As previously announced, Stryper is releasing a new CD, called The Covering. This features covers from different rock and metal bands. Michael Sweet had been posting hints on his Twitter account during the recording process as to what songs they were covering. Stryper has now released some audio samples on their site.

To listen to them, just go to: www.stryper.com/thecovering777

After some doubts arose about the legitimacy of this release, I contacted Barry Goudreau about it, and he said he was aware of the release, but he had not spoken to anyone from that label, or had any knowledge of that the material consisted of.  As the site claims it had "full involvement from Barry Goudreau" that means this is not legitimate and therefore people should not buy this.

I have added the link back to the site to allow readers to see the information. I do not recommend you buy this!

This info comes from Rock Candy. It has also been posted on melodicrock.com.

There's no getting away from the fact that the debut Boston album was one of the greatest, and of course most successful, recordings in the history of rock music. It was a record that changed the lives of the band members forever, rapidly elevating them from humble beginnings to headlining huge arenas worldwide. But good fortune soon turned to disappointment as the band slowly began to implode under the constant demand to keep the cogs of their hit making machine in motion.

By 1980 Boston was effectively put on ice by leader Tom Scholz, in an effort to resolve numerous business differences, leaving the rest of the group with time on their hands. Guitarist Barry Goudreau seized the moment and set about recording a solo album, enlisting the help of then unknown vocalist Fran Cosmo who, ironically, would later go on to replace front man Brad Delp in Boston.

Every inch as good as a fully-formed Boston album, the record is choc full of superbly constructed songs, great hooks, impressive production (from John Boylan, the producer of the debut Boston album) and Goudreau’s unmistakable, rich guitar tone. Look out too for further support from fellow Bostonians Sib Hashian and Brad Delp. A great lost classic for sure and one that sounds as impressive today as it did when first released.

24-bit remastering from original source tapes, 4,000 word essay about the making of the album and a new interview and full involvement from Barry Goudreau. Additional previously unseen photos and memorabilia spread out over a 12 page full colour booklet.

Stryper will be releasing a new album in Fall of 2010. The Covering, which will be released on Big 3 Records in the Fall. The release date has not been set, but according to Michael Sweet, they are aiming at a September release.

Based on Michael's Twitter feed, the album will feature covers such as:

Iron Maiden - "The Trooper"
Judas Priest - "Breaking The Law"
Scorpions - "Blackout"
Ozzy Osbourne - "Over The Mountain"
Sweet - "Set Me Free"
Van Halen  - "On Fire"
Deep Purple - "Highway Star"
Black Sabbath - "Heaven and Hell"
UFO - "Lights Out"
Kansas - "Carry On Wayward Son"
KISS - "Shout It Out Loud"
Led Zeppelin - "Immigrant Song"

Stryper will also include a new song called God.