Barren Cross is a Christian Rock and Heavy Metal band that was formed in Los Angeles, California in 1983 by high school pals Ray Parris (guitar) and Steve Whitaker (drums). The band released six albums from 1986 to 1994 and has been quiet ever since. They have reunited for some shows in recent years but there are no plans for a new album.

By 1984, bassist Jim LaVerde and vocalist Mike Lee were added. A steady stream of club dates helped Barren Cross hone its skills. In 1989 the band appeared on The Morton Downey Show alongside members of KISS and Anthrax.

In 1990 Mike Lee left and joined the explicitly secular band the Bare Bones, but would appear on the band's later releases.

Musically, the band is often compared to Iron Maiden, mainly due to the similarity of the vocals between Mike Lee and Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson. Lyrically, the band is noted for its uncompromising stance on a number of social issues. Their songs addressed personal and societal ills such as suicide, abortion, terrorism, and prejudice from a Christian worldview.