Barren Cross
Rock for the King
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
Even if you have the Believe EP, you need to buy this album. The three new ones are worth the nine bucks you'll pay. The six old ones are improved. They've got the depth added, along with some extra virtuosity. The difference in the mix is measured in professionalism. Production does make a difference. This is proof: even a great song like "Just A Touch" can be made even better. "Dying Day" is a new one and it starts off this bone-crunching album. I can't say enough good things about this band. This song packs a punch, proclaiming the truth with the power of music. It's songs like these that can really speak to people like you and me. We're tuned in to every word because of the music. "It's All Come True" exhibits Mike Lee's haunting vocals. The way he starts off the song commands your attention. The band acts as a real unit here with all the tenacity of Iron Maiden at their best (The comparisons are inevitable). It's amazing how young these guys are, when they're putting out a quality sound like this. It is an inspiration for young musicians everywhere. You don't have to be a 30-year veteran to rock good. The cymbals warn us of the force that is about to come in this song. After we're thrashed with the drums, the bass takes over and the vocals start. The first break introduces the lead guitar. There's not really any new tricks here, what they do, they do well. The lyrics tell a story in past tense of a person who's died and now they face the result of rejecting the message they've been told. "I sit and think of a time/ When I was given a chance to receive/ The love of God; but I spat in His face/ I got up-began to leave/ I went about my whole life/ Doing my own thing when I pleased/ If only I had listened/ I would be bound for glory." "Rock for the King" is a heavy metal anthem in the same style as Kiss's "Rock and Roll All Nite" or Vision's "Standing on the Rock." In other words, a large chorus chants the chorus part: "We-will-rock for the King." The song starts off with prophetic imagery - "In the day of the white horse/ Many will fly up to the sky/ Heaven awaits those who live for the King/ This is what I sing." It serves as a call to us as believers. "We will rock/ Let the people know-make it loud/ We will rock/ The kingdom is at hand/ We will rock/ It's time to make a stand." If you've got the Believe EP, play it first and then this one and hear the difference that better production can make. This album puts Star Song back on the map again. They haven't had any real hard rock since Arkangel and Rez Band were on the label. Inside the album is a letter from their pastor, Bob Beeman. He says that Barren Cross is definitely called and anointed to do the work they do. Rock for the King should be nothing less.