Baroness

22/01/2010

Big things ahead for menacing Georgia metallers

Nice N’ Sleazy, Glasgow
4/5

Fresh from a slew of rave reviews, and even chart success (their latest album Blue Record has made an impact on the Billboard charts in the U.S.) Baroness arrived confident to Glasgow’s Nice N’ Sleazy. With little crowd interaction they immediately began an ominous crescendo, which when it peaked led to 90 minutes of inventive, melodic, driving, beautiful and, perhaps most importantly to the crowd, heavy music that left them delighted.

With dual guitarwork sometimes recalling classic rock and sometimes lying closer to fellow Georgia residents Mastodon, menacing moods somewhat akin to Isis and excellently executed vocal harmonies expanding the sound to bring in an element of emotion so often missing in hard rock and metal, Baroness craft a progressive sound that is definitively their own.

Those watching are aware of both the rising stock and the quality of the band as all movements are closely observed, with selections from their full-length debut Red Album gaining the greatest levels of appreciation. The level of musicianship on show by every member is impeccable, with each song lending an extra intensity to its recorded version – their performance of ‘The Birthing’ being particularly impressive for its precision– and any time the audience senses a lull a new killer riff or apocalyptic drumbeat is never far away. 

The show ends with a heartfelt address from singer John Baizley thanking the fans for their support and concluding that they are “living the dream”. With this attitude, and music and performances this good, they thoroughly deserve to.

Ryan Kelly