Barren Cross

Infobox musical artist
Name = Barren Cross


Img_capt =
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Background = group_or_band
Birth_name =
Origin = Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genre = Heavy Metal Christian metal
Years_active = 1984 - 1994; Present
Label = Star Song, Enigma Records, Medusa Records, Rugged Records
Associated_acts =
URL = http://www.barrencross.net/
Current_members =
Past_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.cite book |last=Powell |first=Mark Allan |title=Encyclopedia of Contemporary Christian Music |year=2002 |publisher=Hendrickson Publishers |location=Peabody, Massachusetts |isbn=1-56563-679-1 |edition=First printing |pages=67-68] In 1990 Mike Lee left and joined the band Bare Bones, but would appear on the band's later releases.

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.cite book |last=Hale |first=Mark |title=Headbangers |year=1993 |publisher=Popular Culture, Ink. |location=Ann Arbor, Michigan |edition=First edition, second printing |isbn=1-56075-029-4 |chapter=0270 |pages=32-33] 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.

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.

Band members

*Mike Lee - vocals
*Jim LaVerde - Bass guitars
*Ray Parris - guitars
*Steve Whittaker - drums

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)
*1996: "Atomic Arena" re-issue (Victor Entertainment, Japan)
*2004: "Rattle Your Cage" re-issue (Advantage Records)
*2007: "Paid in Blood - Greatest Hits" (Independent)

References

External links

* [http://www.nolifetilmetal.com/barrencross.htm No Life 'til Metal CD Page]
* [http://ultmetal.tripod.com/barrencross.htm CD Gallery - Barren Cross]
* [http://www.bnrmetal.com/groups/bacr.htm BNR Metal Pages]
* [http://www.cmo.com/hmmag/decjan95/bbones.htm Interview with Mike Lee re: Bare Bones]
* [http://www.myspace.com/barrencross Barren Cross] at MySpace
* [http://www.barrencross.net Official website]
* [http://www.myspace.com/northcoastagency Barren Cross' booking agent] at MySpace
* [http://www.northcoastagency.com Barren Cross' booking agent website]