Maybe a broken soul is evidence you have one. Even though many people are not aware of it, rock and metal are usually born out of broken soul or broken heart. Baroness are one of those bands that had everything broken. In 2012, while they were on the road promoting their album Yellow and Green, they had a car accident. The leader of the band lost his hand in it, while the drummer and the bass player were not able to continue their professional journey with the band.
John Bailzey’s emotional promise that Baroness will keep going gave him the strength to completely recover. In 2015, Baroness have returned to the music scene with one of the best albums of the year. Bruises faded but they did not forget to sing about the pain. At first sight, Morningstar and Shock Me are singles that seem pathetic. Still, optimism as a subtext and Pink Floyd-Queen inspired solos make them so powerful that I promised to myself I will listen to them next time winter provokes apathy.
They have stayed loyal to their sound. It falls somewhere between hard rock Mastodon and sensitive melodies. Don’t worry, riffs are also strong on the record. Instrumental Fugue touches the soul, and Chlorine & Wine is one of the most epic tracks they have ever recorded, especially mutual vocals singing Please don’t lay me down, Under the rocks where I found, My place in the ground, A home for the fathers and sons.
Kerosene is a progressive full of memorable hooks. The Iron Bell sounds like something Dave Grohl and Foo Fighters would appreciate. Korsene and The Iron Bell showcase the band’s talent to play with guitars. Jamming has never sounded so logical and beautiful.
In my opinion, this album has no flaws.
