Jekyll & Hyde

Description

Jekyll & Hyde is the twentieth and final studio album by the American rock band Petra, released on Inpop Records in 2003, distributed by Chordant Distribution Group. (Chordant Distribution Group was founded in 1994 to serve as the main distribution outlet for EMI CMG’s wholly-owned and distributed labels.) A Spanish version of the album was released the following year. The album was recorded by Dan Rudin at Bridge Street Studios in Franklin, Tennessee; and was produced by Peter Furler, formerly of Newsboys. Mixed by Tony Palacios of Guardian fame, assisted by Kevin Pickle, at the Sound Kitchen in Franklin, Tennessee. All songs written by Petra guitarist Bob Hartman except track 4 co-written with Greg Bailey.

The title song answered the question, “Can Petra still rock” with emphasis and proved to be a high note to end an incredible run of 33 years of ministry. After the release of Revival, Petra’s third praise album and their first album with Inpop Records, lead singer John Schlitt says fans started sending e-mails to the record company asking them for a more straightforward rock album. Inpop agreed to the idea and they started working on a second album together. The record company encouraged Petra founder, guitarist and main songwriter Bob Hartman to “write those songs that you’re used to writing. Don’t try to write like this or try to be like that. Just be you” which motivated Hartman.

Petra are now down to a duo (guitarist Bob Hartman and vocalist John Schlitt) but have been augmented by various Newsboys – well all of them actually, with Peter Furler handling the production duties. So much to say about this; for starters I think this has to be the LOUDEST Petra album ever (we have, it seems, the so-called ‘Petheads’ to thank for this according to the sleeve). Secondly, 10 tracks but only 31 minutes running time – what gives there? Still, what material there is, is joyously thunderously raucous. The brutal title track kicks off, leading into the shin-kicking «All About Who You Know». «Stand» takes us into familiar Petra territory before the chorus sends your ears into meltdown. «Woulda, Shoulda, Coulda» adds a bit of funk into the mix, «Perfect World» sounds like a ballad at first, but… uh-huh! CRUNCH!! And we’re off again into Planet Riffola. Things just don’t let up til penultimate cut «Till Everything I Do» which pulls things down to mid pace, while closer «Sacred Trust» is probably what we might have expected from Petra on previous records. In the past, I’ve hesitated to say that Petra rock, but on this outing, there is absolutely no doubt that they SERIOUSLY ROCK, and sound like they’re thoroughly enjoying themselves in the process. I just wish that they could have given us a little more value for money, as I would not call paying £14.99 for half an hour a good investment. Were it not for this, it would have been a 10 square bonanza, but… [Steve Best, Cross Rhythms, January 2004]

Girder Music Promo, 2024

Petra’s Jekyll & Hyde, marked a pivotal moment in the band’s storied career. Originally released in 2003, this album is considered one of their most powerful and heavy album, featuring a bold, progressive metal 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 is back and oh-boy, is it better. Louder with more punch. I sure hope you have great speakers.

Now available for the first time ever on Vinyl and back on again on CD and with the full Girder treatment, which includes new interior layout by Scott Waters and write-up by Girder staff writer John Delaurentis, readable lyrics, beautiful photos and more. You’re gonna love what we did to this already historic album.

Red Vinyl with black marbling swirl and 2 sided full-color printed insert with our Limited Run Vinyl branding because it truly is limited to just 500 copies.

The album title is inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, reflecting the internal struggle between good and evil – a theme prevalent throughout the record. Tracks like «Jekyll & Hyde» and «Stand» highlight the band’s lyrical depth and sonic intensity, bringing a harder edge to Christian rock music.

Following the release of Revival, fans clamored for a return to Petra’s rock roots, and Jekyll & Hyde delivered. Led by John Schlitt on vocals and Bob Hartman on guitars, the band returned to form with aggressive riffs and thought-provoking lyrics. The album features contributions from session musicians like Peter Furler (Newsboys) on drums and Phil Joel on bass, ensuring a polished yet powerful production.

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/jekyll-hyde/723490743)

CD tracklist:

01. Jekyll & Hyde – 3:04
02. All About Who You Know – 2:35
03. Stand – 3:19
04. Woulda, Shoulda, Coulda – 2:59
05. Perfect World – 3:13
06. Test Of Time – 3:01
07. I Will Seek You – 2:34
08. Life As We Know It – 3:28
09. Till Everything I Do – 3:04
10. Sacred Trust – 3:52

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by Inpop Records. Remastered by Rob Colwell and re-issued on Limited Edition 12-inch vinyl LP by Girder Records/Limited Run Vinyl in late 2024, pressed on Red Vinyl with Black Marbling Swirl (Limited to 500 copies). Also re-issued on CD (housed in a jewel case with a 12 page booklet, full lyrics and write-up, limited to just 500 copies).

Jekyll & Hyde, Remastered and pressed on Red Vinyl with Black Marbling Swirl, Girder Records 2024.