There's something very amusing about a Christian metal band calling one of its albums
Hotter Than Hell! But you won't find any endorsements of the occult on this album. Musically,
Barren Cross sound like a combination of
Judas Priest and
Iron Maiden, but lyrically, the Chicago headbangers bring a strongly Christian viewpoint to "In the Eye of the Fire," "Close to the Edge" (not to be confused with the
Yes classic), "Light the Flame," and other tunes on this live album. One of
Cross' best songs, "Dead Lock," provides a compelling anti-drug message. Although
Cross enjoyed some exposure on MTV, the band wasn't as well-known in the secular rock world as it was in Christian circles -- and that's regrettable because its recordings were passionate and inspired, if derivative. For headbangers exploring
Cross' music for the first time,
Hotter Than Hell! Live would be the best starting point. ~ Alex Henderson