- STAR GONG Records Release
Barren Cross's 1986 debut, "Rock for the King," is a landmark in Christian metal, blending heavy riffs with faith-based lyrics. Their powerful sound and spiritual message defied genre expectations, attracting both Christian and secular metal fans. This album solidified their place as pioneers in Christian metal, showcasing a unique fusion of faith and heavy music.
Released in 1986 on Star Song Records, Barren Cross's debut album, "Rock for the King," stands as a groundbreaking moment in the history of Christian heavy metal. This album defied expectations and challenged preconceived notions about faith-based music, proving that heavy metal could be a powerful vehicle for expressing spiritual themes.
Historical Context and Genre
"Rock for the King" emerged during a time when heavy metal was experiencing a global boom, but Christian heavy metal was still a niche genre. Bands like Stryper were starting to gain mainstream attention, but Barren Cross's approach was distinct, blending elements of classic heavy metal, thrash metal, and power metal with unapologetically Christian lyrics.
The album's music is a powerful mix of heavy riffs, soaring vocals, and intricate song structures. The band's sound is characterized by its raw energy, melodic sensibilities, and technical proficiency. Tracks like "Dying Day," "Light the Fire," and the title track "Rock for the King" showcase the band's ability to write anthemic songs with a powerful message.
Musical Exploration
"Rock for the King" demonstrates Barren Cross's musical versatility and their willingness to experiment within the heavy metal framework. The album features a mix of fast-paced thrashers like "Killer of the Unborn" and "He Loves You" with more melodic and atmospheric tracks like "Going Nowhere" and "Just a Touch." The band's songwriting is mature and sophisticated, with complex arrangements and thought-provoking lyrics.
Controversies
Barren Cross's overt Christian message generated both praise and criticism. While some embraced the band's unique approach to heavy metal, others questioned the compatibility of faith and heavy metal's often rebellious imagery. This controversy, however, only served to fuel the band's popularity and solidify their place as pioneers of Christian metal.
Production Team and Recording Studio
The album was produced by Terry Brown, known for his work with Rush, and recorded at Trafalgar Studios in Los Angeles. Brown's expertise in capturing the raw energy of rock bands contributed to the album's powerful sound.
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Music Genre: Christian Rock / Metal |
| Album Production Information: The album: "BARREN CROSS - Rock for the King" was produced by: Dino "Shicken" Elefanto This album was recorded at: Pakaderm Studios, Cerritos, California Album cover Concept: Barren Cross Make up: Lisa Kawasaki Hair by Carla
Album cover photography: Linda Dillon Baley, Ken Baley |
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Transcript of the liner notes written by Pastor Bob Beeman:
Dear friend in Christ, I am excited about Barren Cross. Their vision for the ministry and their enthusiasm for the Lord is commend-able. As their pastor and friend, I have spent a lot of time with them on a spiritual level. I am impressed with their maturity in the Lord and their solid foundation in the scriptures. They not only attend my church, but are involved in teaching and counseling. Paul said he had become all things to all people that he might reach a few. Sometimes, instead of reaching out to the world, we become very successful at driving them away. When we spend more time talking about the evils of a musical style instead of rejoicing because the Word is going out, we fail the Great Commission. I have watched Barren Cross in concert many times. I have also watched many kids come to know the Lord through their ministry. I have seen them in followup and watched these same kids grow into Christian maturity. I cannot speak for every Christian rock band out there - we know there are always a few who aren't walking as closely with the Lord as they should. That is true with artists in every style of Christian music. But for Barren Cross, I can say whole heartedly that these guys are "Called" and "Anointed" to do what they do. I am proud to be a part of their ministry, and happy to recommend them to you! Pastor Bob Beeman |
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Record Label Information: Star Song SRR 2065 |
Album Packaging: This album "Rock for the King" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos |
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Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
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Year & Country: 1986 Made in UK |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: BARREN CROSS - Rock for the King |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "BARREN CROSS - Rock for the King" |
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The detailed tracklist of this record "BARREN CROSS - Rock for the King" is:
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "BARREN CROSS - Rock for the King" |
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Album Back Cover Photo of "BARREN CROSS - Rock for the King" |
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Lyrics printed on the Inner Sleeve of "BARREN CROSS - Rock for the King" Album |
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Photo of "BARREN CROSS - Rock for the King" Album's Inner Sleeve |
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Close-up Photo of "STAR SONG" SRR 2064 "Rock For The King" Record Label |
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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. |
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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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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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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