Baroness Deliver The Goods And Tread New Ground With Their Latest Release Stone

Known for their unique sound of sonic exploration within the heavy metal space,  Baroness has cemented their reputation amongst a ravenous fanbase with years of extensive touring and five albums in their catalog. Now set to release their sixth studio album Stone, Baroness once again invites us to journey with them into new musical territories. 

Having consistently captivated listeners with their distinctive blend of metal music with each release, Baroness has carved a unique path through the intricate tapestry of heavy music. Weaving together elements of sludge, progressive, and alternative metal into a sound that is undeniably their own, Baroness has demonstrated how a band and its sound can evolve while remaining unique. Continuing that streak on their new release Stone, Baroness delivers on their signature sound once again while continuing on the path of harmonic goodness that they have really dialed in on the last few releases. 

Stone finds Baroness breaking from the streak of albums named after colors and potentially signals a new era for the band. If that is the case then it is safe to say that they are starting anew on the right foot. Opening the album with an almost hymnal-like soft introduction the tone is set, but the tone is not one of softness but more of a somber thoughtfulness. You would almost believe at first that the soft opening is there simply to set up the awesome explosion into track two but the band returns with “The Dirge” and closes the album with “Bloom”, each of which exhibits their love of harmony and their ability to set a somber mood. Don’t let the opening and interludes fool you though this album on the whole is full of up-tempo heaviness across the board. Tracks like “Last Word”, “Beneath The Rose”, and “Anodyne”, bring you into the fold immediately with explosions of heavy goodness while other tracks like “Magnolia” and “Under The Wheel” lure you in before dropping crushing riffs and lyrics that take you on a ride along the way. Everything you have ever loved from Baroness is here on Stone, and as I reflect on the band’s evolution over the years this album seems to have everything and a bit more. A well-produced album all the respective elements of their sound are well represented and on display from the riffs to grooves to harmonies. While the album as a whole is very much in line with what you can expect to hear on a Baroness album there are still many stand-out parts showcasing everything from their respective members with amazing vocal and guitar harmonization, rolling bass lines, and stand-out drumming.  

Now in their 20th year as a band, Baroness have gone through their share of ups and downs and as a band have gotten better each time out of the gate. Stone continues their track record of absolutely solid releases and gives all us fans a new collection of songs to obsess over while adding one more jewel to their amazing discography. 

Purchase/Stream Stone Here!

Baroness:
John Baizley – vocals, guitar, piano, organ, glockenspiel
Gina Gleason – guitar, vocals, organ, glockenspiel, aux perc
Nick Jost – bass, strings, synthesizer, glockenspiel, aux perc
Sebastian Thomson – drums, synthesizer, glockenspiel