Legendary Christian rock pioneers Petra have officially released their powerful new single "Filthy Lucre" to Christian radio, continuing the momentum of their landmark return with the album Hope. Written by founding member Bob Hartman and produced by the band, the track delivers a bold musical and lyrical statement confronting the false promises of wealth and power while pointing listeners to Christ as the only true source of redemption.
Driven by gritty guitars, muscular rhythms, and Petra's signature rock intensity, "Filthy Lucre" stands firmly in the band's long-established tradition of Scripture-centered songwriting. The song paints a vivid portrait of a world chasing temporary riches only to be left spiritually empty, exposing greed as chains that bind the soul and cloud judgment. Rather than ending in despair, the message resolves in hope, declaring that true freedom and restoration are found only in Christ.
"Filthy Lucre" opens Hope, the band's first studio album of all-new material in more than two decades, released in January 2026 through Girder Music. The project marks Petra's long-awaited return following their 2005 retirement and features ten brand-new tracks written primarily by Hartman, combining the classic Petra sound with renewed urgency for today's listeners.
Formed in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Petra helped pioneer Christian rock music at a time when the genre faced intense skepticism from both the music industry and segments of the church. Performing in parks, prisons, and coffeehouses in their early years, the band built a legacy on unapologetically biblical lyrics delivered through high-energy rock. Over more than five decades, Petra has released 20+ studio albums, sold millions of records worldwide, earned multiple Grammy and Dove Awards, and became the first Christian rock band inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
The current lineup - featuring John Schlitt (vocals), Hartman (guitars), John Lawry (keyboards), Greg Bailey (bass), and Cristian Borneo (drums) - reunited for the 50 Year Petra Reunion and 50th Anniversary World Tour, drawing multigenerational audiences and reaffirming the band's enduring relevance.
The Hope album has already shown strong resonance at radio, with its first single reaching the top of Christian rock charts and reintroducing Petra's message to both longtime fans and a new generation of listeners. As "Filthy Lucre" now goes to Christian radio, the band once again challenges audiences to examine where they place their trust - urging hearts to loosen their grip on worldly gain and rediscover eternal hope.
In an era still captivated by material success and temporary glory, Petra's voice remains steady and uncompromising. "Filthy Lucre" is more than a song; it is a call to discernment, repentance, and renewed focus on what truly lasts.
Listen to Filthy Lucre:
https://open.spotify.com/track/3lj7HdLlYdq7O59Mtia8tx
Listen to the entire album:
https://open.spotify.com/album/2onipAKxLVoLTQZW3mJ7iv
https://music.apple.com/us/album/hope/1859241110
Purchase the album:
https://girdermusic.com/products/petra-hope-cd-2026-girder-records
Connect with Petra:
https://www.facebook.com/Petraband
