Barren Cross
Encyclopedia
Barren Cross is a Christian metal
band that was formed in Los Angeles, California
in 1983 by highschool friends Ray Parris (guitar) and Steve Whitaker (drums). The band released six albums from 1986 to 1994. They reunited for a few shows in recent years, and officially announced a reunion on May 28, 2008, as well as plans to record a new album.
By 1984, bassist Jim LaVerde and vocalist Mike Lee (born Mike Naeyert) were added. In 1989, the band appeared on The Morton Downey Show alongside members of KISS
and Anthrax
. In 1990, Mike Lee left and joined the band Bare Bones but would appear on the Barren Cross' later releases.
, mainly due to the similarity of the vocals between Mike Lee and Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson
. Lyrically, the band is noted for its uncompromising stance on a number of social issues. Their songs addressed, from a Christian worldview
, personal and societal issues, such as suicide
, abortion
, terrorism
, and prejudice
.
. 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 others.
In 1989, as a follow-up to their Enigma debut, they released State of Control
, and Hotter than Hell Live!, a full production live album on Medusa Records, was released the following year (1990). A few months later, Rock for the King was reissued and has since become a collector's item. Subsequent to lead singer Michael Lee (now known as Michael Drive) pursuing another project (becoming writer and lead vocalist for the band Bare Bones), vocalist Vince Van Voltenburg (Full Armor) took the reigns for live performances during 1990. Barren Cross then went on hiatus until their last full-length release (to date), the stylistically evolved Rattle Your Cage, released on Rugged Records in 1994.
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 some airplay on VH1
, MTV
, countless radio stations, and several label and metal music compilations. For over twenty years, international music magazines have featured the band consistently.
and Facebook
pages for the band and remaining active in the pages upkeep. The band initially announced a reunion which included original lead singer, Mike Lee, but would eventually announce experienced singer, Dean Kohn, (ATTAKK, Loudness
, Malice
) would be fulfilling vocal duties. A successful short-term reunion with a few international reunion concerts ensued, with announcements of a return to the recording studio with new music. In 2010, Barren Cross announced a special re-release of their debut album, Believe EP, marking the 25 Year Anniversary of its original 1985 independent release.
Christian metal
Christian metal, also known as white metal, is a form of heavy metal music usually defined by its message in a song's lyrics as well as the band's dedication to Christianity...
band that was formed in Los Angeles, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
in 1983 by highschool friends Ray Parris (guitar) and Steve Whitaker (drums). The band released six albums from 1986 to 1994. They reunited for a few shows in recent years, and officially announced a reunion on May 28, 2008, as well as plans to record a new album.
By 1984, bassist Jim LaVerde and vocalist Mike Lee (born Mike Naeyert) were added. In 1989, the band appeared on The Morton Downey Show alongside members of KISS
KISS (band)
Kiss is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well-known for its members' face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting,...
and Anthrax
Anthrax (band)
Anthrax is an American heavy metal band from New York City, formed in 1981. Founded by guitarists Scott Ian and Danny Lilker, the band has since released ten studio albums and 20 singles, and an EP featuring Public Enemy. The band was one of the most popular of the 1980s thrash metal scene...
. In 1990, Mike Lee left and joined the band Bare Bones but would appear on the Barren Cross' later releases.
Music
Musically, Barren Cross is often compared to Iron MaidenIron Maiden
Iron Maiden are an English heavy metal band from Leyton in east London, formed in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Since their inception, the band's discography has grown to include a total of thirty-six albums: fifteen studio albums; eleven live albums; four EPs; and six...
, mainly due to the similarity of the vocals between Mike Lee and Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson
Bruce Dickinson
Paul Bruce Dickinson is an English singer, songwriter, airline pilot, fencer, broadcaster, author, screenwriter, actor and marketing director, best known as the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Iron Maiden....
. Lyrically, the band is noted for its uncompromising stance on a number of social issues. Their songs addressed, from a Christian worldview
Christian worldview
Christian worldview refers to the framework of ideas and beliefs through which a Christian individual, group or culture interprets the world and interacts with it. Different denominations of Christianity have varying worldviews...
, personal and societal issues, such as suicide
Suicide
Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one's own death. Suicide is often committed out of despair or attributed to some underlying mental disorder, such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, alcoholism, or drug abuse...
, abortion
Abortion
Abortion is defined as the termination of pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a fetus or embryo prior to viability. An abortion can occur spontaneously, in which case it is usually called a miscarriage, or it can be purposely induced...
, terrorism
Terrorism
Terrorism is the systematic use of terror, especially as a means of coercion. In the international community, however, terrorism has no universally agreed, legally binding, criminal law definition...
, and prejudice
Prejudice
Prejudice is making a judgment or assumption about someone or something before having enough knowledge to be able to do so with guaranteed accuracy, or "judging a book by its cover"...
.
Biography
Over the years, Barren Cross has seen their share of successes since their start out of highschool in 1982. In 1985, their first EP, Believe, an independent release, garnered national attention and trademarked their raw metal sound. The following year, Star Song Records released their first full-length album, Rock for the KingRock for the King
Rock for the King is a 1986 heavy metal album released by the Christian metal band Barren Cross.- Track listing :# Dying Day - 3:27# He Loves You - 4:37# It's All Come True - 4:05# Believe - 2:16# Going Nowhere - 3:49...
. 1988 saw a second full-length release, Atomic Arena
Atomic Arena
Atomic Arena is a 1988 heavy metal album released by the Christian metal band Barren Cross. The album was produced by John Elefante of Kansas fame and his brother Dino...
, this time on Enigma Records
Enigma Records
Enigma Records was a popular rock and alternative American record label in the 1980s. It was initially a division of Greenworld Distribution, an independent music importer/distributor, which it split-off from in 1985 to become its own company...
(now Capitol Records
Capitol Records
Capitol Records is a major United States based record label, formerly located in Los Angeles, but operating in New York City as part of Capitol Music Group. Its former headquarters building, the Capitol Tower, is a major landmark near the corner of Hollywood and Vine...
) alongside label mates Poison
Poison (band)
Poison is an American glam metal band that achieved great success in the mid-1980s to mid-1990s. To date, Poison has sold over 30 million records worldwide and have sold 15 million records in the United States alone. The band has also charted ten singles to the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100,...
, Ratt
Ratt
Ratt is an American heavy metal band that had significant commercial success in the 1980s. The band is best known for songs such as "Round and Round," "Wanted Man," "Lay It Down," "You're in Love", "Slip of the Lip", "Back For More", "Dance", "Body Talk", "I Want a Woman", and "Way Cool Jr." Ratt...
, Slayer
Slayer
Slayer is an American thrash metal band formed in Huntington Park, California, in 1981 by guitarists Jeff Hanneman and Kerry King. Slayer rose to fame with their 1986 release, Reign in Blood, and is credited as one of the "Big Four" thrash metal acts, along with Metallica, Megadeth and...
, Stryper
Stryper
Stryper is a Christian glam metal band from Orange County, California. The group's lineup consists of Michael Sweet , Oz Fox , Tim Gaines , and Robert Sweet...
, and others.
In 1989, as a follow-up to their Enigma debut, they released State of Control
State of Control
State of Control is a 1989 heavy metal album released by the Christian metal band Barren Cross. The album was produced by John Elefante of Kansas fame and his brother Dino.- Track listing :# State of Control - 3:52# Out of Time - 4:09...
, and Hotter than Hell Live!, a full production live album on Medusa Records, was released the following year (1990). A few months later, Rock for the King was reissued and has since become a collector's item. Subsequent to lead singer Michael Lee (now known as Michael Drive) pursuing another project (becoming writer and lead vocalist for the band Bare Bones), vocalist Vince Van Voltenburg (Full Armor) took the reigns for live performances during 1990. Barren Cross then went on hiatus until their last full-length release (to date), the stylistically evolved Rattle Your Cage, released on Rugged Records in 1994.
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 some airplay on VH1
VH1
VH1 or Vh1 is an American cable television network based in New York City. Launched on January 1, 1985 in the old space of Turner Broadcasting's short-lived Cable Music Channel, the original purpose of the channel was to build on the success of MTV by playing music videos, but targeting a slightly...
, MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
, countless radio stations, and several label and metal music compilations. For over twenty years, international music magazines have featured the band consistently.
Reunion
In 2007, Barren Cross teamed with artist manager Jeff McLain and his company the North Coast Agency to help book, manage, and market their return. On May 8, 2008, the band officially announced they would be returning to the music scene, launching MySpaceMySpace
Myspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
and Facebook
Facebook
Facebook is a social networking service and website launched in February 2004, operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. , Facebook has more than 800 million active users. Users must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile, add other users as...
pages for the band and remaining active in the pages upkeep. The band initially announced a reunion which included original lead singer, Mike Lee, but would eventually announce experienced singer, Dean Kohn, (ATTAKK, Loudness
Loudness (band)
is a Japan-based heavy metal band formed in 1981 by guitarist Akira Takasaki and drummer Munetaka Higuchi. They were the first Japanese heavy metal act signed to a major label in the United States, releasing twenty-three studio albums...
, Malice
Malice (metal band)
Malice is an American heavy metal band formed in the early 80s. Their sound is comparable to that of Judas Priest's, and they are notable for having toured with popular metal group Slayer. They had mild popularity that disappeared and reappeared frequently. The 1988 film Vice Versa featured a...
) would be fulfilling vocal duties. A successful short-term reunion with a few international reunion concerts ensued, with announcements of a return to the recording studio with new music. In 2010, Barren Cross announced a special re-release of their debut album, Believe EP, marking the 25 Year Anniversary of its original 1985 independent release.
Band members
- Dean Kohn - Reunion VocalistSingingSinging is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
- Jim LaVerde - Bass guitarBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
s - Ray Parris - GuitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
s - Steve Whittaker - DrumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
- Michael Lee - Original VocalistSingingSinging is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
Discography
- 1985: Believe EP (Independent) (Produced by Dino & John Elefante)
- 1986: Rock for the KingRock for the KingRock for the King is a 1986 heavy metal album released by the Christian metal band Barren Cross.- Track listing :# Dying Day - 3:27# He Loves You - 4:37# It's All Come True - 4:05# Believe - 2:16# Going Nowhere - 3:49...
(Star Song) - 1988: Atomic ArenaAtomic ArenaAtomic Arena is a 1988 heavy metal album released by the Christian metal band Barren Cross. The album was produced by John Elefante of Kansas fame and his brother Dino...
(Enigma RecordsEnigma RecordsEnigma Records was a popular rock and alternative American record label in the 1980s. It was initially a division of Greenworld Distribution, an independent music importer/distributor, which it split-off from in 1985 to become its own company...
) - 1989: State of ControlState of ControlState of Control is a 1989 heavy metal album released by the Christian metal band Barren Cross. The album was produced by John Elefante of Kansas fame and his brother Dino.- Track listing :# State of Control - 3:52# Out of Time - 4:09...
(Enigma RecordsEnigma RecordsEnigma Records was a popular rock and alternative American record label in the 1980s. It was initially a division of Greenworld Distribution, an independent music importer/distributor, which it split-off from in 1985 to become its own company...
) - 1990: Hotter Than Hell LiveHotter Than Hell LiveHotter Than Hell Live! is a 1990 heavy metal album released by the Christian metal band Barren Cross.- Track listing :# Imaginary Music - 5:30# Dying Day - 4:01# Killers of the Unborn - 3:22# Close to the Edge - 4:56...
! live album (Restless) - 1990: Rock for the King re-issue (Medusa Records)
- 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 – The Very Best of Barren Cross compilation (Independent)