Veteran Christian Rockers Petra Releases First New Album Since 2003
For many of us, the music of Petra isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s the soundtrack to our youth. It’s the cassette tape we rewound until it snapped in our first car, the anthem of youth group lock-ins, and the voice of faith that carried us through the confusing teenage years. If you have been missing that unmistakable sound, it is time to get excited. After more than two decades of silence from the studio, the world’s most beloved Christian rock band is officially back.
Petra has announced the release of Hope, a brand-new studio album featuring 10 original songs. This isn’t a compilation of greatest hits or a remaster of old demos. This is fresh, powerful music from a band that still has plenty to say.
A Comeback Two Decades in the Making
It is hard to believe it has been over 20 years since we last heard new material from the legends who helped define Christian rock. For five decades, Petra has filled arenas, won Grammys, and sold millions of records. But after their recent 50th Anniversary Tour, something special happened.
The band reconnected with their purpose. The energy from the fans and the renewed bond between the band members sparked a question that many of us have been asking for years: Is there more music left in them?
The answer is a resounding yes. Founding member Bob Hartman and iconic lead vocalist John Schlitt realized they weren’t done yet. They weren’t interested in releasing “leftovers” or ideas that weren’t good enough for previous records. They wanted to create something that reflected who they are right now. Musicians with deep faith, seasoned by life, and ready to rock.
What Fans Can Expect from Petra’s New Album
When a legendary band returns after such a long hiatus, there is always a little bit of nervousness mixed in with the excitement. Will it sound like the band we remember?
According to those who have heard it, Hope captures the classic Petra magic while offering something entirely new. Hartman’s guitar work is described as soaring and melodic, the driving force we all remember, while Schlitt’s vocals remain commanding and deeply heartfelt.
This album is being called the most honest representation of the band since their earliest days. It avoids chasing modern pop trends to try and fit in. Instead, it leans into the rock roots that made us fall in love with them in the first place. It is confident, clear, and purposeful.
Finding Hope in a Changing World
The title of the album, Hope, feels incredibly timely. The world looks a lot different today than it did the last time Petra released a record. It feels a little darker, a little more confusing, and perhaps more in need of encouragement than ever before.
The ten new tracks explore themes of perseverance, repentance, and trusting in God’s promises. Songs like “Filthy Lucre,” “Oxygen,” and “Skin in the Game” confront hard truths, while tracks such as “We Rejoice in Hope” and “There Will Still Be a Dawn” offer the assurance we all need to hear.
Bob Hartman put it beautifully when he said this album is meant to “inspire God’s people and bring HOPE to the hopeless.” It is music that reflects battles fought and trust refined over decades of walking by faith.
How to Get Your Hands on the New Release
Here are the important details. The album was released on Jan. 5th in partnership with Girder Music, who are known for its high-quality releases for collectors.
Important Dates to Remember:
- CD Release: Jan. 16, 2026
- Vinyl Release: March 2026
You can find the new album exclusively at GirderMusic.com. For the collectors out there, there will be three different color variants of the vinyl, which is scheduled to ship in the spring.
If you plan on buying both the CD and the vinyl, you might want to place two separate orders. Because the vinyl ships later in March, ordering them together means your CD will be held back until the vinyl is ready. To get the music in your hands as soon as possible, keep the orders separate!
It is rare to get a second chance to experience a new release from a band that shaped so much of our lives. Hope promises to be a reunion worth waiting for.
