Barren Cross
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| Barren Cross | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Image:Flag of the United States.svg Los Angeles, California |
| Genre(s) | Heavy metal Christian metal |
| Years active | 1984 - 1994; Present |
| Label(s) | Star Song, Enigma Records, Medusa Records, Rugged Records |
| 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 but there are no plans for 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]
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]
Contents |
[edit] Band Members
- Mike Lee - vocals
- Jim LaVerde - bass guitars
- Ray Parris - guitars
- Steve Whittaker - drums
[edit] Discography
- 1985: Believe (EP)
- 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 (reissue)
- 1994: Rattle Your Cage (Rugged Records)
[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.
[edit] External links
- No Life 'til Metal CD Page
- CD Gallery - Barren Cross
- BNR Metal Pages
- Interview with Mike Lee re: Bare Bones
http://www.myspace.com/barrencross OFFICIAL MYSPACE PAGEde:Barren Cross
nl:Barren Cross pt:Barren Cross fi:Barren Cross
