Petra

Item: Jekyll and Hyde
Author: Josh Marihugh

Jekyll and Hyde

(2003)

Reviewed by Josh Marihugh

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Label Inpop RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth2003

arena rock hard rock melodic rock

I've been a Petra fan for many years, ever since my dad came home one day bearing This Means War on cassette. I've followed the band through their twists and turns, and through their revolving-door cast of band members over the past few years. So when I received word about the two new Petra albums coming out during the summer and fall buying seasons of 2003, I was excited. "Wow!" I thought. "Two new Petra albums in the space of less than a year; even in the space of less than 2 months! Can it get any better than this?" Unfortunately, yes it can.

To call The Power of Praise a "new Petra album" is to mislead with all three words. It is not new; the newest recording on here is the acoustic version of "Creed" from 1999's Double Take. It's not really Petra; the packaging and song selection give every indication of being another label compilation designed to capitalize on the Petra name and the publicity surrounding their newest REAL album. And it's not really an album; it is, as indicated previously, a compilation work based mostly on two of the band's three worship albums. Long-time fans will likely already have every track found here. An additional gripe is that the powerful original version of "Creed" (from 1990's Beyond Belief) is sidelined in favor of the rather milquetoast Double Take version.

Compilations such as this give bands a bad name. Two such compilations in as many years make Word Records look as if it is trying to flood the market. If enough Petra compilations fill the bins, they may interfere with sales of Petra's new studio album, Jekyll and Hyde, the band's second with latest label home Inpop Records. In that case, "a new Petra album" is an accurate statement. In Jekyll and Hyde, the reigning kings of Christian rock return to form with an album of straight-forward blazing rock.

When word reached Petra fan lists that the band had parted ways with long-time drummer Louie Weaver, it was doubtful anyone could take up the challenge. Stick-handling for the longest-running Christian rock band is not a chore for your average drummer. Fans will be pleasantly surprised to hear ferocious, crisp, stellar drumming. The band, who remained incredibly closed-mouthed during the recording and production of the album, revealed that Inpop Records' founder, Peter Furler of the Newsboys, handled the kit for the recording sessions, as well as producing this set.

Those who were disappointed in Petra's recent, somewhat lackluster albums won't be with Jekyll and Hyde. This is the late '80s/early '90s "heavy rock" incarnation of the band; minimal keys and a plethora of crunchy, distorted guitars. There's nothing really pioneering here; Petra is exploring the same territory that made them the force they are. The trick lies in their ability to still rock and still sound good doing it.

Bob's lyrics are as deep as ever. In the title track, the band explores the dichotomy between spirit and flesh that often tries Christians.

Sometimes I feel like Jekyll and Hyde
Two men are fighting a war inside
One gives, one takes, I have to decide.
-- Jekyll and Hyde

"I Will Seek You" continues Petra's fine tradition of melding worship and rock seamlessly.

Living water, I am thirsty and dry
Bread of Heaven, only You satisfy
I am waiting for Your comfort and peace
Come and fill me, let this emptiness cease
I will seek You and I will find You...
--I Will Seek You

In total, Jekyll and Hyde is Petra back at the top of their game. Some extended jamming might have been nice, as this collection of 10 tracks barely clears the 30-minute mark, yet Petra packs more rock into this short set than is found in their last several albums combined. It will be interesting to see what happens with this album as Petra sets back out to tour, especially if founding drummer Bill Glover returns to the mix, as it is speculated he may do. No matter who's with Bob and John on the road, they're bound to have fun with this rocking set.

4.5 tocks