New Singer Dean Kohn studied for two years under renowned vocal teacher, Elizabeth Sabine, who has trained many Hollywood artists such as Don Barnes of .38 Special, Dave Mustaine of Megadeth and Michael Sweet of Stryper.
Dean first broke on a large scale in 1988, singing full-time for the underground metal band ATTAKK, which had a huge cult following. Dean would move on to practice and enter pre-production record with Japanese metal band Loudness for their CD, Soldiers of Fortune, though they replaced him. By 1989, Dean was full time in a metal band called Malice, known for their time touring with Slayer. Dean, as many victims of the time and scene fell to drugs and alcohol and left the band and music. Dean announced his coming to Christianity in 1991, but remained under the radar onto now.
Original lead singer Michael Lee has moved on and pursued his solo music project as Barren Cross reunites with new music and a passionate new singer. In 2008 they announced a successful short-term reunion with a few international reunion concerts. Now they have followed that up and announced their return to the studio with new music.
Barren Cross was known for their bold and unwavering outspoken voices on justice and political issues thats were prevalent in their day. Also a defining trademark was their similarity to Iron Maiden. Barren Cross formed on the heels of bands like Stryper, in the early 1980's, and has seen their share of successes since their start in 1983. In 1985 their first EP, Believe, was produced by award winning producers, John & Dino Elefante. "Believe", a independent release, garnered national attention and trade marking their raw metal sound. The following year, Christian label, Star Song Records, released their first full length, and still widely sought after CD, Rock for the King.
The attention, record sales and buzz that was now forming around Barren Cross, attracted mainstream recording label Enigma Records (now Capitol Records) to sign them to their label. Barren Cross took their seat of honor next to label mates, Poison, Ratt, Slayer, Stryper and other legends of classic metal. The Band Released one of their top selling CD's; a full length CD called Atomic Arena on Enigma Records.
In 1989, as a follow up to their Enigma debut, they released a third CD, considered their most successful release, State of Control also on Enigma Records.
By 1990 they saw a full production Live CD on mainstream Medusa Records called Hotter than Hell Live! A few months later, Rock for the King was reissued and has since become a collector's item. Subsequently, the band enjoyed a bit of a break while lead singer Michael Lee pursued another project (becoming writer and lead vocalist for the band, BareBones) until Barren Cross' last release (to date) in 1994 on Christian Label; Rugged Records, the stylistically evolved release, Rattle your Cage. At the height of their career and large audiences, the band faded quickly into oblivion.
Besides six major label releases (five of them full-length), Barren Cross earned their stripes through relentless touring in their day; many full US and World Tours. Their sound and full passion for what they do has earned them respect and airplay on VH1, MTV, countless radio stations and several label and metal compilations. For over twenty years, international music magazines have featured the band consistently, confirming with certainty that this is a band that cannot be limited by time or trends. Their sound is as raw and tight as ever and there is no question that it can only be described as full-fledged rock for the King that will rattle your cage.
As they say, Rock and Roll never dies. There have been many incarnations of Rock and Roll over the years, but perhaps none as engaging as the music culture that erupted out of the scene in the late seventies and eighties. For the first time it seems Rock and Roll had come into it's own, and become more than a style of music. Perhaps if Rock and Roll never dies, then neither will the forefathers of this edge-defying genre that helped develop the culture we are in today.
Barren Cross, legends in their own right, return to the stage of intensity by inviting the music culture back to Arena Rock once again to prove that rock and roll never dies. They are once again here with a sound that will cause their audience to feel, to be challenged and remind us all of the full scale that rock and roll demands.
Barren Cross now invites you back to arena rock, in full passionate stereo with a new talented singer and a refreshed sound. You can't keep a good band down, or from releasing new music.
Going Nowhere
Barren Cross Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is this you - you're going nowhere
Someone came and died for you - but you just want your pleasure
You - you're going nowhere
Blowin' out your wheels as you rip on by out of sight
The people stare - you perform your dare in the night
You choose your fun more than God's own son, why do you run?
[Chorus:]
Going
Nowhere
Fighting
Jesus Cares
You're runnin' the town, messin' around to the core
Your life in in shrails, pleasure prevails in the door
Why don't you see, new life is waiting - it's free
God's love is here and He wants to free you and me
[Chorus]
Blowin' out your wheels as you rip on by telling why
'Cause you found that Jesus made you free
Now you see
Going
Somewhere
Heaven
You'll be there
No time
To waste
Soon we'll
See His face
The lyrics to Barren Cross's song "Going Nowhere" suggest that life is too short to waste on temporary pleasures and that one should try to make the most of their time before they die. The song appears to be directed towards those who are living hedonistic lifestyles, choosing their own fun over following God's path. The line "someone came and died for you - but you just want your pleasure" seems to allude to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and how people may not fully appreciate the magnitude of his sacrifice.
The lyrics also touch on the idea that living a life of excess and indulgence can lead to madness and destruction. The line "you'll go insane when the devil's name runs your guns" suggests that giving in to temptation and following a selfish path can lead to a dangerous and self-destructive downfall. The chorus of the song urges listeners to stop going nowhere and to turn towards Jesus, who cares for them and wants to offer them a new life.
Overall, the song seems to be a cautionary tale about living a life without purpose or meaning and the dangers of choosing pleasure over a higher calling. Barren Cross offers a message of hope, urging listeners to change their ways and embrace the love of God before it's too late.
Line by Line Meaning
Life is short so go and try - grab all you can before you die
Life is brief and unpredictable, so make the most of it by taking risks and chasing your dreams as long as you live.
Is this you - you're going nowhere
Are you the one who seems to be living without a purpose, drifting aimlessly without a clear direction or goal in life?
Someone came and died for you - but you just want your pleasure
Despite someone else sacrificing their life to save you, you only seem to care about satisfying your own desires and cravings, without any regard for their sacrifice.
You - you're going nowhere
You are the one who is headed towards a dead end, stagnating in your current situation and showing no signs of progress or improvement.
Blowin' out your wheels as you rip on by out of sight
You are recklessly speeding through life at full throttle, taking dangerous risks and ignoring the potential consequences of your actions.
The people stare - you perform your dare in the night
Other people are noticing your risky behaviors and are concerned about your safety, yet you continue to pursue them in the darkness of the night.
You choose your fun more than God's own son, why do you run?
You prioritize your fleeting pleasures and desires over the eternal salvation and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, even though it could provide you with true fulfillment and joy.
You'll go insane when the devil's name runs your guns
If you continue to surrender yourself to evil and darkness, your life will spiral out of control and you will lose your sanity.
Going
You are on a path towards a specific destination, whether it is towards righteousness or damnation.
Nowhere
Your current path and actions lead towards a dead end, with no true purpose, satisfaction or fulfillment found in them.
Fighting
You are engaged in a spiritual battle between good and evil, struggling to overcome temptation and sin, and striving towards salvation.
Jesus Cares
God's love and mercy are available to you through Jesus Christ, who died for your sins and offers you eternal life and forgiveness.
You're runnin' the town, messin' around to the core
You have become the center of attention in your area, indulging in sinful and reckless activities that affect everyone around you.
Your life is in shambles, pleasure prevails in the door
Your life is currently in chaos and turmoil due to your addiction to fleeting pleasures and temptations.
Why don't you see, new life is waiting - it's free
You are blind to the fact that a new life full of hope, redemption, and joy is waiting for you, and it is a gift from God that comes with no price tag.
God's love is here and He wants to free you and me
God's unconditional love and grace is present for everyone, offering freedom and salvation from the bondage of sin and darkness.
Heaven
The ultimate destination for those who choose to live a righteous and faithful life in accordance with God's plan.
You'll be there
If you choose to follow in the path of righteousness and accept God's love and forgiveness, you will eventually reach Heaven and spend eternity with Him.
No time to waste
Time is of the essence when it comes to your spiritual journey and salvation, and it is important to not delay or procrastinate in seeking redemption.
Soon we'll see His face
At the end of our earthly journey, we will meet our creator face to face, and it is up to us to live a life that will make us proud to stand before Him.
Contributed by Lillian M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jahsoni Clark
Love this band . They are like a fusion of deep purple and iron maiden plus their amps go to 11
Michael Priolo
I said they sounded like MAIDEN when my brother came home from college one day. Back in the 80s when it first came out..... FUNNIEST THING...... The night prior I had a dream as vivid as Maiden album covers, the night before that Bruce put out a solo album. Then my brother rocks this into the cassette player......AWESOME.
Mark Holliday
Bought this album new
Frank Lescoe
Awesome dude