State Of Control

Remember those metal cassettes in your collection that had the song titles worn off, and even if you weren't religious you prayed that it would play just one more time for fear it would wear out? 1989's State of Control by Barren Cross was that cassette in many-a-metal fan's collection. Along with Stryper and Guardian, Barren Cross was one of the few bands that actually appealed to metal fans who didn't shop in Christian bookstores for their music. With the band's third release they once again expanded their lyrical content to tackle real-life issues like racism and relationships. Mike Lee shows more diversity with this vocal performance by channeling his inner Bruce Dickinson with a raspy voice and the operatic vocals showing only for the higher notes and choruses. The impact of producers John and Dino Elefante is significant with State... adding even more AOR pitch-perfect choruses in the background that gives this melodic heavy metal album its fair share of commercial appeal. One thing is for sure, the album includes exquisite rhythm parts, amazing solos, and everything you expect from elite heavy metal which is why it came in at #32 on the CMR Top 100 Christian Metal Albums. The 2020 Retroactive Records reissue is a collector's dream featuring a 16-page insert and a brilliant remaster (finally!). And, as a special treat for fans, this reissue includes both bonus tracks, "Your Love Gives" (exclusive to original release on Benson Records) and "Escape in the Night" (exclusive to original release on Enigma Records).
Through this album, Barren Cross won many accolades and awards that year; Barren Cross was named by HM: "Readers Poll Band Of The Year for 1989"; and 'State Of Control' was "1989 Readers Poll Album Of The Year". Furthermore, Bassist Jim LaVerde won "1989 Readers Poll Bassist Of The Year", and Lead Singer Michael Drive (Lee) also received top awards in the following 4 categories: his composition "Stage Of Intensity" won "1989 Readers Poll Song Of The Year". He also won "1989 Readers Poll Singer Of The Year"; "1989 Readers Poll Lyricist Of The Year"; and in that same year, he won "Favorite Lyricist Of The 1980's".
The album was originally produced by John Elefante of Kansas fame and his brother Dino and released on Enigma Records.

Lineup

Michael Drive (Lee) (Barebones, Gale Force) - Lead Vocals/Acoustic Guitar
Ray Parris - Guitars/Background Vocals
Jim LaVerde - Bass/Background Vocals
Steve Whitaker - Drums/Background Vocals