A review of Petra’s new album
By Benjamin Treadwell · Contributing Writer
Among other revivals of classic acts, the legendary Christian rock band Petra has reconvened for not only a 50th anniversary tour, but also for an all-new album. On Oct. 8, 2025, they released the song “Deliver Us” as a single to build up to their Jan. 5 release of the album “Hope.” In their publicity pieces for the album, Petra promised songs to offer reassurance in Jesus for a despairing generation lost in a chaotic and uncertain time. They deliver 10 songs that do just that — and are much better than the average contemporary Christian music tracks.
On the first listen, this album seems slightly incohesive; the band chose to vary the styles of the songs noticeably more than on their prior releases (the third track has a fascinating ’80s-rock-meets-islander vibe.) However, the careful listener will notice that all the songs still sound like Petra, and several stylistic choices, such as the digital self-harmony recording technique for John Schlitt’s singing, tie the songs together with a subtle similarity. Further, while the individual songs’ styles vary more than in the past, the album has a very strong thematic structure and throughline.
“Hope” succeeds in its mission to provide songs that point the listener to Jesus in the midst of trouble. The organization of the album, examined carefully, is a Christian redemption arc. After the introductory, near-metal “Filthy Lucre,” (a penetrating Biblical call away from the pursuit of wealth), they present “Kiss the Coals” (my personal favorite from the album). This reference to Isaiah speaks of salvation in a light we all need to be reminded of: salvation and sanctification through trials.
God’s love is often compared to fire — but this song reminds us that it is a fire that will sear away our impurity. This consideration of growth through trials continues throughout the rest of the album (which I won’t completely spoil here). Without shying away from the pain of life in a fallen world, the songs present steady reminders that by relying on our savior, the Word and God’s providence, we will make it — and we can find joy in this journey. “Deliver Us,” the single, is the final song, prompting us to recall that after the trials and the sanctification, God will rescue us and this world — and we have a role in the plan of salvation.
Each song also holds up as a musically excellent piece. The style is rock, yes, but Petra took the trouble on each track to have quality playing and musical depth. They do not limit themselves to the standard of a single singer, a pair of guitars, and a drum set. In every song, the masterful keyboard work of John Lawry adds a beautiful layer, and toward the end of the album, Greg Bailey brings a powerful hit of emotion and musical complexity with his cello playing. Petra has always built layering into their songs, but now their music has the added benefit of modern recording equipment that preserves the musical quality better than before. Not only is the message of the album good, but so is the delivery.
All in all, this is an amazing album. It might not be the perfect introduction to the music of Petra (I’m biased from having listened to their entire discography), but it is a timely soundtrack for our days of tension and conflict. For anyone who likes Christian music, rock and/or is tired of 2010-20s contemporary Christian music, give “Hope” a listen. I cannot imagine you’ll regret it.
