I 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 lyrics found in 'In The Eye Of The Fire', 'Cultic Regimes', 'Heaven Or Nothing', 'King Of Kings', and 'Living Dead'. Atomic Arena also takes stabs at current events like abortion ('Killers Of The Unborn'), escapism ('Imaginary Music'), terrorism ('Terrorist Child') and drug abuse ('Deadlock'). Again another essential item for your 80s metal collection.
8/10
Other coverage for this album
Dead Zine 2002Reviewed by D_ListerIn 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…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
1994Rattle Your Cage
1985Believe
1989State of Control
1986Rock for the King
Rock for the King (Remix)
1990Hotter Than Hell Live
