Back in the day if you were tagged as a Christian rock band then it was a near certainty that your chances of making it in the mainstream were zero. There was a huge stigma attached to these bands which meant that rock fans were missing out on some good bands. Of course, the exception was Stryper who managed to make a go of it.
Barren Cross were operating in a slightly heavier plane, with a more metal sound. In fact, vocalist Mike Lee is a ringer (vocal-wise) for Bruce Dickinson and that should give you an idea of the sound of this album.
Killers Of The Unborn is a great tune with lots of metal riffage, and a definite nod in Maiden’s direction, as well as the following tune In The Eye Of Fire, complete with galloping riff and groove. My favourite track however, is album closer Living Dead. Another galloping riff with huge Maiden overtones, and it’s hard not to imagine Bruce is actually singing this one.
For lovers of mid-eighties metal, this one is definitely for you. Don’t be put off with the Christian tag as this is a damn fine record.
8.5/10 from The Grooveman.
