Early buzz about this record was that it was Petra's best and hardest rockin.' I would agree with the first statement, but not the second. There is some nice rockin' moments though, like the haunting (Boston-like) guitar lines in "Destiny". One thing that Petra can definitely be lauded for here is experimentation. This is not your typical Petra/John and Dino special. Just check out the Gospel choir-backed "Who Is On The Lord's Side", which locks into a groove and then Schlitt and Hartman trade off vocal and guitar licks. The soulful, Motown-ish "Hand On My Heart" is a bit too much of a departure from Rock 'n' Roll, if you ask me. It sounds like something off the new Charlie Peacock or Smokey Robinson albums. The song will probably do well in the small goldfish bowl (compared to top 40) of the Christian adult contemporary radio charts. One bridge in the song finds Schlitt semi-wailing over a background of Beatles-esque guitar lines. Decent album, but I still wish the band would cut loose with some screaming Metal. Anyone who's seen 'em in concert knows they could do it if they wanted to.
Similar sounding releases
1992The BraveBattle Cries
1991Idle CureInside Out
1989LeviticusKnights Of Heaven
1989GiantLast of the Runaways
1989MastedonIt's A Jungle Out There
1993WhitecrossTo The LimitMore from Petra
2003Jekyll and Hyde
1998God Fixation
1997Petra Praise 2: We Need Jesus
1993Wake-Up Call (Video)
2000Double Take
1989Petra Praise: The Rock Cries Out
