Petra: John Schlitt (vocals); Bob Hartman (guitar).
JEKYLL & HYDE was nominated for the 2004 Grammy Award for Best Rock Gospel Album.
Personnel: John Schlitt (vocals); Bob Hartman (guitar); Jeff Frankenstein (programming); Green Bailey, Jamie Rowe, Peter Furler, Phil Joel (background vocals).
Audio Mixer: Tony Palacios.
Recording information: Bridge St. Studios.
Photographer: Allen Clark.
More than any other band in history, Petra made rock music acceptable to Christian audiences and, perhaps even more notably, Christian music acceptable to secular rock audiences. Beginning in the early 1970's Petra was the first group to play unapologetically faith-based music that was as aggressive and powerful as anything in the mainstream rock world. With 2003's JEKYLL AND HYDE, the group delivers an album so full-throttle it puts to shame bands that are quite literally half Petra's age. Sounding like Poison or Ratt in their heyday ("Woulda, Shoulda, Coulda"), but with the raw, modern production values of Audioslave or Staind ("Test Of Time"), Petra throws down the gauntlet and challenges all comers. In addition, Petra reminds the youngsters of the key to long musical life: great songwriting. With hooks aplenty and more killer riffs than you can shake a Stratocaster at, JEKYLL AND HYDE delivers one undeniably catchy tune after another, making Petra's worshipful sound all the more glorious. minimize