In 1988 Barren Cross came out with a new album that had a new sound, and new look. Yes they had reinvented themselves into a heavy metal band. Their previous album Rock for the King was full on glam metal with spandex and hair spray galore. With Atomic Arena the sound was heavier and the overall image a bit more metal than glam.
This is where all the Iron Maiden references really began to surface. Still BC was new to this style of music and only was able to handle it fairly. They kept the pace to mid range only stepping up the speed on 'Cultic Regimes.' They also returned to their glam days on track 8 'Heaven or Nothing' which is not exactly a glam song but has that ballad feel to it.
The lyrics on this album tend to have their glam roots too. Much of the lyrics feel like cheesy glam songs that someone tried a little too hard to make meaner. All the songs are very Christ focused lyric wise and in truth are exactly what you expect from a Christian metal band putting a CD out back in '88.
This should not be your first introduction to BC I highly suggest you get a copy of State of Control and if you are absolutely nuts over that CD then get out there and find your copy of Atomic Arena. It's a good CD, not great, but good and you'll enjoy it if you like BC's style.
7/10
Other coverage for this album
Dead Zine 2002Reviewed by NecRoSarXI would have to say that Atomic Arena is the better album Barren Cross released in their short initial run. Better production- mostly from the fact that it was released exclusively on Enigma, home of Stryper and Poison. Better playing- the guitars are meatier, the sound is much more massive, and Mike Lee's vocals are the best he's done so far. Better song writing- along with the usual evangelical…Adonai Metal Rock #2Reviewed by Daniel BaillodTranslated from the original French The album had kept us waiting (2 years between "Rock For The King" and "Atomic Arena"), and the wait has been amply rewarded! The first remark of good sense and logic one can make is that when a band manages to land a contract with a major label, it immediately has far greater means. The budget for "Atomic Arena" is without doubt extremely bigger than that of…Heaven's Metal #15Reviewed by Doug Van PeltAhhhh-yeah! Mike Lee returns to the world of metal with thunderous music to back him up. This album is incredible. I doubt anyone in this genre will pass this one up. I have a feeling that Enigma's gonna push this and it will get the world's attention. The music will surely stand up to the scrutiny of the critics. "Imaginary Music" gets the album rolling with a good rhythm and a massive drum…Similar sounding releases
1988Neon CrossNeon Cross
1991Sacred WarriorObsessions
1989BloodgoodOut Of The Darkness
1987TempestA Coming Storm
1994KreysonAngel On The Run
1990Holy SoldierHoly SoldierMore from Barren Cross
1986Rock for the King
1994Rattle Your Cage
Rock for the King (Remix)
1989State of Control
1985Believe
1990Hotter Than Hell Live
