Barren Cross - Hotter than Hell Live (1990)
Barren Cross... a band that definitely needs no introduction in Christian Metal. Upon hearing this album, I was overly thrilled since I have never got a chance to see them. Recorded live from the Atomic Arena
tour in Los Angeles, this album is very good for a live recording. Everything comes out very clear and I can only imagine alot of money was spent recording this. Mike Lee's vocals totally shine in this album. You can very much hear
the Bruce Dickinson comparisons in this extremely well. Probably one of the best singers I have ever heard! Bassist Jim Laverde tears the bass lines up! Heavy tones but still very clear. I never really noticed how good he was until
I heard this. The guitars are immaculate. Very under rated guitarist that deserves much more recognition
than he gets. The solo's on this are even more intelligable and intellectual than on the albums. Very strong presence in
the riffing! The drums are the normal and is very solid. He adds a few things to give a little extra emphasis in a live setting and amazingly the drums sound very good. As normally drums don't have a great sound live most of the
time. I don't like to give much downing to this band, but the starting of this album starts off with some dork introducing the band and makes no attempt in making the crowd anxious to hear Barren Cross. They could have done without
him! The backing vocals are also a downfall because they are so out of key and have no emphasis on what they normally do. They could have worked on that before they played out! And the crowd is kinda blah. I think the crowd could
have been alot more enthusiastic than just a few yells and some clapping. Where is Ozzy when you need him? If you haven't heard Barren Cross in a live situation, this album is for you because it is a great album indeed! -- Review
by Shannon