State of Control [Original recording remastered]

Barren Cross | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 13, 2004)
• Original Release Date: 1989
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: Restless Records
• ASIN: B0000DIJS3
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #97,480 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Last song is NOT 'Your Love Gives', Amazon needs to correct this., January 2, 2010

By 

Amadeus (Warsaw, IN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: State of Control (Audio CD)

!!!BEWARE!!! YOUR LOVE GIVES is not the last song on this disc as stated in the song listing; it is actually ESCAPE IN THE NIGHT which is the more common song that is found on the Enigma Records release. YOUR LOVE GIVES can be found on the Benson Records release which was distributed through Christian music stores when it first came out but it can also be found on the Restless Records re-release. Just thought I'd let you know so you know exactly what you're getting when you buy this. No matter what version you get, this album absolutely ROCKS!!! Barren Cross was/is a very underrated band!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Powerful Metal, May 11, 2007

By 

Justin Gaines (Northern Virginia) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: State of Control (Audio CD)

Released in 1989, State of Control was the third, (and in my opinion the most professional) studio album by Christian metallers Barren Cross. If Stryper gave the faithful a righteous alternative to Bon Jovi and Dokken, Barren Cross's blazing guitars and Dickenson-esque vocals were a "gift from above" for metalheads who preferred Iron Maiden and Dio's heavier approach. Besides, there's just something appealing about a band of earnest Christians who drew such obvious influence from albums like Holy Diver and The Number of the Beast.

Barren Cross was in top form on this album. Everything about State of Control is first rate. Ray Parris just blazes away on the guitar throughout the album, the perfect counterpoint to Mike Lee's soaring vocals. The songwriting is intense and powerful, and the production quality is excellent. This album really showcases Barren Cross at their very best. The band does temper their metal assault with a remarkably good ballad ("Cryin' Over You") that puts plenty of Hollywood hair bands to shame, and a straightforward love song ("Love at Full Volume") that has little or no religious context, but in the main this is another signature Barren Cross power metal album with an unapologetically righteous message.

One of Barren Cross's best attributes is that they are viewed above all as a very talented metal band. You didn't have to subscribe to their faith to enjoy their music. Any time this band comes up in conversation, even the most jaded metal fan has to admit a grudging respect for Barren Cross's music, if not a real appreciation.

State of Control is an extremely strong metal album that anyone who enjoys bands like Iron Maiden, Dio, Judas Priest, and Armored Saint would do well to check out. It goes without saying that this is a must-have for Christian metal fans.

NOTE: State of Control was reissued in 2004, making this long out of print title available again with digitally remastered sound. There isn't any bonus material, but the sonic makeover breathes new life into this classic album.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Top 10 '80's Metal Album Of All Time!!, November 25, 2003

By 

mothy (Lexington, SC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: State of Control (Audio CD)

Whatever John and Dino Elefante touches turns into GOLD!! This album is no exception. If you are looking for Dokken meets Iron Maiden meets Jesus, this is it! After listening to every song you will wonder why Barren Cross didn't get as far as Stryper. Great lyrics, guitar, bass, melodies, vocals and harmonies. I bought this on tape back when it was originally released back in 1989 and still find myself playing it from time to time. I cannot wait until this is rereleased on CD by Rykodisc in 2004!