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Mike Lee (vocalist)
Jim LeVerde (bassist)
Steve Whittaker (drums)
Ray Parris (guitarist)

THE EARLY YEARS
Barren Cross formed in Los Angeles, California in 1983 by high school pals Ray Parris (guitar) and Steve Whitaker (drums). Barren Cross released six albums from 1986 to 1994.

In 1984, bassist Jim LaVerde and vocalist Mike Lee were added. In 1989 the band appeared on The Morton Downey Show alongside members of KISS and Anthrax.

COMPARISONS
Barren Cross was often compared to Iron Maiden, mainly due to the similarity of the vocals between Mike Lee and Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson. Lyrically, the band is noted for its uncompromising stance on a number of social issues. Their songs addressed personal and societal ills such as suicide, abortion, terrorism, and prejudice from a Christian worldview.

ENIGMA DAYS
Over the years, Barren Cross has seen their share of successes since their start out of High School in 1982. In 1985 their first EP, Believe, an independent release, garnered national attention and trade marking their raw metal sound. This EP was printed in two editions. Edition 1 was pressed independently on the MPPA label and had a blue cover. The second pressing was licensed to Erika Records and had a white cover and was pressed on blue vinyl.

The following year, Star Song Records released, Rock for the King. 1988 saw a second full-length Release, Atomic Arena, this time on Enigma Records (now defunct) alongside label mates Stryper, Trouble and others.

THE STATE OF CONTROL
In 1989, as a follow up to their Enigma debut, they released a third CD, State of Control and a full production Live CD on Medusa Records called Hotter than Hell Live! was released the following year. A few months later, Rock for the King was reissued and has since become a collector's item. Subsequently, the band enjoyed a bit of a break while lead singer Michael Lee (now known as Michael Drive) pursued another project (becoming writer and lead vocalist for the band BareBones) until Barren Cross' last release (to date) in 1994 on Rugged Records, the stylistically evolved Rattle Your Cage.

Besides six major label releases (five of them full-length), Barren Cross earned their stripes through relentless touring in their day. Their sound earned them respect and airplay on VH1, MTV, countless radio stations and several label and metal compilations. For over twenty years, international music magazines have featured the band consistently.

BACK ON THE STAGE OF INTENSITY
Barren Cross is back writting new material for a new album and is in the throws of consideration of re-recording Atomic Arena.