Barren Cross - Atomic Arena / State Control

2CD DELUXE DIGIPACK - 22 track double CD package from enduring Christian Metal act Barren Cross, featuring two cult albums from the mid 80s. - CD 1 features their second full length studio album from 1988 'Atomic Arena'. - CD 2 features their third studio album 'State of Control', originally released in 1999. - Formed in Los Angeles in 1983, Barren Cross produced a powerful brand of classic metal that carried a strong Christian message alongside such contemporaries as Stryper, Bloodgood and Sacred Warrior. Having independently released their debut EP ‘Believe’ in 1985 and quickly followed that with their first full length album 'Rock For The King' via Star Song Records, Barren Cross signed to Enigma Records. Featured on the influential 'California Metal' compilation, the band delivered a classy release with 'Atomic Arena' that earned vocalist Michael Lee favourable comparisons to Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson. Follow up album 'State of Control' saw the band tour heavily and cultivate a fanbase that went beyond the confines of the Christian scene as a result. This release features two bonus tracks, one of which, 'Your Love Gives', was originally only available on the version distributed to Christian bookstores. This release features exclusive liner notes from respected writer Kevin Stewart-Panko who conducted a new in-depth interview with singer Mike Lee (now known as Michael Drive). 'Atomic Arena' has been named by Heaven's Metal magazine as the No.11 Christian Metal Album of All Time, while 'State of Control' placed at No.32 on the CMR Top 100 Christian Metal Albums list.