Baroness: The Red Album

Ok, right from the start I need to apologize for my previously stated dislike of this album. It's just that took a while to grow on me, I guess. It's not quite as impressive as their latest release "Blue Record". It's a bit more instrumental heavy, yet still formidable.

Baroness' "Red Album" (2007) is a smoke-filled maze of winding, quiet, trippy prog-rock instrumentals a la early King Crimson that build into heavier stoner rock grooves, then eventually explode into all out apocalypse then melt away. They haven't quite perfected their home-spun blend of Mastadon, Fugazi, and The Sword yet, but they are pretty close. Excellent blend of prog metal, hardcore, and stoner metal.

"Red Album" takes a bit of patience. Once again, it is not nearly as gargantuan as "Blue Record" but still a good listen. It tends to meander a bit with the instrumentals, but I think that's the way they meant it....to lull you into a psychedelic stupor and then melt your face off. Highly recommended, but pick up "Blue Record" first.

Here's "Rays on Pinion" and 'Wanderlust" for your enjoyment.

Baroness: Blue Record

Ok. I know I'm a bit late here on this. This album came out last year, but I just recently picked it up, and this disc has been glued to my ears ever since. I wasn't very impressed with their previous release "The Red Album", but Baroness' latest "The Blue Record" has blown me away.

Where do I even start here? First of all, Baroness has morphed into a perfect blend of Fugazi, King Crimson, Mastodon, and The Sword. Smart, disturbing prog metal morphs with hardcore melodies and ages old heavy as hell metal riffery. What you have is an extremely addictive mix. The vocals are tough yet melodic. The musicianship is excellent. Everything is melodic yet heavy. You will find that every track on this album will be rattling around in your head for eternity, driving you insane in a good way for more Baroness.

Even the instrumental tracks have a power on this disc. "Blue Record" is designed to be listened to from start to finish. No interruptions. There are many recurring themes. The instrumentals serve as the proverbial glue that holds this album together. In a way, this disc reminds of the albums of Captain Beyond and early Black Sabbath, where every note counts, no matter how quiet or incidental. Every sound is integral to the album as a whole.

"The Blue Record" is incredible. Doom, apocalypse, and beauty await your ears. Pick it up now if you haven't already.

BARONESS: A HORSE CALLED GOLGOTHA

Impressive. Baroness is a band that I have had my doubts about. I picked up their "Red Album" and I was not impressed. And now their latest release "Blue Record" is out, and I'm been considering picking it up for a while now due to rave reviews. After hearing "A Horse Called Golgotha", I know I need to get this album right away. Frightening and catchy prog/punk...somewhere between Mastadon and Fugazi. Check it out. Amazing video as well.