As Autumn arrives, this week’s #NewMusicFriday is led by some notable releases with Thirty Seconds To Mars and Corey Taylor both returning with new full-lengths. However, we’re focusing on two other noteworthy releases. First up, the critically acclaimed Baroness return with ‘Stone’, whereas UK prog/tech-metal masters TesseracT deliver the intricate ‘War of Being’. While Night Verses debuts a new EP.
If you’re looking for straight-up, melodic rock, Ash are back with their eighth album – ‘Race The Night’. When it comes to notable, emerging bands, look no further than Resolve. The French metalcore outfit release their second album, ‘Human’ today.
There are also new releases from K.Flay, C.O.F.F.I.N, Jaws, and Sydney Sprague.
Baroness – Stone
Over the course of five albums, Baroness have become one of heavy rock’s most revered bands. With John Baizley at the forefront, the Philadelphia-based group returns with ‘Stone’. Threaded together by his introspective narrative, ‘Stone’ is a fluid journey of towering melodies, sprawling riffs, and predictably lengthy songs that helplessly lure you in.
With their run of colour-titled albums having set the benchmark high, ‘Last Word’ and ‘Beneath the Rose’ quickly offer reassurance. The former sees Baizley brilliantly harmonise with guitarist Gina Gleason and a powerful chorus that segues into a scorching guitar solo. And that’s only the first half of the track.
As for ‘Beneath the Rose’, Sebastian Thomson’s drums roll in as chugging guitars cast a dark shadow with Baizley’s almost-spoken word creating a gloomy picture. By the time it reaches its conclusion, you realise how dynamic and complex Baroness‘ musicianship is. Furthermore, it moulds into desert rock jam, ‘Choir’, concluding with demonic and psychedelic narration.
‘Stone‘ is full of twists and turns yet never sounds disjointed, even when ‘The Dirge’ shows up with succulent harmonies and plucky acoustics. Similarly. It is bookended by two gentle moments, ‘Embers’ and ‘Bloom’. Although ‘Bloom’ is fleshed out in length, it provides an intimate finale with Gleason and Baizley delivering soothing harmonies.
‘Magnolia’ considerably exemplifies Baroness‘ ability to transcend styles and sounds with ease. Transitioning from swooning folk to dense prog rock, it’s held together by Baizley’s soaring vocals and Gleason’s riveting guitar. Nick Jost’s digestible bass line and Thomson’s thriving drum work, add to the erm… stone-like unit Baroness are.
Elsewhere, songs such as ‘Shine’ and ‘Under The Wheel’ deliver the usual brand prog/stoner metal that Baroness is known for, fortunately, it’s executed at such a high standard. The latter especially has a compelling tendency, chugging along with its duel guitars.
Complemented by an absorbing narrative of confusion, reflection, and calm, ‘Stone’ doesn’t disappoint. Whether or not it’s on par with Baroness‘ previous work is left for debate. But for now, let us appreciate a band as consistent as Baroness.
TesseracT – War Of Being
Five years removed since the release of ‘Sonder’, TesseracT are back with their most ambitious work to date – ‘War Of Being’. Accompanied by a VR video game of the same name, the quintet’s fifth album is considerably more adventurous than anything they’ve done before. For example, not many bands release an eleven-minute track as their album’s lead single, right?
In ideal prog fashion, ‘War Of Being’s core is its concept. Centred on two characters, Ex and El, they crashland on ‘The Stangeland’ only to be separated. While an entity called ‘The Fear‘ serves as their guide, as they both go on a reflective journey. Alongside the VR game, bassist Amos Williams is writing a novel to expand on the concept.
Musically, TesseracT are able to match the cinematic scope they aim to present, and often with ease. From the opening moments of ‘Natural Disaster’, Daniel Tompkins’ voice booms with an industrious and sonic musical backdrop. The technical fingerprints of guitarists Acle Kahney and James Monteith, as well as Williams and drummer Jay Postones, create a rich, layered throughout.
‘The Grey’ is boisterous, mixing Williams’ thick bass, Kahney’s djent groove with an abundance of blaring density. ‘Legion’ is one of several examples of Daniel Tompkins’ capabilities. One moment his venomous, the next angelically soaring.
The aforementioned 11-minute title track is unquestionably the album’s centrepiece. Preluded by ‘Tender’ and its dejected narration, ‘War Of Being’ thoroughly hits all the right spots. Partly futuristic, partly progressive, and partly cinematic, it’s a journey of adrenaline, angst, and sorrow. Its length allows all five members to shine, whether that’s on the prosperous blasts, stiff bass riffs, or atmospheric moments.
Yet, coming down from such a mountainous high doesn’t disappoint. ‘Sirens’ arrives with grace, providing a balladic slice of electro-infused prog metal. ‘Burden’ rides on Williams’ funky bass and Tompkins’ harmonious vocals, while subtle keys simply add to the bold sound TesseracT consistently produces.
It’s no surprise that the album finishes in a cinematic fashion. ‘Sacrifice’ steadily builds, much like its concept’s characters, showing strength in numbers. It’s delivered with a unique aura that just makes TesseracT sound special. Spacy vocals are countered by thick guitars and domineering drums, before ending with empty atmosphere.
Escalating to a grander level is no easy feat yet TesseracT certainly accomplish it far better than others have tried to. ‘War Of Being’ takes the tropes and characteristics they’re known for and has made them bigger. While simultaneously they have not neglected their musical complexity and richness. Certainly, its scope and length are somewhat bloated, yet this is a minor fault in what is a brave album.
Resolve – Human
With the metalcore genre producing bands from all parts of the world, emerging quartet Resolve are representing France and return for their sophomore release. ‘Human‘ is the follow-up to 2021’s ‘Between Me and the Machine’. Praised for its “overarching aesthetic” and its crisp production. On the surface, ‘Human’ picks up where they left off; stylistically bordering on progressive metal and metalcore with a steely, futuristic eye.
The titular track opens the album with density, building the world questioning what it is to be human while acknowledging artificial intelligence. Musically, it’s a satisfying blast of metalcore with Anthony Diliberto’s dynamic vocals working well alongside Nathan Mariat’s bold drums.
Although it’d be easy to write off Resolve as “just another metalcore” band, there is more to their arsenal. For example, ‘Death Awaits’ thrives with its soaring hook and scattering gun verses, before ‘Older Days’ incorporates trap beats allowing it to be equally melodic and heavy. Even though this version is missing guest spots Aaron Matts from ten56 and Marc Zellweger of Paleface Swiss. Later on, ‘Ignite’ sees the quartet go down a melodic alt-rock route with an earworm of a melody.
Another advantage Resolve has is vocalist Anthony Diliberto. Whether he’s producing impressive clean vocals on the harmonious ‘Continuum’ or on the orchestral ‘In Stone’, or leading the heavy charge on tracks such as ‘Comfortably Dumb,‘ he has a tendency to steal the spotlight. And when he’s not, there’s guitarist Antonin Carré who delivers some blistering riffing on the chaotic ‘Bloodlust’.
You have to give credit to Resolve for their versatility. While others in the genres could stick to a tried-and-tested formula, ‘Human’ sees the four-piece explore and blend different styles with admirable quality. The mix of crushing riffs, blasting drums, experimental and layered tweaks, and Diliberto’s vocal range, shows Resolve have enough about them to stand out from the pack.
What is out on #NewMusicFriday?
Baroness – Stone
TesseracT – War Of Being
Thirty Seconds to Mars – It’s The End Of The World But It’s A Beautiful Day
Corey Taylor – CMFT2
Night Verses – Every Sound Has A Color In The Valley Of Night: Part 1
Busted – Greatest Hits 2.0
ASH – Race The Night
Clutch – PA Tapes: Live In Nashville 9/24/22
C.O.F.F.I.N – Australia Stops
Resolve – Human
Jaws – If It Wasn’t For My Friends, Things Could Be Different
K.Flay – MONO
The Beths – Expert In A Dying Field (Deluxe Edition)
New Model Army – Sinfonia (Live)
Sydney Sprague – Somebody In Hell Loves You
Great Falls – Objects Without Pain
Shade Empire – Sunholy
Molybaron – Something Ominous
To The Grave – Offcuts
If you think I’ve missed something or have a new album/EP/song to tell us about, tell us about it here.
If you’re looking for the latest tracks focusing on rock, punk, hardcore, metal, emo, and everything in between, then check out our ‘Newish Music’ playlist on Spotify or Apple Music.