No need to revisit this band’s incredible discography, numerous lineup changes, awards, sold-out concerts, or endless accolades\u2014you get the picture. Petra remains the most influential Christian rock band in the genre’s history. So when they announce a new album nearly a quarter-century after their last, it’s impossible to ignore. One thing Petra never does is approach their music half-heartedly or with compromise. This reviewer was understandably excited for the news.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then the first single dropped. I know\u2014an entire album can’t be judged by one track\u2014but “Deliver Us” (the closing song) had me worried. After the heavier punch of their previous release, Jekyll & Hyde<\/em>, I was hoping for more of that intensity. “Deliver Us” is solid, but it lacks the edge and replay value I craved, leaving me concerned about a softer direction like their Double Take<\/em> era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whew\u2014my fears were unfounded. The full album dropped digitally on January 5, 2026, and Bob Hartman, John Schlitt, and the band have delivered a very good\u2014often great\u2014record. The lineup features Bob Hartman on guitars, John Schlitt on vocals, John Lawry on keys, Greg Bailey on bass, and Cristian Borneo on drums. Everyone is a veteran, and Lawry’s return on keyboards is especially welcome. Borneo has been with the live band since the 2013 reformation, and the chemistry shines through every track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This self-produced album balances straight-up rockers (Filthy Lucre<\/strong>, Kiss the Coals<\/strong>, Skin in the Game<\/strong>, Miracle Maker<\/strong>), mid-tempo radio-friendly cuts (We Rejoice in Hope<\/strong>, Thorns<\/strong>, Deliver Us<\/strong>), heartfelt ballads (There Will Still Be a Dawn<\/strong>, Looking Back<\/strong>), and even a reggae-infused track (Oxygen<\/strong>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The production is stellar: rich vocal harmonies, crunchy guitars, and layered keys create a full, room-filling sound. Bob Hartman still crafts exceptional songs and killer riffs, while John Schlitt sings with the power and conviction of someone half his age. The rhythm section’s live-honed tightness provides a rock-solid foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hope<\/em> blends:<\/p>\n\n\n\n All mixed over a punchy, driving rhythm section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Highlights<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hope<\/em> proves Petra still has plenty of fire left. Welcome back\u2014it’s good to have you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" No need to revisit this band’s incredible discography, numerous lineup changes, awards, sold-out concerts, or…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":17113,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1020],"tags":[1841,696],"class_list":["post-17112","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-review","tag-classic-petra","tag-petra-d53"],"yoast_head":"\n\n
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