Stryper Returns to the Music Scene
Thursday, June 19, 2003
Legendary Christian rock band Stryper announced its first-ever reunion tour this fall as ALL original members celebrate the quartet's 20th anniversary. The band's first nationwide performance junket in more than 12 years, slated to kick-off in the Northeast in early October. The tour will run across the United States, playing approximately 30 concerts. While markets and venues are still being finalized, tour dates will be announced in early July via the Internet on both www.stryper.com and www.michaelsweet.com.

Michael Sweet, lead singer for the band, continues to write and record music and plans to release two solo projects next year. One will be a “rock” record showcasing newly written and recorded songs, while the other will be a hymns project. He also is busy producing new acts with co-producing partner Kenny Lewis. Sweet and Lewis co-produced two new Stryper songs released March 25, 2003, on Seven, The Best of Stryper, through Hollywood Records, distributed to Christian outlets by Forefront Records.

While there is no officially scheduled release for another Stryper album, there are talks and a strong possibility for a Stryper live album and/or DVD recorded throughout the upcoming tour.

Stay tuned for the announcement of the Stryper Reunion Tour dates early next month.

New Music From Relient K
Wednesday, June 18, 2003
The guys in Relient K just finished up some new songs for a 7” vinyl release on new indie label ­ Mono vs. Stereo. Check out their website at www.monovsstereo.com. Their
debut release, a compilation, is now available at various record stores as well as at their website. The comp features a demo version of "Poison Ivy" by Matthew Thiessen and The
Earthquakes (Matt’s solo project).

In other Relient K News, they are re-releasing the 2000ADD, Creepy and Employee of the Month EPs!!! These were done in limited quantities and demand is high so the band felt it only fair to make these EPs available again for those that weren’t able to get them the first time around. They will ONLY be available at shows this summer, so be sure and pick them up.

Founding Guitarist Bob Hartman Rejoins Petra
Thursday, June 12, 2003
Inpop Records Grammy and Dove Award-winning rock group, Petra, is set to release their 20th studio record, Jekyll and Hyde, on August 19. Petra's founder Bob Hartman has re-joined the group for what is arguably their most aggressive rock record to date. Hartman, who wrote or co-wrote each of the ten songs on the project, will tour as Petra's guitarist for the first time in over 7 years. Jekyll and Hyde is produced by Newsboy's frontman and Inpop Records co-owner, Peter Furler. In addition to his role as producer, Furler adds his signature drumming to the collection of straight-ahead rock tracks.

"It seems odd to say that this record is our most aggressive rock record so far," states Petra lead singer John Schlitt. "For years, our fans have been asking for an all-out rock and roll record. Jekyll and Hyde is just that, and we think it will have been worth the wait." Hartman adds, "It may have been a few years since I've been an active part of Petra, but my heart has never left. I'm more excited about this project than anything else I've done and I can't wait for people to hear it."

"I think almost everyone has a 'Petra' story or can remember the first time they heard the band," comments Furler. "Petra has played a very important role in our industry, and laid some ground for all of us to walk. I respect them for their hard work, and have been personally impacted by the band over the years."

Petra was founded in 1972 and has sold over 7 million records over their 30+ year career. They have been the recipient of four Grammy Awards and ten Dove Awards, and in 2000, the group was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. The band is currently finishing work on Jekyll and Hyde and in the process of finalizing their summer and fall touring schedule.

All Star Christian Rock Album Coming Out
Tuesday, June 10, 2003
3 Chord Record's artist Liberty n' Justice is set to make a big splash with a new album entitled "Welcome To The Revolution". The CD will feature 15 songs with different guest vocalists on each track similiar to the way Santana has released his last couple of CDs. Guest vocalists include Michael Sweet (Stryper), John Schlitt (Petra), Jamie Rowe (Guardian), Rick Florian (White Heart), Scott Wenzel(White Cross), Greg X Volz(Petra), Lou Gramm(Foreinger), Bob Carlisle (Allies) and more. No release date is has been set, but you can get more information online soon at www.3chordrecords.net.

Project 86 To Release New Music Online
Monday, June 09, 2003
Project 86 is currently writing for an exclusive EP, available only at project86.com. They are releasing this EP themselves instead of using a record label stating they believe this is the way of the future. The 5 songs are said to be heavy, aggressive, and energetic. You can check project86.com for further updates.