Barren Cross - 01/27/04 by EC

Its a rare occasion for a band to just come out of nowhere and deliver a bonafide, hard rocking classic with just one attempt. Germany's The Sygnet did just that, with 1998's "Children Of The Future", their one and only record to date, and one that will last the ages, never boring, always entertaining, every track shining in full light of the moon, with an emphasis on heavy rock and memorable hooks.

The Sygnet was an all-star lineup consisting of ex-Jaded Heart vocalist Michael Bormann, ex-Sinner guitarist Alex Beyrodt, Andre Hilgers and Michael Muller. This fine cast of metal superstars came together for one cause...to unleash a stellar hard rock classic in "Children Of The Future". The record raged out of control, hinting at progressive and light-hearted AOR, but ramming home a heavier dose of old Motley Crue, prime-era Pretty Maids, Sinner, and even a little bit of Queensryche.

Racing through the universe at light speed, songs like "Hero" and "Unload The Gun" spark a fire that illuminates this pretty, polished hard rock machine. Tracks like "Tears Of Rage" unload heavy, crunchy riffs to please the "heavy" in all of us, kind of like Victory or Vengeance at times. In fact this whole album is just solid from start to finish, never sidelined by loss of direction or too much filler that seems to plague debut albums so frequently. "Children Of The Future" is just an instant classic that begged for a follow-up.

The Sygnet shined with one purpose only, and that was to get in and get out, along the way creating a memorable masterpiece of great rock & roll. After the debut album, the members went their seperate ways. I know for a fact that Alex Beyrodt went on to form Silent Force with ex-Royal Hunt singer D.C. Cooper. As for the other members and the status of this band, well that remains a mystery.

The Synget, Where Are You?

Update: Barren Cross singer found

Tri-Rock Radio (http://www.classicgod.com/trirock.htm), a positive hard rock/heavy metal radio station, has submitted some information to us in regards to former Barren Cross vocalist Mike Lee.

Mike Lee has moved from Los Angeles, California to France. He has a new stage name, simply titled Drive. Here is the info we found at his official band site, http://www.drivelive.com:

drive, a French/American singer born and raised in Los Angeles, California. With a new name and a new sound; former writer, singer, and frontman for "BC", drive is a silent explosion about to be felt worldwide.

.....drive took to the road recently in a Renault Motorhome which he converted into a recording studio and began his search for just the right musicians to form the new 'drive' band. Known as a perfectionist, and not settling for 'mediocre' players, after finding them, he stated; "They're exactly what I've been looking for! Qualities that are not easy to find in the average musician are 'strong groove', 'emotion', and 'originality'... and I HAVE FOUND IT!"

Seven recorded songs later, (and many more waiting), drive is now focused on finding the right company to put out and promote the new band, record the full 12-15 song album, film the new videos, and begin what will be; a very extensive tour. "I'm going to incorporate some very original and exciting events in our show. We are going to create something so intense, that 'word-of-mouth' will play a big factor in record sales... and I love to tour, so we are gonna be out there a lot ! People in many countries should have a good chance at seeing the band before too long."