Often referred to as the “fundamentalists in armor”
About the Band
Formed in the late 1970s in Arizona, STRYKEN originally began as "Stryker," a hard-hitting rock band founded by brothers Dale and Steve Streiker. After gaining early traction with a single and a four-song demo, the duo expanded their lineup by recruiting drummer Joey Knight in response to a want ad. The band's journey took a pivotal turn in 1982 with a move to Austin, Texas, where they soon recorded Blitzkrieg, a nine-song cassette that found success across the Southwest.
STRYKEN defines their sound as "thunder rock" — a powerful, driving beat that emphasizes guitars and drums.
From the Arizona desert to the Austin music scene, STRYKEN's mission remains clear: to bring their unique brand of heavy rock to audiences while wearing their faith — and their armor — with pride.
Thunder Rock is a fusion of anthemic hard rock and melodic metal, delivering unforgettable tracks like "Crush The Head Of Satan" and "Rock On," as well as heartfelt ballads like "The Answer" and "Surprise." The band's strength lies in its consistent songwriting, with each track crafted to stand up to repeated listens and captivate fans both old and new.
The Name Change
By the mid-80s, Stryker faced pressure from the rising popularity of another band, Stryper, to change its name due to the similarity in pronunciation. However, it's important to note that Stryker had been trademarked long before Stryper was even formed. Despite the initial tension, the group made a simple change, swapping the "r" for an "n" — and STRYKEN was born.
A New Identity
With the new name came a transformation in both image and sound. STRYKEN's lineup was solidified with bassist Ezekiel Vade, and the band embraced a powerful visual identity, donning body armor to symbolize the Armor of God from Ephesians 6:11. This bold look became a signature for the band as they continued to build their reputation in the rock scene.
STRYKEN established their own label, Chrystal Records, and in 1987, released their full-length debut album First Strike. Available on cassette and red transparent vinyl, the album showcased their unique sound — a combination of 80s-influenced metal and hard rock — capturing the hearts of fans of bands like KISS, Ratt, Poison, Twisted Sister, Motley Crue, AC/DC, Bloodgood, Whitecross, Saint, Barren Cross, Stryper, and more.
