Barren Cross
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| Barren Cross | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Genre(s) | Heavy metal Christian metal |
| Years active | 1984 - 1994; Present |
| Label(s) | Star Song, Enigma Records, Medusa Records, Rugged Records |
| Website | http://www.barrencross.net/ |
| Former members | |
| Mike Lee Jim LaVerde Steve Whittaker Ray Parris |
|
Barren Cross is a Christian Metal band that was formed in Los Angeles, California in 1983 by high school pals Ray Parris (guitar) and Steve Whitaker (drums). The band released six albums from 1986 to 1994 and has been on hiatus ever since. They reunited for a few shows in recent years, and officially announced reunion on May 28, 2008 as well as plans to record a new album.
By 1984, bassist Jim LaVerde and vocalist Mike Lee were added. In 1989 the band appeared on The Morton Downey Show alongside members of KISS and Anthrax.[1] In 1990 Mike Lee left and joined the band Bare Bones, but would appear on the band's later releases.[1]
Contents |
[edit] Music
Musically, the band is often compared to Iron Maiden, mainly due to the similarity of the vocals between Mike Lee and Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson.[2] Lyrically, the band is noted for its uncompromising stance on a number of social issues. Their songs addressed personal and societal ills such as suicide, abortion, terrorism, and prejudice from a Christian worldview.[1]
[edit] Biography
Over the years, Barren Cross has seen their share of successes since their start out of High School in 1982. In 1985 their first EP, Believe, an independent release, garnered national attention and trade marking their raw metal sound. The following year, Star Song Records released CD, Rock for the King. 1988 saw a second full-length Release, Atomic Arena, this time on Enigma Records (now Capitol Records) alongside label mates Poison, Ratt, Slayer, Stryper and more.
In 1989, as a follow up to their Enigma debut, they released a third CD, State of Control and a full production Live CD on Medusa Records called Hotter than Hell Live! was released the following year. A few months later, Rock for the King was reissued and has since become a collector's item. Subsequently, the band enjoyed a bit of a break while lead singer Michael Lee (now known as Michael Drive) pursued another project (becoming writer and lead vocalist for the band BareBones) until Barren Cross' last release (to date) in 1994 on Rugged Records, the stylistically evolved Rattle Your Cage.
Besides six major label releases (five of them full-length), Barren Cross earned their stripes through relentless touring in their day. Their sound earned them respect and airplay on VH1, MTV, countless radio stations and several label and metal compilations. For over twenty years, international music magazines have featured the band consistently.
[edit] Band members
- Mike Lee - vocals
- Jim LaVerde - bass guitars
- Ray Parris - guitars
- Steve Whittaker - drums
[edit] Discography
- 1985: Believe EP (Independent) (Produced by Dino & John Elefante)
- 1986: Rock For The King (Star Song)
- 1988: Atomic Arena (Enigma Records)
- 1989: State of Control (Enigma Records)
- 1990: Hotter Than Hell Live! (Medusa Records}
- 1990: Rock For The King (Re-issue)
- 1994: Rattle Your Cage (Rugged Records)
- 2007: Paid in Blood - Greatest Hits (Independent)
[edit] References
- ^ a b c Powell, Mark Allan (2002). Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music, First printing, Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, 67-68. ISBN 1-56563-679-1.
- ^ Hale, Mark (1993). "0270", Headbangers, First edition, second printing, Ann Arbor, Michigan: Popular Culture, Ink., 32-33. ISBN 1-56075-029-4.
