I’ve been a Petra fan since 1982 when some friends introduced me to Never Say Die! and More Power To Ya. I do have to say that Greg Volz has always been the voice of Petra to me, so I’m really excited about the reunion. While I do have a few of the Schlitt era CDs and enjoy them, and even saw a few concerts, I definitely declined in my enthusiasm for the band during those years (despite the fact that they rocked harder then, which I DID like!). I don't say that to start a fight...I know there are strong feelings on this matter, and that's fine, I'm a live-and-let-live kind of guy, just letting you know where I come from!
As for the new album, so far my feelings are mixed. While I definitely like the new version of some of these songs, some are disappointing. Though I think that’s to be expected…when you’ve been listening to something for 30 years (sheesh, has it really been that long!), there’s a lot of sentimentality attached to it, not to mention ruts worn into your memory!!
My biggest disappointment, I hate to say, is Bob’s guitar tone! I’m a guitar player (as if my avatar didn't give that away!), and any guitar player knows it’s all about the tone!!
Well maybe not ALL about the tone, but to a guitar player it ranks right up there somewhere just below the song's message!! Adonai is probably my all-time favorite Petra song, so I was really excited when I saw it on the list and had high hopes. IMHO he actually had better guitar tone on the original! Bema Seat and Rose Colored Stained Glass Windows are also big favorites that are a little disappointing in this respect. His tone seems buzzy and there’s too much treble and upper mids, not enough girth or low mids or chunkiness or whatever you want to call it. It is better on Angel of Light, however.Don’t get me wrong here, I do like the new album, I'm very pleased with the song choice and Greg’s vocals are as strong as ever. But I was just hoping for the best-ever heavy guitar tones!!
My wife, who’s been a Petra fan almost as long as I have, dismissed the new versions after hearing a couple of songs, but I think if she’s listens to it more, she’ll find she likes it better.
Having said all that, I am looking forward to the next two albums (anyone know the song list for the second one?). I'm a big enough fan that unless they are a complete disaster, I know I'll be buying them. And I sorely hope they come around here on tour. I was talking about this with my wife, and I think this is a concert I'd actually take my 5 and 8 year old daughters to. I remember several years ago...the last time I saw Petra in concert..the God Fixation tour?? Anyway, I went with my brother-in-law's family and they took their three daughters...the youngest of which was 5. It was a little loud for her, but it went pretty well. We'd just need to remember to bring ear plugs!
