BARREN CROSS - STATE OF CONTROL +2 Bonus (Ocean Blue Vinyl, 2024, Retroactive) Elefante Produced!
Release Date: January 15th, 2025
RRV2020 BARREN CROSS - STATE OF CONTROL VINYL (Blood Red) 732131698152
- 2024 Mastered for vinyl by Rob Colwell
- 2024 write up by vocalist Mike Lee / Drive
- Includes many rare and hard-to-find band photos with all lyrics inside insert
- First time vinyl reissue
- Limited Edition 300 Units Ocean Blue Vinyl
- Part of the Legends Remastered Series
- Special write up by Retroactive Records owner, Matthew Hunt
- Includes the special bonus track only available on the original release distributed to Christian bookstores, Your Love Gives.
- Includes the special bonus track exclusive to those units distributed into the mainstream market, Escape In the Night.
- Produced by John & Dino Elefante (Mastedon/Kansas/Pakaderm Records)
- For fans of Stryper, Iron Maiden, Guardian, Dio!
ABOUT THE ALBUM
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 2024 Retroactive Records Blood Red Vinyl reissue is a collector’s dream featuring a 12x12 full color insert, and write ups from both Retroactive Records owner, and band vocalist, Michael Lee/Drive! And, as a special treat for fans, this reissue includes both bonus tracks, “Your Love Gives” and “Escape in the Night.” Limited to just 300 units. Few metal albums impacted the scene and the kingdom like State of Control. Enjoy! For fans of Stryper, Iron Maiden, Guardian, Dio!
Tracklist
State Of Control
Out Of Time
Cryin' Over You
A Face In The Dark
The Stage Of Intensity
Hard Lies
Inner War
Love At Full Volume
Bigotry Man (Who Are You)
Two Thousand Years
Your Love Gives (bonus track exclusive to original release on Benson Records)
Escape In The Night (bonus track exclusive to original release on Enigma Records)
State Of Control / Out Of Time / Cryin' Over You / A Face In The Dark / The Stage Of Intensity / Hard Lies / Inner War / Love At Full Volume / Bigotry Man (Who Are You) / Two Thousand Years / Your Love Gives / Escape In The Night
