Barren Cross

Item: State of Control
Author: D_Lister

State of Control

(1989)

Reviewed by D_Lister

Discogs YouTube

Label EnigmaDead Zine2002

glam metal heavy metal pop metal thrash metal

State of Control is Barren Cross' third album and second to be released on Enigma Records. This gem came out back in 1989 in a time when Christian music was more accepting of imitating secular bands. Given that, Barren Cross was our answer to Iron Maiden. Both musically and vocally BC was so close to sounding like Iron Maiden you could pass them off to Maiden fans easily enough.

This is without a doubt BC's finest release as they traveled new areas with the speedy almost thrashy 'Stage of Intensity' and the killer intro to 'Out of Time' which acts as a news broadcast after the rapture. The lyrics of this album are much more matured than their previous albums. Track 3 'Crying Over You' is a cool song about heartbreak. Dealing with life after the breakup of a relationship. Not overly Christian but then in the middle of the chorus comes the line 'but I get my strength from above.' These guys knew that in all things the Father has control. 'Bigotry Man' is a rough song lyrically, not weak at all it shows real anger toward those whose lives are filled with hatred. 'Two Thousand Years' is an amazing song about simply the wonder of Jesus Christ. From alcoholism, to the daily battle with sin, to the responsibility of musicians to their listeners, this album is filled with lyrics that are really good and not lame.

In my opinion this is a heavy metal album that has already stood the test of time and lives on as one of the best metal albums in Christian music's history. I continue to listen to this album frequently to this day. I highly suggest you find a copy of it.

9/10