Petra

JEKYLL & HYDE
Maybe the best Petra album since Back To The Street. Definitely on par with Beyond Belief. It’s easily their heaviest sounding. Newsboy Peter Furler, who added his own drumming to the record, dialed in some big, agressive sounds here. Bring Bob Hartman into the songwriting picture, and you’ve got a smart move by this old band. Like any Petra album, there is the obligatory CHR ballad (“Till Everything I Do”) as well as a little “Petra cheese” – with cute hooks and big choruses (“Woulda Shoulda Coulda”).

Will they win over a new legion of discerning music fans? Probably impossible. Will it get those old Petra fans to venture out of their shells, tromp into the local Christian bookshop and pick up a copy? It should. Will we really want to see them perform these songs live? While the Stones have the luxury of knowing that most of their audience is inebriated and can’t see too well, what’ll Petra do to overcome the wrinkle factor? Well, that’s another challenge. The good news here is that Petra has put its best step forward in years. [inpop / Doug Van Pelt]

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i used to love to listen to petra they were my cooling off band after a long day of rageing christian metal. but petra will never be petra again with out the awesome vocals of greg voltz. i like john and all but the man has no soul when it comes to singing. to here him sing a song like all over me makes me cringe he has what you call a happy voice thers no soul to it. bring back greg guys and then give me a phone call
Posted by: wayne on August 27, 2003 01:58 AM

Wayne, you are living WAY in the past. :) Great honest review from Doug, though I think Petra CAN get some new fans. "J&H" has been #1 at christianrock.net for 4 weeks now.
Posted by: Josh on August 27, 2003 04:19 PM

This album really rocks, and as much as I like the title cut, the deep tracks are much more innovative and captivating. If people give this album a fair listen, they'll probably love it. And don't worry about Petra's show - they rock as hard as any twenty-somethings I've ever seen. You know what might keep Petra from succeeding? Negative editorial comments from reviewers(like "probably impossible" for Petra to win new fans...) might hurt.
Posted by: Ben on August 27, 2003 06:03 PM

this is the first good petra album in over 10 years. i kid thee not.
Posted by: The Theory on August 27, 2003 07:53 PM

I soiled my trousers when I heard this album. Let's face it, the last album that was a true Petra album was Wake Up Call. This blows that out of the water. To me this is the best album since This Means War.
Posted by: andy on August 28, 2003 08:22 AM

Jeykll & Hyde is perhaps the best PETRA album in at least 10-12 years. Maybe the best yet. I could barely keep from smiling ear to ear the 1st couple listens. It rocks!! The lyrics are some of the best out there. They're not your standard issue washed out, let's not offend anybody, let's move on from Christian music so I can get a secular deal, junk that's so poplular. I love the PETRA mix, in your FACE lyrics and in your face music. Ahhhhh, it's so refreshing to hear this CD. Go out right now and buy Jekyll and Hyde!! You won't be disapointed even if you have to pay $50 for it!! (BTW, John Schlitt has hands down the best voice in rock. Try singing along! Anyone who has seen PETRA in concert will atest to that!!)
Posted by: Reuben Smith on August 28, 2003 01:18 PM

I agree with the comment that J&H is the strongest release since "Beyond Belief". My only complaint with the CD is that it clocks in at a disappointing 31 minutes. I was hoping for more music for my $15, especially since a 30 minute disc could be considered an EP by today's standards. Even with only 30 minutes, I think this CD packs more of punch than 50% of the "hard music" pushed on the public today. Buy this CD at a major chain like Best Buy, to help support Petra in markets other than Christian Bookstores. I did.
Posted by: Hammster on August 29, 2003 09:16 AM

I would much rather have 30 minutes of solid music than 50 minutes of a cd which as 4 good tracks and 12 filler tracks.
Posted by: The Theory on August 29, 2003 01:44 PM

these guys suck peep XMEBANEX.... nbwfhdf;jhfda'slhdfk p9fdwqh'pdhsa'pdasdhkslaf'
Posted by: JAGE on August 29, 2003 08:59 PM

what I have heard of this disc sounds like a bunch of old guys not acting their age. It's the same old petra cheese. Avoid it.
Posted by: ugh! on August 31, 2003 12:06 AM

This album does indeed ROCK!! It's fantastic to hear Petra playing and singing their hearts out again. Gotta say though that 'Revival' was a great CD too. I also felt 'God Fixation' and 'No Doubt' got a bad press when they were great albums. That being said though 'Jeckly & Hyde' is superb and must be the heaviest and most rocking album Petra has ever done. I mean the guitars really get under your skin and rumble!! Reminds of the forever legendary raw rock of 'On Fire' that first got me into the band and they've never bettered. This new one certainly comes close though. Finally, I've got to say that I'd rather have 31 minutes of 10 great tracks than 50 minutes with 4 fillers, BUT, after all the hype/build up surrounding this album for Petra fans I have to agree that paying £15 (I'm English so it's not dollars for me!) for 31 mins. of new music after all these years of rockless Petra is a bit poor and not great value for money. I'm not entirely happy that this fact was conveniently omitted from all the pre-album hype!! All said, let's just pray God uses the passion and gifting these guys have to encourage us all in our faith and bring many to come to know the saviour of the universe, Jesus, pronto!! That's what matters more than all of these reviews!!!!
Posted by: Steve on August 31, 2003 04:42 PM

I love this. God really spoke to me through "Til Everything I Do." Thanks, Petra. Monster toast to this album.
Posted by: Jonny on September 1, 2003 02:18 PM

Great album, however, not radio friendly, and that might be the biggest problem from a sales standpoint for the band. After the last 10 years, they really need a seller from a corporate standpoint and I dont know if they got it.
Posted by: Luke on September 2, 2003 10:06 AM

One of the Best Petra albums ever. Definatly worth the listen. WAY, WAY to short. I'd put Petra against the Stone's anyday. By the way my younger friends all think it ROCKS!!!
Posted by: drmack on September 2, 2003 11:08 AM

I wouldn't worry about the sales. I can't keep it on the shelves at my store, and we're one of the largest Christian retailer chains in the nation.
Posted by: andy on September 2, 2003 11:42 AM

This is the best "in your face" guitar work I have ever heard from Petra. Although I like their 80's and early 90's stuff, I love deep driving guitars and Petra's older stuff was heavy on keys with the guitar in the background. This CD is definitely a new (great) sound for Petra but remains more true to their hard rock roots than other recent projects.
Posted by: Bill on September 2, 2003 08:38 PM

This is the best "in your face" guitar work I have ever heard from Petra. Although I like their 80's and early 90's stuff, I love deep driving guitars and Petra's older stuff was heavy on keys with the guitar in the background. This CD is definitely a new (great) sound for Petra but remains more true to their hard rock roots than other recent projects.
Posted by: Bill on September 2, 2003 08:42 PM

Im only 18yrs old, but I own every Petra album. This is possibly the best own in like 10 years. I can wait for the tour.
Posted by: Charles on September 3, 2003 08:26 AM

Im only 18yrs old, but I own every Petra album. This is possibly the best own in like 10 years. I can wait for the tour.
Posted by: Charles on September 3, 2003 08:26 AM

This is an awesome album! Who cares if these guys aren't 20something, 30something, 40...er...anyways, this is clearly the best work Petra has given us in years. I'd clearly take 30 minutes worth of excellent songs, than a 50 minute album of fillers! And, I like the fact that Petra still believes in in your face lyrics that tell ya like it is rather than to be polictically correct. So a big thumbs up!!! ;)
Posted by: Greg on September 3, 2003 09:57 PM

I am 18 yrs old as well and I own all the 90's above as well as a couple 80's and 70's. I must say that Petra can still dish it out. I'm also a staunch supporter of the hard christian music scene. I like to see that has brought out another hard Cd in a few years. I loved this CD.
Posted by: Seth on September 3, 2003 10:31 PM

Wow...great album. There's only one or two songs I skip when listening to the album, and that compares to 7-8 for the last couple. "Life as we know it" has instantly made it on my list of top 10 best ever tracks by this fantastic band. The driving guitars have convinced me that Bob Hartman isn't just the heart and soul of this band lyrically, he's also a fantastic player. I hope this album has enough success to keep Petra rockin' in the years to come.
Posted by: Artin Safari on September 3, 2003 10:31 PM

Did that guy say that John Schlitt doesn't have soul???? I say oh yes he does! What a fabulous voice, not just on an album, but live in concert, he sounds better than recorded. As for J&H, this album is not just a great rock album from beginning to end, the messages are strong. It's got it all. I think that the ultimate rock tune on this album is "Perfect World". John sings the first line (with soul) then BOOM- you're knocked off your duff. Best album I've ever heard.
Posted by: Lisa on September 4, 2003 07:01 PM

Been following these guys for years, and I didn't think they still had it in them! It is awesome to find out what they are capable of without John and Dino Elefante. Bob Hartmans guitars are some of his best work, as are the lyrics. And what can I say about John Schlitt's vocals? Awesome. To the fellow who claimed he had no soul, I say if making the hair stand up on the back of your neck is no soul, then bring it on! These guys deserve our support for such a genuine effort, and truly great music. Buy this CD!
Posted by: David on September 4, 2003 07:26 PM

I think this cd was long overdue. I am an old school rocker and it was nice to not have to settle for something that is close to what I like. The only bad part is there aren't more classic bands making music right now. I saw that both Tony Palacios and Jamie Rowe from Guardian were listed in the credits. I'd like to hear what they could do too. Petra still means rock after all these years and unless you think you are too cool and music is more about looking cool to your friends, you will enjoy this cd.
Posted by: Paul on September 4, 2003 09:53 PM

PETRA ROCKS !!!!!!!
Posted by: Toby on September 5, 2003 08:58 AM

I have been a big Petra fan since 1988. I thought that they were almost finished,but now they come out with a album that has "Classic" written all over it. This is by far the heaviest record they have ever done. I hope it sell's well! My only minor complaint about it is the length of the disc. Just over 31mins long & by today's standard's that's pretty bad. The other thing I would have done, is to bring in a great lead guitarist to help out Bob Hartman. That would have added a lot to it. This is still one of the best CD's that has come out from them in a long time. John sounds as good as ever. Petra are back! And they have proven, that age does not matter! These guy's can still rock with anyone!
Posted by: Baldcustodian on September 6, 2003 11:25 AM

I agree with everyone here. A good friend introduced me to Petra recently, and I never would have believed that they were old if I hadn't seen them live. They deserve to be rock and roll legends, because they truly rock, who cares about their age.
Posted by: Ferdie on September 8, 2003 10:10 AM

" The best band and rock" É muito maneiro e eu terei a oportunidade de estar no Show dos brothers agora em 24/09/2003, Vit. da Conquista vai estremecer, Deus é tremendo!!!
Posted by: Islândio on September 8, 2003 11:43 AM

BUY THIS ALBUM! You will not be disappointed. PETRA once again means ROCK!
Posted by: John on September 8, 2003 04:04 PM

Yea..they still rock...nuf said. BUY THE ALBUM. Those who are too young to remember Back to the Street pay R-E-S-P-E-C-T sitdown and listen!!! While most bands are going for the "my song is about whatever you want it to be about" sound, PETRA is definetly a CHRISTIAN band. And for them doing that I have respect for them.
Posted by: Joel on September 11, 2003 12:10 PM

DE LO MEJOR PETRA BETS ALBUM
Posted by: E-L-I on September 11, 2003 07:52 PM

petra has been my favorite band for quit some time now,to hear of them having a new cd out just got me all excited.i love these guys and their message.when i first listened to j. and h. i fell in love with especially the songs "stand" and "life as we know it"keep rocking for the lord guys .negative critics you need to shut your mouths.
Posted by: kevin on September 16, 2003 10:38 PM

BUY THE CD!!!! IF YOU ARE WODERING IF YOU'LL LIKE IT OR NOT, STOP!! JUST GO OUT AND BUY IT, YOU WILL LOVE THIS CD!!
Posted by: Reuben Smith on September 17, 2003 10:53 AM

tHIS IS A GREAT ROCKING CD. LOVED IT. i THINK INPOP HAS GOT A GOOD THING HERE.
Posted by: SUPERDAVE on September 19, 2003 11:25 AM

J and H is the best Petra Album to date. I'm glad to hear loud guitars and not, as someone mentioned before, "cheesed up" with keyboards. I also agree that No Doubt did not get the credit it deserves. My favorite Petra CDs are J and H, No Doubt and Wake Up Call. I can't wait to see them live because they rock and yes John Schlit has a lot of passion live and the Holy Spirit can definitely be felt through their music. I'm also looking forward to seeing Bob live again. If you look at the Petra CDs since he left you will see that he wrote almost all the songs and I believe played guitar on the CDs. Bob is just back touring with the band again. Peace and Love Chris
Posted by: Chris on September 25, 2003 11:55 AM

Petra is definetly one of the bands that any Christian Rock addict would have definetly listened to and grown up! Petra like Stryper have been one of the Father Bands of all the bands which have comeup after them. Petra still exists still making music. They are gr8 and even greater during concerts!They definetly ROCK!
Posted by: Sam Thomas John on October 6, 2003 06:14 AM

I'm really excited out of my socks - if this Album really is like the good old ones such as beyond beliefe then I will be listening to this album 24-7 and more!!! I haven't heard it yet but as soon as I read that Bobby joined again + that they went back to the real true Petra style I was hyped! I will pray to God that I get a chance to see Petra live really soon with this music. Hey Petra - come to England!!! I love John Schlitt's voice - he is my all time favourite Rock Singer!
Posted by: Danny MacFarlane on October 6, 2003 08:16 AM

I,m a teen fan of Petra and I think J&H rocks! The people who bash Petra need to actually see them in concert.
Posted by: skruffy on October 7, 2003 04:46 PM

The sound is good,however John shlit Really dosent have the voice for heavy metal.in my opion he sould stay to the soft stuff.ether that or Petra needs to find a new singer with a more distinked voice.This album to me is the wost Petra has ever done,and ive listen to them since beond believe when i met them back stage. he sould just get head east back togther and have battle of the bands with reo speed wagon again
Posted by: Trevor on October 10, 2003 01:46 PM

Come on, man! Having a BAAAD day, or what? Maybe if 'heavy' means 'screamingrapping' like POD or other "modern" stuff, than ya can say he doesn't have what it takes for a heavy sound. Although, no offense for those really digging that music, k? Get real! Ever heard "Mine Field"? I mean, how much of Petra have you listened up to now? And nope, I'm not just a Pet-head. I lsiten to much more. But you just can't expect Petra to sound like Mortification, yah? (Although I really like that, too!). And, like soemone said...it would be GREAT to hear something from Guardian again, wouldn't it? Gentle peace and blessings may empower your soul! CHRISTIAN ROCK and METAL forever!
Posted by: Szilard on October 13, 2003 05:22 AM

P.S. Petra still ROCKS! And realised (like always) which one of the two words 'christian' and 'rock' is the...heaviest (meaning the most important). Don't you forget that ever!
Posted by: szilard on October 13, 2003 05:25 AM

Nice review, but Petra cheese? Petra swiss? Petra cheddar? Cheddar makes it better. I think he meant trademark or something. As for the wrinkle factor that doesn't bother me, I still wanna see them live, i wanna meet 'em! All these years and I haven't met 'em. "Obligatory" ballads I like 'em anyway. In conclusion this album rocks literally, it nevers leaves my car stereo.
Posted by: Ray on October 14, 2003 06:48 PM

Hai this I believe is one of the greatest petra recordings ever I have just heard come clips of the Album but i have simply fallen for the album. Petra is still rocks my world big time. The Lyrics are so deep and the carry nothing but the true message of christ these do not compromise.
Posted by: Jonas Lumbila on October 15, 2003 06:58 AM

I'm so tired of people running Petra down just cause their an old band. The amps and the guitars and the drums don't care how old you are long as you kick butt. Petra's new cd kicks butt. I'm just feeling lucky that they decided to give us a new rock album this year! Go Petra!
Posted by: Ed H. on October 20, 2003 03:29 PM

True musician! It’s not the simple cord progression, broken up by guitar solo, meaningless copies of waste everyone produces to sell to tasteless insignificants. No one would have produced this album back when Voltz was singing because it was simply not acceptable as a form of Christianity. Theses guys have been “thru it” when it was tuff. Think of how much has changed since the early 80’s. VCR’s were $500 and considered a luxury. You would have been an outcast to listen to this back then. I know first hand how difficult it was to try to make a living as a Christian Band in the 80’s. IT SUCKED! I only hope PETRA knows who much I enjoy their work and have a “thankful heart” (pun intended) they did not give up. Due them and yourself a favor, buy several copies and give them out as gifts. This is as good as it gets.
Posted by: Terry on October 23, 2003 05:49 PM

Great that Petra is back.I have all the albums. Great music,but where is the lead guitar? solo's? Also it is to short!! But still better than most new rock!!
Posted by: brian on November 13, 2003 12:22 PM

Who was better Dave or Sammy? Greg or Johnny? They all rocked hard! Thank God Petra didn't try a third singer like that other band!(yes, petheads, I know the "real history") Petnerds aside, "Jekyl and Hyde" ROCKS! Thank you for giving us the album so many of us have been waiting for!!!!! So is it Petra, Newtra, or Petboys???? It's Petra!!! (Hat's off to Peter Furler, "Salisbury, Maryland 1990!", for his production!) A special thanks to Bob Hartman, John Schlitt, and the 348 former other members of Petra!!! It's been great! "drol eht rof gnivil eb attuo uoy nehw, rof lived eht rof gnivil uoy era tahw"
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Posted by: aric on December 5, 2003 04:12 PM

I am not sure whether I believe the j&h album by petra will be any good. I haven't been a fan for years. I would have to hear a couple of tracks be fore I decide to buy it. I have been dissapointed in petra's lack of creativity in the past. They have also been too predictable. I do not think deserve to be rock and roll legends. Rez band should be instead. I usually prefer to listen to bands that make you think. Petra is or rarely has been one of those bands. Their lyrics are obvious and/or boring and mediocre. As for the music Rez band, Guardian, or Whitecross could blow them out the water any time! I guess you could say I am sceptical.
Posted by: Matthew on December 12, 2003 11:18 AM

The best of Petra, what listen, the best, the best, the best...Gracias Petra por bendecirnos con su música...
Posted by: Analía Quintero on December 12, 2003 07:51 PM

great site!
Posted by: video poker on December 25, 2003 11:09 PM

For those of you who say that John Schillit cannot compare to Greg Vox.....well wake up buddies and smell the coffee...check them out live to experience it for yourselves. Thake it form a harcore petra fan. I'v grown up listening to their music and its way beyond any 'so called rock' floating around these days.......
Posted by: CJ on December 31, 2003 04:58 AM

Nylon Show   
Posted by: Lickity Slit Lesbians on January 5, 2004 07:01 PM

Excellent sote, keep up the good work
Posted by: SexTracker Statistics on January 5, 2004 07:32 PM

They FINALLY made another rock album!!! THANK YOU!!!!!! ANd for thos who think they're too old to rock -- get a grip. Why SHOULD we act our age? Nobody else does!
Posted by: phoenix on January 15, 2004 01:28 PM

Good grief. Doesn't anyone realize that the man's name is Greg VOLZ. Not Voltz or Vox. If you love his vocals, at least get his name right. Anyway, this is a fantasic album. Blows out of the water anything they've done since the On Fire and Beyond Belief days and yes, they truely do deserve to be Christian rock legends. So does Rez, but certainly no more so than Petra.
Posted by: Mike on January 23, 2004 03:12 PM

I was caught off by surprise that Petra can still rocks all those years. Personally, I thought Petra has forgotten his roots based on the albums they churned out year after year, especially the in the 90s. However, J&H, has restored Petra its rightful place! It ROCKS! IF anyone wants a no-hold-barred Christian Rock album, look no further. IT IS HERE on Petra's J&H!!!!
Posted by: kenneth chew on February 11, 2004 10:30 PM

Wow, this particular album has a long list of comments. Not surprising with a band like Petra. I like Doug's review of the album, and appreciate his honestly and sense of humor. I had the opportunity to meet Doug and fellow One Bag Pig member Daniel at Stryper's Reunion Tour show. I found them both to be straightforward and a pleasure to talk to. That's what I mainly love - 80's bands. Of course, some of the "80's" bands shouldn't be labeled as such because they're still around today. And perhaps no Christian rock band has as much staying power as Petra has had. As one person commented, Rez is also wonderful and I believe has actually been around longer (by about one year, I think). Petra has always been on the top of my list, and I've listened to a bunch of bands - from the very "heavy" (Mortification, Vengeance Rising, etc.) to artful guitar (Phil Keaggy, Randy Stonehill), to Pop and R&B (Jon Gibson, Crumbacher, Amy Grant). My first Petra album I remember buying was "Beat the System." As far as the negative comments about keyboards go, you must keep in mind that a ton of popular songs during that time frame had heavy keyboard work (Van Halen's "Jump" comes to mind). From that time, I have acquired every Petra album to date. I love Greg X. Volz, including his solo work (and yes, he's still releasing albums), but John was the right choice as successor for lead vocalist after Greg left the band. While there is still a ton of sentimental feelings about changes (I am confused about the circumstances surrounding Louie Weaver's departure, and will miss him in the band), we have to do "whatever we do" as unto the Lord, and continue to produce quality work - wherever we find ourselves. We don't have to settle for lackluster production or guitar work or anything else just because it's labeled "Christian." J&H is a fine album, and I agree that it has captured the "true rock" sound we should expect from Petra. Bob Hartman is a veteran, but "veteran" doesn't have to mean "old and finished." I think he's got his "second wind" (pun intended). In many cases, experience just raises the bar of what you're capable of doing. Although I am looking forward to similar work from Petra in the future, I felt that it sounded a little too "Newsoys - ish". I like Newsboys, too, but Petra should sound like Petra. The newsboys really made it big with Steve Taylor's humorous lyrics and catchy pop sound. Petra has always been about honest, matter-of-fact lyrics and good ol' rock and roll. Still, like the review says, it's Petra's "best step forward in years." Keep cranking 'em out, Petra. I'm looking forward to the next album already.
Posted by: Richard on February 16, 2004 04:13 PM

"Doug and fellow One Bag Pig member Daniel?" What was that? I realized this morning that I wrote this incorrectly yesterday. Mr. Van Pelt was pointed out to me in the crowd, but I never had the opportunity to speak with him. I did, however, talk to LEE HALEY "and fellow OBP member Daniel Tucek." Lee, if you happen to read this, I sincerely apologize. I don't know what I was thining of when I wrote that. Oh, by the way, Doug: I remember when the mag was "Heaven's Metal," and didn't even realize till that concert that it was still around (in the form of "HM"). It's great... keep up the good work!
Posted by: Richard on February 17, 2004 09:03 AM

My first Petra album was Beyond Belief and I must say JAH has been there best release since. I have much of their early 70's,80's,and 90's work which I still listen to on a regular basis. I especially enjoy the albums Greg X. Volz was apart of just because he puts so much emotion into the words he sings. He has an awsome voice that can get any Christian excited to worship God! Anyway the first time I heard JAH it blew my socks off! Not only is it a true rocker, but the songs encourage us to be strong in Christ. Many so-called christian bands today are lukewarm with the gospel of Jesus Christ, but over Petra's 30 years of ministy they have never been ashamed of giving all the glory to God. Here's to another 30 years guys!!!!!!!
Posted by: Kevin on February 22, 2004 11:31 PM

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