Baroness launched their latest masterpiece and sixth overall full-length album, Stone, this past Friday (15th). Only vaguely aware of this band, I felt intimidated by my editor’s request for me to review. So, I delved into their history and discography to best prepare myself for this endeavor.
Upon the first listen, the introductory track “Embers” caught me off guard, as I was expecting a riff-heavy song to kick things off. Instead, they started with a mellow, melancholic tone. But that quickly shifted with the heavier, riff-driven “Last Word,” their first single released in June of this year. Lead singer John Baizley’s vocals, drawn out over a driving rock backdrop, create a mix that just works.
The offbeat and sporadic tempo changes in “Beneath the Rose” might seem scattered, but in actuality, it’s quite on point, both in timing and musically with the lyrics. “Choir” reminded me of an early White Zombie track intertwined with a Quentin Tarantino movie. The guitar picking and spoken words over the rhythm section grab your attention, drawing you in. Towards the end, Baizley’s voice takes on an almost Michael Jackson “Thriller” vibe, adding a unique touch.
“Shine” exudes heavy progressive rock vibes reminiscent of Dream Theater during their Images & Words era. The extended instrumental segments showcase different parts of the rhythm section before retreating to let the vocals really drive the lyrics home. The longest track on the album, clocking in at 7 minutes and 48 seconds, “Magnolia,” begins slowly and methodically, exploding into heavy riffs at the 2-minute mark to emphasize the lyrics.
The final track, “Bloom,” lets us down gently. Just as soft as it began, it ends similarly – a slow, acoustic ballad that gradually fades out, akin to the sound of a needle on a record. As someone unfamiliar with the band, I must say that, musically speaking, Baroness does an amazing job staying on point with the rhythm section. The vocals are expertly integrated into the music, evoking the right emotions at the right times.
Beyond the three previously released singles you may have heard, I recommend giving “Choir” and “Magnolia” a thorough listen. From a musical standpoint, these two songs display a level of musicianship not often found in many bands today, especially within the heavy metal genre.
