NASHVILLE, TN (March 17, 2026) - Legendary Christian rock pioneers Petra have released their powerful new single, “Kiss The Coals,” to Christian radio. The track appears on the band’s album Hope and continues a remarkable resurgence that has already seen two previous singles from the project debut at #1 on the Christian Radio Chart.

Written by Bob Hartman and Jeff Hartman and produced by Petra, “Kiss The Coals” delivers the unmistakable sound that made Petra one of the most influential bands in Christian music history. Driven by bold guitars and a message rooted deeply in Scripture, the song captures the spiritual refining process believers often experience through trials and surrender. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of faith forged in adversity, declaring, “In the heart of the fire, the flames refine the soul… every broken life, You make the pieces whole.” The chorus reinforces that theme with a striking declaration of spiritual transformation: “Kiss the coals, embrace the flame, in Your fire, I’m not the same.”

The single follows an extraordinary radio run for Petra in 2026. Earlier releases from Hope have already topped the Christian Radio Chart. “Deliver Us” debuted at #1 on the CRC Weekly chart during the week of January 5, 2026 and finished as the #1 CRC Monthly song for January. That momentum continued when “Filthy Lucre” debuted at #1 during the week of February 16, 2026 before becoming the #1 CRC Monthly song for February.

Christian Radio Chart serves as the international standard for ranking independent Christian music. Unlike traditional radio charts that measure spins, CRC rankings are determined by radio outlet and streaming playlist adds, offering a unique snapshot of how songs are spreading across both broadcast and digital platforms.

“Kiss The Coals” continues Petra’s tradition of delivering music that blends hard-hitting rock with uncompromising biblical truth. Lines such as “Through the path of surrender, my pride is laid to rest… in the kiln of compassion, I am shaped a brand new way” reflect the band’s long-standing commitment to Scripture-centered songwriting that challenges listeners to grow deeper in their faith.

Petra, whose name means “Rock,” helped pioneer Christian rock music more than five decades ago. The band originated in a Bible school in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and from the beginning their ministry centered on Bible-based lyrics delivered through powerful rock music. In the early days they played parks, prisons, and coffeehouses throughout the Midwest until an opportunity to record an album with Myrrh Records changed everything. Myrrh, a division of Word Inc., had never encountered a band quite like Petra. Their sound began as southern rock and later evolved into a progressive rock style that set them apart from anything else happening in Christian music at the time.

The church world initially struggled to accept Petra’s bold musical approach. The band was criticized from pulpits, blackballed by some Christian bookstores, and occasionally picketed at concerts. Yet audiences responded. Fans discovered the band’s passion for Scripture and evangelism, and their following grew rapidly through the late 1970s and 1980s as record sales and concert attendance skyrocketed.

Over the course of more than fifty years, Petra released 20 studio albums along with two Spanish-language albums and two live recordings. The band has sold nearly ten million albums, earned 13 Grammy nominations with four wins, and received ten Dove Awards. Petra also made history as the first Christian rock band inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the first Christian band to have memorabilia featured in the Hard Rock Cafe restaurant chain, and the first and only Christian band to perform at the 1992 Farm Aid concert.

The influence of Petra across the Christian music landscape remains profound. Former Gospel Music Association president Frank Breeden once described the band simply by saying, “Petra was a true pioneer for our industry.” Skillet frontman John L. Cooper has echoed that sentiment, noting that Petra helped shape both his faith and his music. “They were trailblazers, pioneers, missionaries, evangelists,” Cooper said. “Rockers like me are standing on their shoulders.”

John Elefante, formerly of Kansas, also reflected on the band’s impact after working with them over the years, explaining that Petra’s ministry always stood at the center of everything they did. Kevin Young of Disciple added that Petra’s music became the soundtrack of his spiritual journey, helping shape him lyrically, musically, and spiritually.

Although Petra officially retired in 2005, the band reunited when members realized their 50th anniversary was approaching. Founding guitarist Bob Hartman and longtime vocalist John Schlitt decided the milestone deserved something special, which led to a 50th Anniversary World Tour. The response has exceeded expectations, with concerts across the United States as well as Norway, Germany, Mexico, Brazil, Canada, and other countries.

The current lineup featuring Bob Hartman, John Schlitt, John Lawry, Greg Bailey, and Cristian Borneo faithfully represents the band’s historic sound while reaching a new generation of listeners. Concert crowds frequently include longtime fans alongside their children and even grandchildren, demonstrating the enduring impact of Petra’s music.

With “Kiss The Coals,” Petra once again reminds listeners that faith is not always forged in comfort but often in the refining fires of life. The song’s closing declaration captures that message clearly: “Kiss the coals, embrace the flame… in Your love I am made whole.”

“Kiss The Coals” is promoted exclusively to Christian radio by Jeff McLaughlin through A-Sides Radio Promotion.

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