Album review: PETRA – Hope

Girder Records [Release date 12.01.26]

2026 could well be the year of the comeback and one highly anticipated is this new album from Petra, their first studio album since 2003’s ‘Jekyll & Hyde’. Petra have been touring on and off in-between times and the current line-up still features founding member Bob Hartman, along with vocalist John Schlitt, who has been in the band since the mid-80’s with a few years off, as has keyboards player John Lawry. The rhythm section of bassist Greg Bailey and drummer Christian Bornero have been in the band since 2001 and 2013 respectively. So, for fans of these enduring Christian melodic rockers the line-up still features three of the Schlitt fronted ear of the band.

Petra don’t mess around as the ten songs clock in at just over thirty-five minutes, although the reggae flavoured ‘Oxygen’ is the one let down.

‘Filthy Lucre’ rocks like Stryper and makes for a fine opening salvo. Good to see time has not diminished their lyrical and musical passion.

‘We Rejoice In Hope’ is one of those uplifting sing-alongs that Petra have done so well throughout the years. It also has an air of Styx’s 70’s pomp sound in it too. The album’s lead single ‘Deliver Us’ follows a similar musical path, as does the catchy AOR of ‘Kiss the Coals’. On the latter John Lawry lets fly on lots of keys! Bob Hartman gets his chance to shine on the guitar solo on ‘Miracle Maker’.

As many bands of a certain vintage have done of late, Petra pen a thoughtful song ‘Looking Back’, which does what it says and looks back on their past and how grateful they are. The addition of fiddle gives the song an extra layer of class.

If you liked Petra from when John Schlitt fronted the band, like this reviewer does, you’ll love this album. It takes the rockier sound of albums like their last studio album ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ and their classic ‘On Fire!’ and ‘Beyond Belief’ albums, and adds a few musical twists that make Petra such a good band. Welcome back Petra we’ve missed you! ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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