Stryper's Michael Sweet & Testament's Alex Skolnick (Part 1) | Metalhead To Head | Fuse

Testament guitarist Alex Skolnick and Stryper vocalist/guitarist Michael Sweet get together to chat about cover songs, breaking up a band, and Stryper's "Christian band" label.
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Featuring candid conversation and impromptu music demonstrations, Metalhead to Head brings together two metal masters who reveal the types of insights and anecdotes that artists only share with one another.
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#Fuse #MetalheadToHead #Stryper

[@vicrattlehead6386]

Alice Cooper said "the most rebellious thing I ever did was become Christian" , he made good point there.

[@felixrox9837]

Michael Sweet is a real talent

[@michaelsweet7793]

Thanks for your love and support indeed you are a true fan of my music God bless you. You can write me on [e-mail]

[@JoeyArmstrong2800]

Stryper is one of the best live shows ever, top notch musicians

[@christopherbraune04]

Yessir

[@saltpeter7429]

Saw them at the bottom of a ski mountain at a resort years ago. A Christian festival, hay bails around the stage. Outstanding. Sweet and Fox should be up there with Downing and Tipton or Smith and Murray, shall I even say King and Hanneman? Stryper was on fire, loved em.

[@cometblazt]

I saw Stryper 2 days ago, the whole crowd went insane , the band has gotten sronger than ever. Best concert I've seen , and i've seen Metallica megadeth dream theater Rush and many others but Stryper was on a different level

[@yurymonsalve7579]

They’re sooo good. I saw them in 2019, ended up having the time of my life. N got a pic with Michael Sweet (I was so embarrassed bc I fangirled badly 😂)

[@elingobernable1331]

I'm a simple man. I see Stryper and Testament in the title, I press the like button.

[@evalex71]

Big fan of both of these guys. Michael Sweet's clean lifestyle is what keeps him kicking ass still today in 2014. Compare him to, say, Axl Rose, and you'll see what I mean . . .

[@evalex71]

***** Yeah he's preserved pretty nicely

[@chinito398]

Ronin 77 Micheals voice is well taken care of and still kicks ass not harmed at all he can still hit those high notes

[@silvershade3265]

I don’t know if it’s the clean style or his genes but his voice is still awesome (and Alex is my favorite guitar player since 1987 😉)

[@allencolvin656]

Vince Neil lost his shit a loooong time ago, but Michael Sweet still has it because he/they stayed sober!

[@pewter7115]

Here we are six years later and Stryper just keeps getting better and better.

[@simsimma9622]

Stryper always got respect from the metal community.

[@BloodBerth]

Skolnick and Sweet interviewing each other... Never thought I'd see the day. Thanks Fuse!

[@LakeFossilPress]

Pastor Bob Beeman have you seen this -- this so priceless. Cool exchange. Michael Sweet is on part to Skolnick and the track you hear him on is where he's capable of playing like Testament see this tourniquet.bandcamp.com the heaviest playing he did.

[@themotleycook3453]

Wish Michael brought a guitar too, very underrated player.

[@tonypowell250]

+The Mötley Cook Michael didn't want to look silly in front of Alex so he deliberately forgot his guitar..hahaha!

[@kphfun1]

+Tony Powell you're an idiot, nuff said.

[@tonypowell250]

+kphfun1 only coz you know I'm right...nuff said..ahahaha

[@kphfun1]

+Tony Powell I apologize Tony, shouldn't have said that. That being said Mike is pretty talented , how much he can shred i couldnt tell you but I have seen him live (been some years). A very complete musician with a great voice.

[@tonypowell250]

kphfun1 hey no problem...I never take offence over comments on KZbin...all part of the fun...hahaha. I was only kidding about Michael. Having said that I don't think he is in the same league as Alex. Music is a very subjective thing...some people think Eric Clapton is the best guitarist in the world. Everyone has a favourite guitarist. My favourite guitarist is Michael Romeo..I'm sure you have a favourite too...peace!

[@Kalebsweeten]

Both are awesome guitarists

[@felixrox9837]

Yeah but the other sings Awesome at the same time do not compare Sweet is a real talent

[@Rahan482]

2 legends of metal history

[@rickynix]

Michael should've played because Stryper is a very talented band, great musicianship.

[@lifebait1537]

testament and stryper are part of the metal history in the 80s

[@martinkuliza]

@life bait yes, they are A SMALL PART the bigger parts are megadeth Metallica Judas Priest Sabbath Iron maiden Anthrax

[@arvindshastry1178]

@@martinkuliza you forgot Slayer

[@martinkuliza]

@@arvindshastry1178 No... i didn't forget them, i would never make the mistake of forgetting Slaytanica No... what happened was this. - it's a stryper channel - I Figured (Given the nature of slayer's music, Reign in Blood and all that stuff) it was probably better to leave it out so as to avoid needless arguments Just like i purposely left out a few others, Like DIO, for example i didn't forget them, i left them out to avoid needless discussion. but i respect slayer just like the others

[@ronaldshank7589]

Stryper dealt with one type of truth , & Testament dealt with another type of truth! They're both steeped in relevance, they always have been, and they will be until the end of each of their respective bands. Period! Listen to Stryper songs such as The Writings on the Wall, The Reign, The Way, and others. With Testament, it's songs such as Practice What You Preach, More than meets the eye, Native Blood, Electric Crown, and a newer one, Brotherhood of the Snake. True Metal classics, all of them!!!

[@coolnegative]

the thing is, Stryper's actual music was WAY harder than most "glam" bands from the 80s, it's just that Michael's voice was so high and girly, that it just seemed to tone down the hardness.

[@mattwarner6645]

I always thought that Stryper had a little thrash in them

[@kikethrasher2448]

Stryper back in the day was heavier than many 80'a bands

[@natraan]

his voice reminds me of Styx's Dennis Deyoung.

[@themetalbutt2598]

coolnegative saw Stryper live a few weeks ago, they were heavy as hell

[@SefniAsheforr]

His voice is great though. Stryper is like Dokken in that they connected heavy fuckin shit with the affectation of soul and melody found in that of pop (in a general sense, not pop in reference to today's popular music). Both bands have been highly misunderstood for a long time.

[@Rexxtasy]

I've played in rock bands most my life. Michael is one of the best singers I've ever heard!

[@funniebunnie4u]

Word

[@c0wb0yTV]

look at me louie! weeeeew

[@paulamaceio]

Two metal legends. Two great guys. Open minded and brilliant dudes.

[@alexlanza79]

I so love what Michael said! I'm a christian myself and I can totally understand the fact that not being called christian band, it's not about denying your faith but for instance a dentist who is a christian, doesn't put a plate outside his dental studio like "Christian dental studio" he is a dentist who's a christian! This is true for any other job! You don't need a label to "say" you are christian and christians shouldn't look for that label to be sure they are brothers in faith, one can call himself a christian and even play kinda christian music, but only God really knows his heart so what's the point?

[@denn9484]

Have you heard any stryper songs? They're definitely a christian rock band. It's the lyrics that make them that.

[@Bradgilliswhammyman]

Petra had a great guitar player too.

[@pinetree4600]

Yeah, but they got stingy and left out God.

[@russellward4624]

But if the dentist wore church robes while cleaning your teeth and spoke about Jesus the entire time it might be more accurate to use the Christian dental studio.

[@studio-flash]

God is obviously man made myth...stuck to music instead of fallacious nonsense.

[@funniebunnie4u]

Great to see all the love for Stryper! They were and are amazing!

[@TheMeJustMe75]

This video is awesome, I like both Stryper and Testament!

[@toddedwards5144]

TheMeJustMe75 Me too.

[@tanyam427]

Me too!

[@mylovesongs2429]

Me too!!

[@bobbykelly2333]

Yeah bro.

[@TempleOvBlackLight]

I have loved both bands since I was around 12 years old back in 1988. Both worthy bands!

[@meteorman6167]

Awesome conversation and interview

[@AstroShark1]

I never realized this but Alex Skolnick sounds exactly like Howard Stern when he talks...Great video by the way! :D

[@guitagious9464]

Lol! I hear that too in his voice, but never thought about it! Hey, Alex actually "handed" me and my daughter some of his guitar picks at the end of a Tran Siberian concert a few years ago. He was a true gentleman/guitar master!

[@Grace4_All]

AstroShark1 no

[@HarujiSubayama]

Stryper is the only glam metal band I can stand.

[@ferox965]

Stryper, with the exception of the ballads actually rocked harder than the glam bands...they always had a crushing rhythm sound.

[@papahulk1]

whitecross was and awesome band they had some great guitar work

[@ronaldshank7589]

Rex Carroll has an amazing amount of talent, and he definitely knows what to do, and where to do it, when it comes to Rythym Guitar chording, Vs. Lead guitar solos. The man's a legend!!!

[@st.louiscritic960]

M Sweet god bless him Few people can cover his stuff , in his pitch & power !!!

[@ivangushkov3651]

Two absolute rock legends having an amazing talk

[@michaelsweet7793]

Thanks for your love and support indeed you are a true fan of my music God bless you. You can write me on [e-mail]

[@carik96]

Love Mike and Stryper

[@MPetrozzaIsGod]

You have to love Stryper. They went out on stage nightly ready to be booed, threw bibles at their "fans" and in the end, everyone said, "Hey, those Stryper guys weren't so bad, and their drummer has got to be tired as hell from the show he just put on". I'm more into heavier stuff, but I listen to everything. One of my favorite band lately has been The Cranberries plus I'll always be a huge Stones fan and they were before my time.

[@Scorpionbite8]

Awesome. God is good

[@elevenAD]

back in 8th grade my favorite two records were Sabbath, Master of Reality and Stryper, Solders Under Command! the guitars in Stryper wow! the way they chugged and harmonized just blew my mind !

[@ZBlacktt]

Met both these guys and been there since the very start of their careers. Saw Stryper in 1983 when they were a nobody band. Saw them again like in 2012 and they still sounds dead on. The reason they stood the test of time is because they are just that damn good. Both in musically, lyrically and singing. Same with Testament. Hung out back stage with them like 2 years ago. They've never changed the formula. Never sold out, just a true true metal monster trash band.

[@rbagel55]

+ZBlacktt The other reason why they stood the test of time is because they didn't drink and drug themselves to death like so many countless other famous musicians, or celebrities did

[@ZBlacktt]

rbagel55 Yes, correct and I asked the guys in Testament that very question. Which is very logical indeed. We are not machines and age can be done gracefully. Or like a train wreck which is the case with so many bands.

[@robadams8057]

I don't know about you, but I was very disappointed with Stryper's "Against the Law" album.

[@cometblazt]

Two giants here, great conversation. Stryper is my #1 band, their latest albums are just amazing.

[@cleanslate3530]

So great. They respect each other although they come from totally different backgrounds.

[@ziviaantjeverharius6165]

Funny, I was at that show in Holland they are talking about. Bibles were flying over the crawd. It was a great show, they always are...

[@michaelshields7777]

I saw Stryper in Spokane, WA on my birthday, when they did a concert there, and I also caught one of their bibles that they tossed out to the crowd, after which I went to the meet and greet, and they all autographed it!! I still have it and read it to this day!! FYI: Alex Skolnik also toured with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra a few times as well.

[@fasttaker]

Both bands are amazing, Stryper and Testament! It's very cool to see both together!

[@edgarallanbro9624]

Where's oz fox when you need him !

[@Footy_Fan]

Once again.....I am a massive fan of both of these guys. I have spent so much money on Testament and Stryper albums.

[@michaelsweet7793]

Thanks for your love and support indeed you are a true fan of my music God bless you. You can write me on [e-mail]

[@cometblazt]

Money well spent, supported great talent God bless

[@cabanasanthony6799]

I have nothing but absolute respect for Both of these Gentleman. They are iconic Idols from the past and with in the future. To me it did not matter what so ever what side of the spectrum the music came from or what one portrayed and what one did not ! Its all music and they are both talented and amazing musicians and People.

[@deancarter8725]

Love both these bands. Very cool! thanks Fuse!

[@STAND-ALONE]

Love watching this! Awesome.

[@vinceruland9236]

Testaments cover of nobody's fault is probably my fav cover ever.

[@Gilbarwaters]

This is awesome. I like when he says “ We’re a Rock band made up of christians”. I’ve always liked Stryper and I never think any less of them because of their lyrics and being a Metal band. Their song “Honestly” is one of the best rock ballads from the 80’s and even though it’s clear what the message is and who he’s singing about, The words can apply to friendship or a romantic relationship. It’s just an awesome song. Plus Michael’s voice was and still is amazing.

[@ferox965]

The music is always the most important factor.

[@bobbysimpson5540]

2 of my All Time Favorites, both Great musicians!

[@MartinRodriguez-ox7vh]

These Guys Are Good Friends. I Love It.

[@michaelsweet7793]

Thanks for your love and support indeed you are a true fan of my music God bless you. You can write me on [e-mail]

[@JCRJr3]

Man, these two are such great guys.

[@alanmooney3120]

This was awesome! Michael is seriously one of the sweetest dudes out there, and incredibly talented. And Alex just smokes..Great memories with these 2 bands :)

[@thingfish000]

Brian May made his own lightsaber and fought the Sith. What a guy!

[@rwazny]

I want to hear more! Do another one guys! \m/

[@lakerdigital]

This is so cool!!!

[@brandonrice9592]

Cool stuff. Im a fan of both bands and its awesome to see thrash and glam artists getting together and just chatting and having a friendly conversation.

[@MrUfojunkiedavid]

Great interview

[@thomaswillingham4084]

What glam singer is as talented as MS? I'm not a Christian..but ms is crazy talented

[@phnigra111]

Love the tone & tuning Alex uses on that cover of "Dragon Attack"... 👌🏻💣🤘🏻

[@jakefoxx7978]

They may not label themselves as a Christian band but I can definitely feel His presence through their music. I like what they do :)

[@Icedsymphony7]

Stryper rocks very hard these days they are great

[@borisvandruff7532]

I saw them in Nashville a week ago. Man, those guys can play…

[@dougsteeleguitar]

I dig them both.

[@nanamano]

A nice couple of guys! It seems they get on like a house on fire :)

[@robbienance3526]

This is awesome! Alex and Michael should have jammed!!!

[@ronnielopez3267]

2 badass guitar Gods with mutual respect for one another.

[@darrenred]

Very cool inteview

[@65judge]

Two killer players ! 👍🏻😎

[@ChadVanHalen5150]

Being an avid fan of both 80's thrash and glam I'd love to see more videos like this since the beginning, and even today on the oh so open minded internet, there still seems to be this weird divide between the two genres

[@mattnobrega6621]

Stryper is proof you can praise God and still be cool

[@tracezachdaniels4264]

SO SHWEEEETTT...much love Tee with LIONS NAMED LEO.[the music worldwide} ...great talk!!!

[@darinmcleod9110]

God bless you Michael Sweet 🙏 today when I was at church I gave my guitar to a lowboy is a Jackson mini guitar ✝️✝️✝️✝️

[@jakefoxx7978]

That cover for Carry On My Wayward Son was nice 👍

[@aldothebastard]

I was there!!!!

[@Derrick6162]

Stryper had the best kick drum and great raw metal guitar tone, Soldiers Under Command. Testament has a great sound of there own. Return to Serenity, excellent. Michael has a great voice for metal. I'd give my left nut to have his guitar skills and a voice like his.

[@omarvaldez1879]

Got Alex Skolnick/Chuck Billy autograph on back of their concert ticket..Overkill/Testament Ritz Theatre, Corpus Christi TX Aug.28 1987..

[@Metal666Mama666]

Wauw....i was there in Eindhoven, Dynamo open Air!!! 1987

[@hilalabbas]

2 great bands

[@rebekahclayburnlewis1933]

Wow Michael sweet u look good and well I love y'alls band music I still listen to y'all I love y'all minstery and words of god I'm glad y'all don't allow alcohol or smoken or drugs y'all are clean band y'alls l Songs kept me going w god and blessed u Michael

[@1badsteed]

LOVE DDY!!! Love Stryper

[@creepygeorgie148]

CLASSIC

[@brettcoble8137]

3 min in and I bet these guys were a hoot after the show!.

[@fabzlab1980]

Stryper rocks !

[@michaelsweet7793]

Thanks for your love and support indeed you are a true fan of my music God bless you. You can write me on [e-mail]

[@petershortland478]

Alex is such great guy I met him when Testament was touring with Amon Amarth such nice guy was willing to have a chat obviously I didnt keep him talking for to long

[@zepcrazyfre]

7:41- 8:57! that roar.......wow!

[@SASTORM]

seen both bands live, can´t compare them MS is a great singer and guitar player, damn those high notes are set to immortality, they should start a hard rock band project

[@togarcia482]

6:04 you right Mr Michael I always think the same

[@kevin12553]

I saw TestamenT with Anthrax and Metal Church in the 80s in LA

[@kanethesaint]

I was/an a big fan of Stryper and Testament. Sweet is an incredible Guitarist as well as singer. He and Oz were a great team. I never saw them as a glam band. Their music was way to heavy. I always thought they got a bad rap by both Metal fans and Christians. They were accused by the Christians of using “God” as a gimmick to sell albums. This was the 80’s, the idea of a Christian Metal band was unthinkable. Being a Christian Metal band was sort of an oxymoron. These guys got beat up by both Metal fans and Christians alike! I give them credit, they succeeded regardless of the preachers and the discounting of some metal fans. You know why they did? Talent, It was because they were great! They kicked ass both in the studio and live. Every Christian rock band and music station that plays Christian rock owe these guys a debt of gratitude. And to the metal heads that didn’t listen to them because of the message they sent lost and are still losing out on really great music.

[@jonnyquest8774]

This is very cool! Been a big Stryper fan since the beginning. Never listened to Testament, but Alex seems like a cool guy, maybe I'll check them out...

[@jimb8695]

+jonnyQuest Testament is great. Better than Anthrax in my opinion.

[@RMLaxCoach]

+Joe Roz Agree totally. Testament whould be in the Big 4. Loved Anthrax, but Alex is one of the most underated players out there.

[@omarsanchez5257]

theyre different but just as good as anthrax. i think that testament music is more like kreator etc...

[@kikethrasher2448]

Anthrax has a punk vibe while Testament is even close to Death Metal in some records.

[@JohnO318]

Alex seems very cool, but you can tell in both clips 1 & 2 he very subtly does not want to identify himself as on the side of the light. I think Michael on the other hand, would be more than happy to share his Christianity, but knows it'll get slapped down if he tries, so why waste his time.

[@chris19fire]

Should've been Michael Sweet and Kerry King.

[@carlinfan4life]

OMG that would be a crazy conversation. We could only hope that Kerry would keep it civil!

[@TRANSMETALGIRL]

Yeah right, if Glen could not stand Kurt Bachman of Believer and spits in his face What do you think how he would be towards Micheal Sweet?

[@MrAlienautopsy]

Or Michael Sweet and King Diamond

[@thomasackerly7732]

MrAlienautopsy Michael Sweet Glen Benton

[@Goabnb94]

Yeah, but Glen is an edgelord whose entire image is being anti-christian. I'd like to think King would would be respectful, since Sweet and Bachman are better guitarists, and fans might not appreciate disrespect towards other bands they like.

[@robertelam8953]

Does Earth,Wind and Fire know that Stryper covered they're song "shining star"

[@grampagamingguy6833]

Getting older, no more "balls and ego" between a lot of the bands from the 80's. Older = Wiser, lol. Good to see these guys talking like men. You can actually see the respect they have for each other, which is just awesome.

[@bm625]

Michael Sweet could pass as Ace Frehley.

[@WyattsMetalLife]

BM they both have the same voice

[@ronaldshank7589]

Just add make-up, a space-ace uniform (with 8-inch platform boots!), and PRESTO! Michael Frehley!!!😁😁😁😁😁

[@wtfrocks8663]

10:20 - It would be interesting to hear about the re-recording of their catalog after the Universal warehouse fire.

[@docholiday2932]

Slayer and Stryper , Testament are my favorite bands , Alex is a killer guitarist, Michael Sweet is a killer guitar player , Both are shredders from the 80’s, It’s great seeing Stryper getting props and their musical freedom has come a long way!

[@jacintofragoso1211]

Okay let's stop there sweet can not play as good as skolnick I have no idea what you're listening to

[@S7N17]

I am sensing that both of these men are giving reserved interviews here. It's as if neither is trying to get too excited or offend the other. Almost as if they both would have personally breathed a sigh of relief afterwards. Socially this interview is almost cringing in an odd way. Side note, Love Stryper!

[@aryinc]

alex always smacking the handshakes hard. it's really funny that he always does the shake that way.

[@LRS905]

I like these interchanges, everyone is respectful about the other person in another band. Religious crap aside, Stryper was a kick ass band, I still play "Against the Law" a lot, it is a great sounding album.

[@privatejimmy5861]

production may have gotten better, but the magic of the original recordings are still the best

[@phillipweber6352]

Michael Sweet actually comes across as a decent guy. My perspective has changed.

[@8Junio76]

2 ‘friends’ that has not seen each other since 1987.

[@metalguitarfailarmy5213]

As a guitarist, I loved both bands and guitarists...I always thought Alex was a cool dude.

[@lynnhernandez929]

🤘💯

[@Jdo4031]

Love Stryprer and Love Testament Souls of Black is underrated

[@michaelmitchell4222]

Fallen from Stryper and The Legacy from Testament...great CDs

[@johnsuttoniiijs]

Michael Sweet is an amazing riff maker and has an incredible sensibility for melody over those rocking riffs. Strypers music isnt for the novice musicians out there. Heady heady stuff.

[@Razgork]

I have that same guitar...only in Epiphone.

[@claudiafloresfernandez921]

Es very good Christ salva 😆 Full music......😊😄😆

[@sweetgyy]

cool