Long-running Christian metal band Stryper has revealed that America’s largest retail store, Wal-Mart will not carry their new album, God Damn Evil, due to the objectionable title. Several other Christian retailers have joined to say they will not carry the album. The band has shared their reaction with fans and media. The album is due out tomorrow, April 20 via Frontiers Music Srl.

Frontman Michael Sweet commented:

“We’re disappointed. “STRYPER has always been about making people think outside the box.

“Our new album title, ‘God Damn Evil’, is a statement that’s needed in our society. We’ve seen evil rise to new levels and this title is simply a prayer request asking God to damn or condemn all the evil around us. Many chains have joined us in making such a statement. Walmart, unfortunately, has not. The odd thing is of all the chains out there we assumed Walmart would be one to understand exactly what our point and purpose is. Unfortunately not. Although we respect their decision and what’s done is done, it’s frustrating to see something that’s meant for good get misinterpreted and misunderstood.”

Discussing choosing the album title, Sweet continued:

The band “thought long and hard about this title. It was actually considered quite a few years ago and it just didn’t feel like the right time. Now, with all the evil in the world that we see around us on a daily basis, it made perfect sense. It’s a very bold statement yet a prayer asking God to damn/condemn evil. Nothing more, nothing less.”