{"id":16848,"date":"2025-12-30T00:03:37","date_gmt":"2025-12-30T05:03:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/heavensmetalmagazine.com\/?p=16848"},"modified":"2025-12-30T00:05:55","modified_gmt":"2025-12-30T05:05:55","slug":"news-petra-releasing-first-new-studio-album-in-20-years","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/heavensmetalmagazine.com\/index.php\/2025\/12\/30\/news-petra-releasing-first-new-studio-album-in-20-years\/","title":{"rendered":"News: Petra releasing first new studio album in 20 years"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

HOPE is Coming, Petra\u2019s First New Studio Album in 20 Years \u2014 Pre-Orders Launch January 1 at Girder Music<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For Immediate Release
<\/strong>
December 2025 (Wilmington, NC) – The world\u2019s most beloved Christian rock band Petra returns with HOPE, their first album of all-new material in more than two decades. The landmark release is licensed and distributed through Girder Music, marking a powerful new chapter for one of the most influential bands in Christian music history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HOPE features 10 brand-new songs and marks Petra\u2019s long-awaited return with fresh music that carries the band\u2019s unmistakable sound, conviction, and message into a new era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pre-orders for CD and vinyl will go live exclusively at\u00a0GirderMusic.com<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0on January 1, 2026. The album will be released digitally worldwide on January 5, 2026, followed by the CD release on January 12, 2026. Vinyl editions are scheduled to ship in mid-March 2026, with three different color variants planned for collectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis album is the most honest representation of Petra since our first release,\u201d said Bob Hartman<\/strong>. \u201cIt grew out of our 50th anniversary tour, reflects our shared faith, and is meant to inspire God\u2019s people and bring HOPE to the hopeless.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>John Schlitt<\/strong> said this, \u201cTo our Petra friends – it’s been 20 years. we don\u2019t take your support lightly, and I truly believe we\u2019ve delivered something worthy of your trust. This album is exciting, powerful music with a clear Christian message at its heart. It reflects who we are, what we believe, and what we\u2019ve always hoped to share with you. We\u2019re incredibly excited for you to finally hear it and experience it for yourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis album completely blew me away,\u201d said Greg of Girder Music<\/strong>. \u201cThere isn\u2019t a weak song on it. Bob delivers unmistakable, soaring guitar work, John\u2019s vocals are powerful and inspired, and the entire record exceeds every expectation I had. HOPE truly lives up to its name. We\u2019re honored to be the home for this release and to bring it directly to fans through GirderMusic.com.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Petra\u2019s influence spans generations, with millions of records sold, multiple Grammy and Dove Awards, and a catalog that helped define Christian rock. HOPE builds on that legacy while offering something unmistakably current \u2014 a bold reminder of faith, perseverance, and musical excellence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vinyl editions of HOPE will be available across three exclusive color variants. All physical formats will receive Girder Music\u2019s signature treatment with high-quality presentation, created with collectors and longtime fans in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HOPE will be available on all major digital platforms and physically through\u00a0GirderMusic.com<\/a>, the official destination for Petra CD and vinyl pre-orders beginning January 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n