Petra , A Rock of the Ages

Today the contemporary Christian music scene is a flood of numerous musical styles . From heavy grind core sounds of Demon Hunter to the pop styles of a Matthew West. Numerous artist regularly debut albums in the top ten secular charts like Third Day ,Mercy Me ,Casting Crowns and Chris Tomlin. Then you have long time artist who have sold millions of albums like Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W Smith. But all these artist might have not had the success they have had , if not for a few trail blazers.

One I think rises above them all and that is Petra. They emerged out of the Jesus movement in the early 70's but had more of a rock sound. There initial albums had a bit of Eagles and English Rock sounds blurred together. But it was clearly Christian based with lyrics that spoke of Jesus and used bible references all through their music. By the third album Washes Whiter Than , the style of music had moved a bit rockier in the vein of Styx,Kansas and Foreigner , which fit the vocalist at that time Greg X Voltz. Bob Hartman the founding member and guitarist , was the main force. They continued to forge their own sound and by Beat the System in 1984 , they were selling out arena's and selling really well. But at this time for personal reasons Greg X Votlz decided to leave. This marked a bit of a change in direction again.

With the new vocalist , John Schillt , who had more of a vocal style between Steve Perry of Journey and Lou Gramm of Foreigner , they began a more 80's melodic rock sound with Back to the Street in 1986. From there they truly hit their stride , forged a new rock sound and after 2 more releases , This Means War and On Fire , they hit what many fans consider the pinnacle of Petra , Beyond Belief. The song above was one of the hits from the album . They continued on having success till about the mid 90's , when the style of rock they were doing , kinda fell out of vogue. They have continued releasing albums and tour . They did do a farewell tour but have since recorded a new album with Greg X Votlz back in  the band .

What they did was open doors for the acceptance that rock as a music medium, could be infused with blatant Christian lyrics. They did meet opposition from many churches , who thought rock is of the devil foolishness.But they championed on . The music evolved over time but one thing did not was the clear Christian messages in the music. Unlike today in the Christian music scene that often the messages are blurred , Petra stood for the gospel of Jesus Christ. After becoming a Christian , I thought it was so cool to discover a band that rocked hard , had great ballads but exalted the Lord. Plus they always had scripture references , and I always looked them up as I listened to the song.

They where indeed trail blazers. Selling over 10 million albums on the way . So when I listen to Chapman,Tomlin,Third Day today , I always pull out my Petra once in a while and am thankful for the doors they opened for those artist that are finding success today.

Fav Albums: More Power To Ya,This Means War ,Beyond Belief , Jekyll & Hyde