Whitecross
Whitecross formed in 1985 hailing from Waukegan, IL they delivering Heavy Metal that's pure 80's with technical fast guitar shredding. They are known for their early work drawing comparisons to the secular 80's band 'Ratt.' Vocalist Scott Wenzel might sound a little like Stephen Pearcy(vocalist for Ratt)but he definitely is no clone as Ratt's singer has more of a Glamour type delivery common to Glamour bands of the 80's, which we don't find in Scott Wenzel's vocal delivery. Scott also has more of a nasal delivery with his falsetto voice than Pearcy has.
In 1987 Whitecross released their first self-titled release then went on to release 4 more albums with Rex Carroll as lead Guitarist before finally parting and going separate ways. After leaving the band, Rex formed the band 'King James' and frontman, Scott Wenzel, went forward with 'Whitecross' releasing 4 more albums. Back in 1998, puting his band on hold, frontman Scott Wenzel left the country to do some mission work in Paraguay, South America. Then in 2000, Whitecross was reformed with power house Rex Carroll returning with the lineup of Scott Wenzel, Rex Carroll, Michael Feighan and newbie Benny Ramos on bass and Keys. The newly reunited/reformed band made their presence known in 2000 at the 'Cornerstone Festival'.
In 1987 Whitecross released their first self-titled release then went on to release 4 more albums with Rex Carroll as lead Guitarist before finally parting and going separate ways. After leaving the band, Rex formed the band 'King James' and frontman, Scott Wenzel, went forward with 'Whitecross' releasing 4 more albums. Back in 1998, puting his band on hold, frontman Scott Wenzel left the country to do some mission work in Paraguay, South America. Then in 2000, Whitecross was reformed with power house Rex Carroll returning with the lineup of Scott Wenzel, Rex Carroll, Michael Feighan and newbie Benny Ramos on bass and Keys. The newly reunited/reformed band made their presence known in 2000 at the 'Cornerstone Festival'.
Whitecross has won their share of awards as the album 'Triumphant Return' won 3 dove awards back in 1990. Then in 1992, the album 'In the Kingdom' won "Metal Album of the Year"
As a teenager I remember getting the privilege of going to see Whitecross in concert in Greenville, SC with a few friends and what a performance it was. I remember there being quite a few headbangers there as the band rocked the night away. Also, the band delivered a great message at an intermission during the concert, telling everyone about Jesus out Savior.
The following are lyrics to the song "Behold the Lamb of God":
As a teenager I remember getting the privilege of going to see Whitecross in concert in Greenville, SC with a few friends and what a performance it was. I remember there being quite a few headbangers there as the band rocked the night away. Also, the band delivered a great message at an intermission during the concert, telling everyone about Jesus out Savior.
The following are lyrics to the song "Behold the Lamb of God":
"Behold"
So many choices for a man to make,
So many ways that he can go,
But all the kingdoms in a thousand worlds,
Could not replace the peace I know.
The things of earth can never satisfy
The hunger deep in me.
Behold the Lamb of God,
Reaching out His nail-scarred hand.
He wants to lift you up,
Give you strength so you can stand.
It's only natural for a man to dream,
To reach for stars above himself.
My life was cluttered with shattered dreams,
Before I learned to seek Your will.
I carry the pieces of a broken heart
And lay them at Your feet
You are the rain that falls on thirsty ground
And the Light that opens windows in my soul.
Discography:
1987-Whitecross(self-title)
1988-Love on the Line(EP)
1988-Hammer & Nail
1989-Triumphant Return
1991-In the Kingdom
1992-High Gear
2005-Nighteen Eighty Seven
Albums Whitecross produced without Rex Carroll:
1994-Unveiled
1995-Equilibrium
1996-Flytrap
2005-Unveiled(re-issue)
(There are 7 Compilations to their credit as well)
1987-Whitecross(self-title)
1988-Love on the Line(EP)
1988-Hammer & Nail
1989-Triumphant Return
1991-In the Kingdom
1992-High Gear
2005-Nighteen Eighty Seven
Albums Whitecross produced without Rex Carroll:
1994-Unveiled
1995-Equilibrium
1996-Flytrap
2005-Unveiled(re-issue)
(There are 7 Compilations to their credit as well)
Rex Carroll handles lead Guitars and is the primary song writer for Whitecross. One of the bands signatures that they mark each album with, is a guitar solo by Rex Carroll. On their self-titled album the solo is "Nagasake", on their album 'Hammer and Nail' the solo is "The Hammer and the Nail", on their album 'Triumphant Return' the solo is "Flashpoint", and on the album 'High Gear' the solo is "Overdrive". On these solos, Rex sounds like he's playing the guitar from on top of a mountain and the riffs are thundering down from every swipe of the pick!
Rex always delivers the Metal goods as he plays the electric guitar with mind boggling ability. He plays some blistering fast riffs sometimes entering the Power Metal realm as he did on the song "Attention Please". At times, his guitar riffs take on a Bluesy Metal sound and then there's tunes that he trades his electric guitar for an acoustic one bringing things down a notch to give the listener the full Metal experience.
Rex Carroll has worked with other bands as well, he is the leader and lead guitarist for 'Fierce Heart, 'King James, and 'The Rex Carroll Band'. He also did all guitar work on Eden's 1994 album 'Fan the Flame'. The 'King James' project included members of Stryper Robert Sweet and Tim Gaines..
Some of Rex's accolades start back in 2004 where he placed 3rd in the North American Rock Guitar Competition sponsored by Guitar Player Magazine and WNED/NY. Rex also won the "Heaven's Metal Magazine Guitar Hero award four years in a row.
If you love guitar noodling that is reminiscent of the 80's Metal bands, "only better", and you love great Christ centered lyrics, then pick up a copy or two by Whitecross, you want be disappointed!
Rex always delivers the Metal goods as he plays the electric guitar with mind boggling ability. He plays some blistering fast riffs sometimes entering the Power Metal realm as he did on the song "Attention Please". At times, his guitar riffs take on a Bluesy Metal sound and then there's tunes that he trades his electric guitar for an acoustic one bringing things down a notch to give the listener the full Metal experience.
Rex Carroll has worked with other bands as well, he is the leader and lead guitarist for 'Fierce Heart, 'King James, and 'The Rex Carroll Band'. He also did all guitar work on Eden's 1994 album 'Fan the Flame'. The 'King James' project included members of Stryper Robert Sweet and Tim Gaines..
Some of Rex's accolades start back in 2004 where he placed 3rd in the North American Rock Guitar Competition sponsored by Guitar Player Magazine and WNED/NY. Rex also won the "Heaven's Metal Magazine Guitar Hero award four years in a row.
If you love guitar noodling that is reminiscent of the 80's Metal bands, "only better", and you love great Christ centered lyrics, then pick up a copy or two by Whitecross, you want be disappointed!
Musicians:
Scott Wenzel-Vocals
Rex Carroll-Guitars(1985-1993, 2000-present)
Benny Ramos-Bass(2000-Present)
Michael Feighan-Drums(1991-1995, 2000-present)
Scott Wenzel-Vocals
Rex Carroll-Guitars(1985-1993, 2000-present)
Benny Ramos-Bass(2000-Present)
Michael Feighan-Drums(1991-1995, 2000-present)