NV Club Madrid at Sunset Station Hotel & Casino*
30 Wendover, NV Peppermill Casino
*Michael Sweet and Oz Fox acoustic set
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(Source: Frontiers Records)
For more information, please visit:
Facebook: Stryper
Stone.
http://stryper.portmerch.com/stores/home.php
STRYPER – The greatest and most famous Christian Heavy Metal/Hard Rock band of our time has this Rockin’ gem available now: Second Coming – on double yellow vinyl… autographed!!
Second Coming is a collection of 16 STRYPER classics, including 2 NEW studio recordings: Bleeding From Inside Out and Blackened. The other 14 songs are re-recorded STRYPER songs that have been re-energized and given new hard-to-resist magic! Both new studio songs are overflowing with Heavy Rockin’ relevancy; a welcomed relevancy that showcases the everlasting musical prowess that is… STRYPER!
Take a look below at all the details for this whiz-bang STRYPER exclusive! Metal be thy name!
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Released in the UK, STRYPER now has a limited number of these available in the online store.
* A double album set!
* 100% 180-gram vinyl!
* Yellow vinyl!
* Autographed by all four original band members!!
* Limited number available!
Side A
1. Loud N’ Clear
2. Loving You
3. Soldiers Under Command
4. Makes Me Wanna Sing
Side B
5. First Love
6. The Rock That Makes Me Roll
7. Reach Out
8. Surrender
Side C
9. To Hell With The Devil
10. Calling On You
11. Free
12. The Way
Side D
13. Sing Along Song
14. More Than A Man
15. Bleeding From Inside Out (new)
16. Blackened (new)
Michael Sweet – Lead Vocals & Guitar
Robert Sweet – Drums
Oz Fox – Guitar & Vocals
Timothy Gaines – Bass & Vocals
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* For more info on STRYPER:
Facebook: Stryper Music
Stone.
STRYPER – When I think of the band that pioneered Christian Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, STRYPER is number one. Across their catalog of seven studio albums, the words melodic and memorable jump out at me; while their 80’s arena style heaviness never seems to grow stale. After listening to STRYPER after all these years, I’m readily admitting that their inspirational lyrics and vibes never sounded so grand!
STRYPER has proven their Heavy Rock relevancy with Murder By Pride (2009) and The Covering (cover song album from 2011). With a newly inked record deal with Frontiers Records, the future looks even more positive for a band that has been Rocking positive energy into their fans souls… for decades strong.
To celebrate STRYPER being Stone’s METAL Pick Of The Day, I have compiled a chronological list of ALL the STRYPER features, album reviews and news that has ever appeared on Metal Odyssey. This list of links below begins with the most recent of STRYPER posts. Scroll and click away… and enjoy some STRYPER history! Metal be thy name!
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STRYPER – Iconic Christian Rockers STRYPER Sign To FRONTIERS RECORDS For Multi-Album Deal January 15, 2013
STRYPER “Reason For The Season (Rehearsal Sessions 1984)”: Is Stone’s Metal Pick Of The Day! December 3, 2012
STRYPER – Two New Tour Dates For South America 2013 October 30, 2012
STRYPER – World Tour 2012: West Greenwich, Rhode Island – Promo Video April 27, 2012
STRYPER ‘Calling On You’ Music Video – A Classic From 1986 March 20, 2012
MASS – To Perform With STRYPER, Memorial Day Weekend! And More Fantastic MASS News! March 16, 2012
STRYPER – North American Tour Dates 2012 February 2, 2012
STRYPER ‘Rockin Around The Christmas Tree 2011′ – Music Video December 25, 2011
STRYPER “The Covering” – A Commanding Celebration of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Classics February 4, 2011
STRYPER – COVER SONGS ALBUM IN THE WORKS! & “ALWAYS THERE FOR YOU” VIDEO FROM 1988! February 21, 2010
STRYPER – “EXTENDED VERSIONS” IS A LIVE AND ROCKIN’ GOOD TIME CD November 29, 2009
My Favorite STRYPER Album Of All Time – “To Hell With The Devil” August 9, 2009
STRYPER – “The Roxx Regime Demos” Is Classic Christian Heavy Metal July 2, 2009
Michael Sweet – Lead Vocals / Guitar
Robert Sweet – Drums
Oz Fox – Guitar / Vocals
Timothy Gaines – Bass/Vocals
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* For more info on STRYPER, click on the links below!
http://www.facebook.com/stryper
Stone.
STRYPER – Check out this very cool STRYPER promo video for the West Greenwich, Rhode Island concert! May 26th, Memorial Day Weekend!
Click Here To Purchase Tickets: THE ROCK JUNCTION
* For more info on this STRYPER show, with special Rockin’ guests MASS, click on the large link below!
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* For more info on STRYPER, click on the link below:
* For more info on MASS, click on the link below:
LONG LIVE STRYPER.
LONG LIVE MASS.
Stone.
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Click Here To Purchase Tickets: THE ROCK JUNCTION
Ticket Info: SHOWCASE LIVE
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LATEST NEWS:
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Louis St. August Says:
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* Order At: MASS – MASS ROCKS.COM
Or At: Puzzle Me – Puzzles
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* For more info on MASS & STRYPER, click on the links below:
Stone.
STRYPER – Check out below the North American tour dates for Stryper! See if Stryper is playing live in your neck of the Metal woods in 2012!
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February 24, 2012 – Sault Ste. Marie, MI @Kewadin Casino
February 25 – 28, 2012 – Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Monsters Of Rock Cruise
May 12, 2012 – Columbia, MD – M3 Rock Festival
May 17, 2012 – Dallas, TX – House Of Blues
May 18, 2012 – Houston, TX – House Of Blues
May 19, 2012 – Las Vegas, NV – Santa Fe Station Hotel & Casino
May 24, 2012 – New York, NY – BB Kings
May 25, 2012 – Foxborough, MA – Showcase Live
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(Source: Stryper Official Website)
* To buy tickets and more info, click here: Stryper – Official Website
LONG LIVE STRYPER.
Stone.
Louis St. August, lead singer for Hard Rock/Heavy Metal band MASS, has been nominated in this year’s Limelight Magazine Readers’ Poll that recognizes the bands and musicians who have impacted the local music scene of New England during 2011. Louis St. August has been nominated in the “Male Vocalist Of The Year” category.
The poll will close at 11:45 PM on Friday, Feb. 3rd. Here is the link to the poll:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/limelightmusicawards
* For more info on MASS, click on the link below:
LONG LIVE LOUIS ST. AUGUST & MASS.
Stone.
If you’re a band or musician and would like your music reviewed or be interviewed by Stone, please click the link under the “ALBUM REVIEWS ARCHIVES” section below!
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
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