American Christian rock pioneers Petra have returned with their first studio album in more than 20 years, titled Hope, released earlier this month on January 5, 2026.
The album marks a major comeback for the band, known for shaping modern Christian rock in the 1980s and 1990s. Hope is Petra's twenty-first studio record and follows a long hiatus since their 2003 release Jekyll & Hyde and their 2005 farewell project Farewell.
Produced under Girder Music, Hope blends Christian metal and hard rock elements across its ten tracks. The project was primarily written by founding member Bob Hartman, with contributions from Jeff Hartman, and showcases Petra's signature sound updated for a new generation of fans.
The album's lead single, "Deliver Us," has already climbed to No. 1 on ChristianRock.net's chart shortly after the release, signaling strong early momentum for the record.
Given Petra's legacy and the anticipation from long‑time rock worship fans, Hope stands out as one of the most noteworthy Christian rock releases of early 2026, bridging the gap between classic rock influence and contemporary faith‑driven themes.
