Barren Cross - Atomic Arena 12" Vinyl LP Album

- USA Release on: Enigma D11G-73311

Barren Cross's "Atomic Arena" (Enigma D11G-73311) is a powerful US release showcasing their signature blend of heavy metal and Christian lyrics. Released in 1988, this album features a more polished sound than its predecessor, showcasing the band's growth and musical maturity. Tracks like "Kill the Beast" and "Imaginary Music" are filled with energy and passion, solidifying their place as pioneers of Christian metal.

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Barren Cross' "Atomic Arena" (USA Release): A Powerhouse of Christian Metal
Album Description:

Released in 1988 on Enigma Records, the US pressing of Barren Cross's sophomore album, "Atomic Arena" (D11G-73311), is a powerful and dynamic testament to the band's evolution within the Christian metal scene. Building upon the success of their debut album, "Rock for the King," "Atomic Arena" showcases a more refined sound while maintaining their signature blend of heavy metal and faith-based lyrics.

Historical Context and Genre

By 1988, Christian metal was gaining momentum and recognition, with bands like Stryper achieving mainstream success. Barren Cross, however, remained firmly rooted in their unique style, blending elements of classic heavy metal, thrash metal, and power metal to create a sound that appealed to both Christian and secular metal fans. "Atomic Arena" reflected this evolution, featuring a more polished production and a wider range of musical influences.

Musical Exploration

"Atomic Arena" showcases Barren Cross's growth as songwriters and musicians. The album features a more diverse range of tempos and moods, from the fast-paced "Imaginary Music" and "Killers of the Unborn" to the more melodic and atmospheric "In the Eye of the Fire" and "King of Kings." The band's songwriting is more mature and sophisticated, with complex arrangements and thought-provoking lyrics.

Production Team and Recording Studio

The album was recorded at Pakaderm Studios in Los Angeles and produced by Dino and John Elefante, known for their work with Kansas and Petra. The Elefante brothers brought a more polished and commercial sound to "Atomic Arena," while still maintaining the band's raw energy and intensity.

Music Genre:

Christian Rock / Metal 
Album Production Information:

The album: "BARREN CROSS - Atomic Arena " was produced by: Dino Elefante, John Elefante

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Dino Elefante, Mike Mierau

This album was recorded at: Pakaderm Studios, Cerritos, California. Mastered at Future Disc

Album cover design: Ray Parris

Album cover Painting: Steve Huston

Inside photos: 'NAR' of Limelight

Additional photos by: Rebecca May, Renee Parris

Hair and make-up: Lisa Lee

Costumes: Sharon Shubin :

Record Label Information:

Enigma D11G-73311

Album Packaging:

The original pressing of Barren Cross's "Atomic Arena" album includes a custom inner sleeve featuring comprehensive album details, complete song lyrics, and a collection of photographs, enhancing the overall experience and providing deeper insight into the album's creative process.

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record

Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1988 Made in USA

 

Band Members and Musicians on: Barren Cross Atomic Arena
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Mike Lee - lead vocals and acoustic guitar
  • Ray Parris - rhythm and lead guitar, acoustic guitars, background vocals
  • Steve Whitaker - drums, background vocals
  • Jim LaVerde - bass guitar, taurus synthesizer pedals, background vocals
Track Listing of: "Atomic Arena"

The Songs/tracks on "Atomic Arena" are

  1. Imaginary Music - 4:26
  2. Killers of the Unborn - 3:28
  3. In the Eye of the Fire - 4:27
  4. Terrorist Child - 3:30
  5. Close to the Edge - 4:55
  6. Dead Lock - 4:18
  7. Cultic Regimes - 2:48
  8. Heaven or Nothing - 4:10
  9. King of Kings - 3:30
  10. Living Dead - 6:50
Album cover photos of : Barren Cross Atomic Arena
Photo of "Atomic Arena" Album's Front Cover 
large hires Photo of "Atomic Arena" Album's Front Cover 
Photo of "Atomic Arena" Album's Back Cover  
large hires Photo of "Atomic Arena" Album's Back Cover    
Four photos of the "Barren Cross" band members on theAlbum's Inner Cover  
Four photos of the "Barren Cross" band members on theAlbum's Inner Cover  
Close-up Photo of "Atomic Arena" ENIGMA D11g-73311 Record Label 
large hires Close-up Photo of "Atomic Arena" ENIGMA D11g-73311 Record Label   
Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash.
Index of BARREN CROSS Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

BARREN CROSS - Atomic Arena ( USA) 12" Vinyl LP

Thumbnail Of  BARREN CROSS -  Atomic Arena ( USA) 12" Vinyl LP album front cover

Enigma D11G-73311 , 1988 , USA

This album "Atomic Arena" was recorded in California at the Pakaderm Studios in 1988 and produced by Dino Elefante and John Elefante. The sound engineer was Mike Mierau. Mastering was done at Future Disc. Album artwork illustration done by Ray Parris and Steve Huston.

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BARREN CROSS - Atomic Arena ( Netherlands) 12" Vinyl LP

Thumbnail Of  BARREN CROSS -  Atomic Arena ( Netherlands) 12" Vinyl LP album front cover

Enigma 3311-1 , 1988 , Netherlands

Barren Cross' "Atomic Arena" (Netherlands release) is a landmark album in Christian metal, released in 1988 on Enigma Records. This powerful and melodic album features anthemic tracks like "Imaginary Music" and "In the Eye of the Fire," addressing social and spiritual themes with a heavy metal edge.

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BARREN CROSS - Rock For The King 12" Vinyl LP

Thumbnail Of  BARREN CROSS - Rock For The King 12" Vinyl LP album front cover

Star Song SRR 2065 , 1986 , UK ( United Kingdom )

"Rock for the King" is a Christian metal album that seamlessly blends heavy metal's intensity with faith-based lyrics. The album features powerful vocals, driving riffs, and soaring guitar solos, tackling themes of spiritual warfare, redemption, and the power of faith.

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