Barren Canyon - A Virulent Stream - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Remember those metal cassettes in your collection that had the song titles worn off, and even if you weren't religious you prayed that it would play just one more time for fear it would wear out? 1989's State of Control by Barren Cross was that cassette in many-a-metal fan's collection. Along with Stryper and Guardian, Barren Cross was one of the few bands that actually appealed to metal fans who didn't shop in Christian bookstores for their music. With the band's third they once again expanded their lyrical content to tackle real-life issues like racism and relationships. Mike Lee shows more diversity with this vocal performance by channeling his inner Bruce Dickinson with a raspy voice and the operatic vocals showing only for the higher notes and choruses. The impact of producers John and Dino Elefante is significant with State... adding even more AOR pitch-perfect choruses in the background that gives this melodic heavy metal album it's fair share of commercial appeal. One thing is for sure, the album includes exquisite rhythm parts, amazing solos, and everything you expect from elite heavy metal which is why it came in at #32 on the CMR Top 100 Christian Metal Albums. The 2020 Retroactive Records reissue is a collector's dream featuring a 16-page insert and a brilliant remaster (finally!). And, as a special treat for fans, this reissue includes both bonus tracks, InchYour Love GivesInch and InchEscape in the Night.Inch Few metal albums impacted the scene and the kingdom like State of Control. Enjoy!

By the time 1988's Atomic Arena was released, fans had already been whipped into a feeding frenzy with the song Deadlock being included on the massively popular California Metal Compilation. The song demonstrated a significant leap forward from anything the band had ever done. Fans were demanding more, and it's hard to believe Barren Cross could have delivered a more perfect album than Atomic Arena. Most noticeably, the songwriting had matured with topics including abortion, suicide, cults and substance abuse - all presented in a skilled manner. Now signed to Enigma Records the band was labelmates with Ratt, Slayer, Poison, and Stryper and MTV's embrace of the album's opener, Imaginary Music showed that's exactly where they belonged. Mike Lee's charismatic Dickinson-influenced lead vocal style was perfect for an album that featured dominating fast-fingered shredding guitar work, resounding monster bass lines, and drums that pummeled the heart and soul of the most dedicated heavy metal fan. Yes, Atomic Arena was special and that's why the album was voted #11 on Heaven's Metal Magazine's Top 100 Christian Metal Albums of All-Time. The 2020 reissue has been remastered to perfection and comes with deluxe packaging. This is the ultimate reissue for one of Christian metal's ultimate albums.

Grindcore powerhouse Barren Path come together for their debut , InchGrievingInch, that will please long time fans of these musicians efforts over the last few decades and will leave their mark just as all of their previous efforts have. Jewel Case with 8-Page Booklet.