Baroness operate in a musical universe that I just dip my toe into occasionally, because I am not fully familiar with the whole “sludge-stoner” thing. This is the band’s second album, released back in 2009.
I always wonder what was ground zero for this whole genre. I would hazard a guess at Children Of The Grave-era Sabbath, because that tone and sound are all over this record. Couple that with vibes from the residents of Sky Valley and we are not far away from the Baroness sound.
This is actually a very cool record. Mixed in with those sludgy riffs and grooves are some really delicate trippy interludes. My favourite tune is A Horse Called Golgotha. It’s got a wonderful riffy gallop with hints of their label mates, Mastodon’s early efforts. The one thing Baroness do have is amazing artwork, all of their albums have killer covers.
I really like this album and I may dip my toe in a little further.
8/10 from The Grooveman.
