Hope

Description

Hope is a full-length studio album by the American rock band Petra, officially released on Rown Records in January 2026. (CD released January 16 in co-operation with Girder Records, and the vinyl edition released in March.)

Petra features John Schlitt on vocals; songwriter/founding member Bob Hartman on guitar; John Lawry on piano, keyboards, and synthesizer (the band’s longest-tenured keyboardist); Greg Bailey on bass, cello, and background vocals (who was with the band when they initially retired); and new member Cristian Borneo on drums.

Trivia: Over the course of more than fifty years, Petra released 20 studio albums along with two Spanish-language albums and two live recordings. The band sold ten million albums, earned 13 Grammy nominations with four wins, and received ten Dove Awards. Petra also made history as the first Christian rock band inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Girder Music Promo, 2026

Petra is, without question, the world’s most beloved Christian rock band. Over the course of five decades, they accomplished what every band sets out to do but few achieve. With millions of records sold, Grammy Awards, Dove Awards, international recognition, and sold-out shows around the globe, Petra didn’t just create great music, they defined what we know today as Christian rock.

Now after more than 20 years since their last studio album, Petra has returned with HOPE, their newest album containing 10 new songs. This album was not built from ideas “left in the tank.” HOPE is a focused, intentional statement – and further proof that Petra remains one of the greatest Christian rock bands on the planet. Crafted quietly behind the scenes while on tour, the album was driven by founding member Bob Hartman, whose unmistakable guitar work anchors every song. John Schlitt delivers vocals that are as powerful, polished, and commanding as ever, supported by the masterful keyboard work of John Lawry, the rock-solid bass of Greg Bailey, and the precision drumming of Cristian Bornero. These are seasoned professionals at the top of their craft – and it shows in every note.

The entire album is oozing with urgency and unmistakably Petra – powerful, melodic, and rooted in the band’s classic sound – while John Schlitt turns in a vocal performance that is both commanding and deeply heartfelt. There is maturity in these songs, but also fire and a lot of it. The result is an album shaped by experience, faith, and perseverance – music that reflects lives lived, battles fought, and trust refined over time.

For the fans who never stopped believing, HOPE is a promise fulfilled. And for those discovering Petra for the first time, it stands as proof that meaningful, faith-driven rock music does not have an expiration date. This album doesn’t chase trends or attempt to modernize Petra’s identity – it reaffirms it. In a world that’s growing darker, Jesus still offers HOPE, and that message resonates through every song on this record.

HOPE features ten powerful tracks that explore faith, perseverance, repentance, redemption, and trust in God’s promises. From the hard-hitting opener «Filthy Lucre» to the triumphant closer «Deliver Us», the album takes listeners on a journey that is both introspective and uplifting. Songs like «Kiss the Coals», «Oxygen», and «Skin in the Game» confront hard truths, while «We Rejoice in Hope», «Miracle Maker», and «There Will Still Be a Dawn» shine with encouragement and assurance. Tracks such as «Thorns» and «Looking Back» reflect on sacrifice, growth, and God’s faithfulness through every season of life.

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/hope/1859241110)

CD tracklist:

01. Filthy Lucre
02. Kiss the Coals
03. Oxygen
04. Skin in the Game
05. We Rejoice in Hope
06. Miracle Maker
07. There Will Still Be A Dawn
08. Thorns
09. Looking Back
10. Deliver Us

Note: Released on both CD and 12-inch vinyl LP, with the vinyl edition mastered for vinyl and available in three vinyl color variants: pressed on both Storm Surge Blue vinyl, Breakers Edge Java vinyl, and on Safe Harbor/Bone-White vinyl (includes 2-sided full-color printed insert with lyrics, band photo and credits).

Hope LP available in three vinyl color variants: pressed on Storm Surge Blue, Breakers Edge Java, and Safe Harbor/Bone-White vinyl.