Five '80s White Metal Classics

Bloodgood - 'Bloodgood' (1986)

When the whole 'white metal' thing started to break through thanks to the likes of Stryper, Seattle outfit Bloodgood seamingly came out of of nowhere to unleash this righteous classic on the world. This album shows a far more musically mature approach than the waspish ones laid out. Tracks like Accept The Lamb come over like Dokken at their best whilst others such as Killing The Beast and Black Snake are power metal master works that stand proud alongside the very best the secular metal world has to offer. I'm glad to report that Bloodgood are still going strong and this gem has recently been re-issued with a bonus live recording. Well worh checking out.

Barren Cross - 'Atomic Arena' (1988)

Know as 'Gods answer to Iron Maiden' L.A. white metal merchants Barren Cross soon found themselves (along with Stryper) signed to a secular label just in time for the release of this their second full length opus. Although the production on this one does let the band down somewhat with a rather muffled sound, it doesn't stop the quality of the music shining through. Cuts like Terrorist Child, Dead Lock and King Of Kings are white metal classics and have helped mark this album as the high point of the bands career. God-rock fans will be pleased to here that Barren Cross have recently hit the reformation trail.

Stryper - 'In God We Trust' (1988)

Although their hearts were in the right place, it cannot be denied that Stryper alienated as many people as they attracted with their wasp costumes, Bible bunging antics, hair spray over doses and over produced sickly sweet stacked harmony vocal approach to heavy rock. However by the time it came to issue this their third full length opus they had wised up a little. Despite being a tad more commercial and radio friendly in out look than the preceding albums, the OTT production had been toned down a tad, and the music was a little rougher and less cliche. The result was a very listenable release that contains some belting tracks, most noticeably,  Keep the Fire Burning, The Writings on the Wall and of course the classic title track. Christian rock fans will be glad to know that the waspish ones are still going strong.

100% Proof - '100% Proof' (1981)

Christian rocks contribution to the NWOBHM wasn't exactly earth shattering. 100% Proof came out of the English Midlands and turned a few heads both saved and secular with their debut four track 7" ep, This lead to a deal with UK Christian label Myrrh and their eponymous debut album. Now to be honest the bands blend of Status Quo / Spider blues fueled boogie and AC/DC inspired sleaze riffing hasn't aged well, but as an object lesson in shear enthusiasm this album is still worth a listen (if you can find a copy - it goes on eBay for £45+). Tracks like Back Street Driver and No Good Trusting In Money are enjoyable, if somewhat naive exercises in old school boogie rock and the albums stand out cut The Loner (Bon Scott) is a nice slice of late night greasy blues with a noteworthy lead solo. 100% Proof went on to release the slightly improved 'Power And Glory' album in 1983 before disappearing into the 'where are they now file'

REZ - 'Innocent Blood' (1989)

You can't have a feature spotlighting christian rock albums without picking something by The Resurrection Band. This is the ninth studio offering from Chicago outfit and founding fathers of Christian rock. released under the shortened moniker REZ, Innocent Blood marks possibly the highlight of the bands career. Everything about his release is more than its predecessors, on cuts like Child of The Blues, Rooster Crow and great God In Heaven they walk a pure blues path, then you have the cut Where Roses Grow which is a radio friendly AOR classic to die for. Then on the other hand you have tracks like Alter Of Pain, 80,00 Underground and The House is On Fire which are 100% honest to goodness heavy metal classic - all righteous rage and divine anger. Chuck in a cover of The Who's classic Bargain and you have a pretty near perfect album for believer and non-believer alike. Sadly REZ called it a day in around the turn of the millennium, but lead guitarist Glenn Kaiser is still keeping the flag flying with his own rather tasty blues band.