|PIC1|Newsboys debuted at No 1 last week on the US-based SoundScan Christian Albums chart with their fourteenth studio release, In The Hands of God.

The album, whose title track also recently topped the Christian AC radio chart, additionally claimed No 1 on the SoundScan Christian Adult Contemporary Albums chart, Soundscan Christian Digital chart, No 1 on iTunes' Christian/Gospel Top Albums chart and No 28 on the Billboard Top 200.

It marks Inpop Records' biggest ever street week in its 10 year history and the first No 1 record for Newsboys since releasing Adoration in 2003.

Jeff Frankenstein of Newsboys commented on the response, "After 20 plus years of being a band, all we can really say is 'thank you'! We are truly blessed with wonderfully loyal fans."

Inpop President Dale Bray added: "This a great day for both Newsboys and Inpop. Much credit and gratitude goes to our friends at EMI CMG, retail and radio for continued support over the past years. It's a remarkable effort and highlights the strength of the newsboys brand, music and ministry."

Produced by Max Hsu (Superchick, tobyMac) along with Newsboys' Peter Furler and Jeff Frankenstein, In The Hands of God boasts the classic rock sound that has made Newsboys' music legendary among Christian music fans for more than two decades.

Featuring 10 hit songs, including "No Grave", "The Way We Roll" and "Glorious", the album additionally includes background vocals by Michael Tait of dc Talk, who recently stepped into the role of new frontman for Newsboys.

In The Hands of God, the last album on which Furler will sing, is an autobiographical record and a tribute to God's divine providence over Newsboys' long-running career. The band recently wrapped its 35-city "Join The Tribe" tour this spring.

With five gold albums, sales exceeding six million units, 25 No1 radio hits, and a mantle of Dove Awards as well as Grammy nominations, Newsboys has achieved phenomenal success in its two decades together.

Known for its amazing live performances and groundbreaking tours, the band continues to sellout festivals and concerts worldwide, satisfying diehard fans and winning new ones in the process.


On the web: www.newsboys.com