The first time members of Barren Cross met was back in 1981. But as a full band they didn't really start until late '83. They had their vinyl debut in 1985, when 2 versions of the 'Believe' EP appeared. All six songs from that self financed EP later resurfaced on the bands first full-length album, 'Rock For The King', released on the Star Song label in 1986. They quickly became gained a reputation as one of the best white metal bands, alongside Stryper and Whitecross. So the secular record company, Enigma, picked them up, and released their second full-length effort, 'Atomic Arena' in 1988. Success was inevitable, and even MTV had the music video for "Imaginary Music" on rotation. Their sound was compared to Iron Maiden, Judas Priest & Queensr˙che. After some touring, and even an appearance on the Morton Downey Jr. talk show, together with Ace Frehley, Joey Ramone and Scott Ian of Anthrax, a new album, entitled 'State Of Control' was released in 1989. But times were changing, and already the next year the bands only live album, 'Hotter Than Hell Live!', was released on Enigma's sub-label, Medusa. They also re-released 'Rock For The King', remixed, remastered and with 6 live songs from 'Hotter Than Hell!' added as bonus tracks. One more try was given, and Rugged Records released the bands 4th album, 'Rattle Your Cage' in 1994. The band folded soon after. Several reunions have occurred, in 2002 they played Cornerstone, and in 2007 they played Norway's Nordic Fest. But even though talks of a full reunion have been talked about, nothing has been carved in stone as of yet.
ROCK
FOR THE KING (1986) STAR SONG
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Line-up: Mike Lee: Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar Ray Parris: Rhythm, Lead & Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals Steve Whitaker: Drums, Backing Vocals Jim LaVerde: Bass, Backing Vocals
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This is one of the first Christian metal records I ever heard, and it just blew me away. Finally there was a really good heavy metal band with a Christian message. It even felt more "real" than Stryper, because Barren Cross were heavier, and without the glam look (sort of). The deliver quality songs like "Rock For The King", "Dying Day" and the fantastic ballad, "He Loves You", and they did it so convincingly, they were soon picked up by the secular Enigma label, and were to be the next big Christian act to follow Stryper's success. 'Rock For The King' has since long gone out of print. It was re-released in 1990, remixed, remastered, with 6 bonus live tracks, and with all new artwork. But now this reissue has also become quite rare, and the original Star Song version of the album sells for 30$ plus on eBay. But thanks to my good friend Scott, I finally secured a copy. So now I can ones again enjoy one of my all time favorite albums on CD.
Killer tracks: He Loves You, Believe, Light The Flame, Rock For The King
ATOMIC
ARENA (1988) ENIGMA
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Line-up: Mike Lee: Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar Ray Parris: Rhythm, Lead & Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals Steve Whitaker: Drums, Backing Vocals Jim LaVerde: Bass, Taurus Synthesizer Pedals, Backing Vocals
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Now this is a killer album. Barren Cross was picked up by Enigma, the same label as Stryper, and now the production was much better. They even got played on MTV after this release. All of the songs are great. Barren Cross was just as good as most of the secular bands out there. Their lyrics was bold, and took on subjects like abortion and the army brainwashing the youth to teach them to kill. 'Atomic Arena' is one of my all time favorite albums, and FINALLY I have it on CD! Thanks Derrick! A MUST!!
Killer tracks: All of them!
STATE
OF CONTROL (1989) ENIGMA
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Line-up: Mike Lee: Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar Ray Parris: Rhythm, Lead & Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals Steve Whitaker: Drums, Backing Vocals Jim LaVerde: Bass, Midi Synthesizer Pedals, Backing Vocals * bonus track |
Another great album from this band. It's not as good as 'Atomic Arena', but still it kicks a** big time. Too me this album is a bit more mellow, and diverse. This CD version includes a bonus-track (*). But I've discovered that there also exists another version with a track called "Your Love Gives". So even though I'm overly happy to finally have this on CD, I have to start looking for that other version as well! Again, thanks to Derrick for hooking me up with this one on CD!
Killer tracks: The Stage Of Intensity, Cryin' Over You, Hard Lies, Bigotry Man (Who Are You), State Of Control
HOTTER
THAN HELL - LIVE! (1990) MEDUSA
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A live-album this time. The sound is quite good, and the live-feeling definitely is there. But all in all, this was never a classic. A must for fans of course, but I find myself never taking it down for a spin anymore. Found a CD-copy of this in a German metal store once, and I have never forgiven myself for not picking it up.
Well, now I finally got this one on CD. Still not a classic live-album, it almost sounds like it's going a bit too slow. Nice to replace the old vinyl though.
RATTLE
YOUR CAGE (1994) RUGGED
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Line-up: Mike Lee: Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar Ray Parris: Rhythm, Lead & Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals Steve Whitaker: Drums, Backing Vocals Jim LaVerde: Bass, Backing Vocals
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The disappointment must have been touchable the first time I heard this record. Barren Cross had been away since 1990, and when they finally returned I thought their sound had been softened. But fortunately after a few spins (read: about 20) the record grew on me. So although not as good as their former efforts, this still rocks.
Killer tracks: Unsuspecting, Let It Go Let It Ride, Your Will
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Barren Cross also appear on:
V/A - 'Righteous Metal'
V/A - 'California Metal'
V/A - 'Ultimate Metal'
Mike Lee guest appearances:
Liberty N' Justice - 'Soundtrack Of A Soul'
