As part of their Legends Of Rock series, Girder Records just released past December 27th their own remastered version of PETRA‘s album ”Jekyll & Hyde”, featured in exclusive here at .
Petra’s ”Jekyll & Hyde” marked a pivotal moment in the band’s storied career. Originally released in 2003, simply put, ”Jekyll & Hyde” is the band’s most powerful and heavy album, featuring a bold, metallic sound that resonated with fans and critics alike. It is clearly Petra’s hardest album to date. Now, beautifully remastered by Rob Colwell, ”Jekyll & Hyde” sounds even heavier, with more punch.
While metallic from every corner, ”Jekyll & Hyde” still is very much Petra – melodic, polished, catchy. It’s a really potent record: 10 songs at the 3-minute mark, album is 31 minutes long. Oh yeah, to the jugular, no tricks, effective biting songs.
From the jarring riffs of the title cut to the amazing, Boston-like hook scored through with overdriven guitars on “Perfect World,” John Schlitt soars like a kid 20 years his junior on vocals. The tempo on most of the tracks, such as “Test of Time,” is tough, ballsy, crunchy.
You’d never expected Petra with teeth and menace? Check out ”Jekyll & Hyde’, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Few bands have impacted the history of Christian rock music like Petra has. It’s been since the ’70s the band has released their self-titled debut, and it’s been an incredible run. In 2003, following a few worship records, the band answered the call of longtime fans crying out for a return to their glory days of rock n’ roll with their release of ”Jekyll & Hyde”.
In 2001, Petra released Revival, a modern worship record that departed from the typical sounds Petra had become known for, forming what was a fresh and relevant album.
But it left a question on many diehard fans’ minds: “Can these guys still rock?”
”Jekyll & Hyde” responds with a resounding “Yes.”
With the departure of original drummer Louie Weaver (and the controversy surrounding him apparently being kicked out of the band), the only remaining members are founder guitarist Bob Hartman and lead vocalist John Schlitt. Now on Peter Furler’s (of The Newsboys) own label Inpop Records, it isn’t a wonder to see just how involved members of the Newsboys got on this record.
The album was produced by Furler, programming was accomplished by Jeff Frankenstein, and background vocals were leant by Phil Joel and Furler as well. The Aussies indeed add to the record.
The album opens strong with the title track, leading in with a subtle guitar followed by a ferocious riff and pounding drums. Petra maintains a hint of arena rock flavor all over, but everything is heavy here. Bordering on metal at times, ”Jekyll & Hyde” ultimately still feels like a Petra record, due to Hartman’s familiar songwriting and Schlitt’s characteristic vocals.
”Jekyll & Hyde” is one badass hard n’ heavy record full of great songs, proggy hooks, stunning riffs, and a possibility that lies behind its text. They did another ‘different’ album here. Who can ask for more from a band that has been at it for four+ decades?
Highly Recommended
01 – Jekyll and Hyde
02 – All About Who You Know
03 – Stand
04 – Woulda, Shoulda, Coulda
05 – Perfect World
06 – Test of Time
07 – I Will Seek You
08 – Life as We Know It
09 – Till Everything I Do
10 – Sacred Trust
John Schlitt – lead vocals
Bob Harman – guitars
Peter Furler – bass, drums, producer
Jeff Frankenstein – drums, programming
Jamie Rowe, Greg Bailey, Phil Joel – backing vocals