BARREN CROSS ( Christian Heavy Metal, Los Angeles ) Vinyl Records and Album Cover gallery

Barren Cross is a Christian metal band that was formed in the mid-1980s. The band was founded by guitarist Mike Lee and bassist Jim LaVerde, and their style of music is characterized by a mixture of hard rock, heavy metal, and power metal, with lyrics that focus on Christian themes and messages.

Barren Cross released their debut album, "Rock for the King," in 1986, which helped establish the band as one of the pioneers of Christian metal music. Over the years, they went on to release several other critically acclaimed albums and are considered to be one of the most influential Christian metal bands of all time.

;Despite lineup changes over the years, Barren Cross continues to tour and perform, and their music continues to inspire and influence new generations of Christian metal fans. They are widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Christian metal, and their music and message continue to have a significant impact on the Christian metal scene.

Barren Cross maintained a consistent lineup from 1986 to 1989, with Michael Lee (Drive) on vocals, Ray Parris on guitars, Jim LaVerde on bass, and Steve Whitaker on drums. This lineup recorded and released three studio albums: "Rock For The King" (1986), "Atomic Arena" (1988), and "State of Control" (1989), establishing the band's signature sound and solidifying their place in the Christian metal scene. Each member brought unique talents to the table, contributing to the band's musical diversity and lyrical depth. Their collective efforts resulted in a string of successful albums that resonated with fans worldwide.

Michael Lee (Drive): The Charismatic Voice of Christian Metal

Michael Lee (Drive), the frontman of Barren Cross, possessed a powerful and versatile vocal range that perfectly complemented the band's energetic sound. His stage presence was equally captivating, drawing audiences in with his passionate delivery and engaging performances. As the band's lyricist, he penned thought-provoking messages that resonated with fans, addressing social issues and spiritual themes.

Ray Parris: The Shredding Guitarist with a Melodic Touch

Ray Parris, the lead guitarist of Barren Cross, was a true virtuoso, known for his lightning-fast solos and melodic riffs. His technical proficiency and songwriting skills were instrumental in shaping the band's sound, contributing to their unique blend of heavy metal and hard rock. Parris' stage presence was equally impressive, as he effortlessly commanded the stage with his energetic performances.

Jim LaVerde: The Solid Foundation of Barren Cross

Jim LaVerde, the bassist of Barren Cross, provided a solid foundation for the band's music. His driving basslines and rhythmic grooves anchored the songs, allowing the guitars and vocals to soar. LaVerde's contributions often went beyond just playing bass, as he was also involved in the songwriting process, adding another dimension to the band's musical creativity.

Steve Whitaker: The Thunderous Backbone of Barren Cross

Steve Whitaker, the drummer of Barren Cross, was a powerhouse behind the kit, delivering thunderous beats and intricate fills. His dynamic drumming style provided the perfect backbone for the band's energetic sound. Whitaker's stage presence was equally impressive, as he attacked the drums with a ferocity that matched the intensity of the music.

Dino and John Elefante are brothers and a highly successful duo in the music industry, known for their work as songwriters, musicians, and producers. They gained initial recognition in the mainstream rock scene, with John serving as the lead vocalist for the band Kansas from 1981 to 1984.

After their time with Kansas, the Elefante brothers transitioned into the Christian music scene, forming their own band, Mastedon, and establishing their record label, Pakaderm. They produced and released numerous successful albums under this label, garnering critical acclaim and multiple Grammy nominations.

The brothers' production work extended to other Christian artists as well, including Barren Cross, Petra, Bride, and Guardian, contributing to the growth and popularity of the genre. They also established the Sound Kitchen studio in Nashville, which became a renowned recording facility for both Christian and mainstream artists.

Dino Elefante is recognized for his songwriting and guitar skills, while John is celebrated for his powerful vocals and stage presence. Together, they have made a significant impact on the music industry, both in the mainstream and Christian markets, leaving a lasting legacy through their diverse contributions.

Pakaderm Studios was established by brothers Dino and John Elefante in the early 1980s in Los Angeles, California. The studio quickly became a hub for the burgeoning Christian rock and metal scene, providing a professional recording environment for bands seeking to create high-quality music with a message.

During the 1980s, Pakaderm Studios was involved in producing and recording numerous albums for both established and up-and-coming Christian artists. Some notable projects recorded at Pakaderm during this time include:

The studio's state-of-the-art equipment and the Elefante brothers' expertise as producers attracted many Christian artists seeking to elevate the quality of their recordings and reach a wider audience.

Pakaderm Studios played a significant role in the development of Christian rock and metal during the 1980s, providing a platform for artists to express their faith through music and reach a wider audience. The studio's legacy continues to this day, as many of the albums recorded there remain influential and popular within the Christian music community.