{"id":94509,"date":"2023-09-15T10:00:16","date_gmt":"2023-09-15T09:00:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/?p=94509"},"modified":"2023-09-16T14:03:49","modified_gmt":"2023-09-16T13:03:49","slug":"newmusicfriday-september-15th-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alreadyheard.com\/staging\/newmusicfriday-september-15th-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"#NewMusicFriday (September 15th 2023)"},"content":{"rendered":"

As Autumn arrives, this week’s #NewMusicFriday is led by some notable releases with\u00a0Thirty Seconds To Mars<\/strong> and\u00a0Corey Taylor<\/strong> both returning with new full-lengths. However, we’re focusing on two other noteworthy releases. First up, the critically acclaimed Baroness<\/strong> return with ‘Stone’<\/em>, <\/em>whereas UK prog\/tech-metal masters\u00a0TesseracT\u00a0<\/strong>deliver the intricate\u00a0‘War of Being’<\/em>. While Night Verses<\/strong> debuts a new EP.<\/p>\n

If you’re looking for straight-up, melodic rock,\u00a0Ash<\/strong> are back with their eighth album – ‘Race The Night’.<\/em>\u00a0When it comes to notable, emerging bands, look no further than\u00a0Resolve<\/strong>. The French metalcore outfit release their second album, ‘Human’<\/em> today.<\/p>\n

There are also new releases from\u00a0K.Flay<\/strong>,\u00a0C.O.F.F.I.N<\/strong>,\u00a0Jaws<\/strong>, and\u00a0Sydney Sprague<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Baroness
Photo Credit: Ebru Yildiz<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Baroness – Stone<\/h2>\n

Over the course of five albums,\u00a0Baroness<\/strong> have become one of heavy rock’s most revered bands. With John Baizley at the forefront, the Philadelphia-based group returns with ‘Stone’<\/em>.\u00a0Threaded together by his introspective narrative, ‘Stone’<\/em> is a fluid journey of towering melodies, sprawling riffs, and predictably lengthy songs that helplessly lure you in.<\/p>\n

With their run of colour-titled albums having set the benchmark high, ‘Last Word’<\/em> and\u00a0‘Beneath the Rose’<\/em> quickly offer reassurance.\u00a0The 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.<\/p>\n

As for ‘Beneath the Rose’<\/em>, 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\u00a0Baroness<\/strong>‘ musicianship is. Furthermore, it moulds into desert rock jam, ‘Choir’, <\/em>concluding with demonic and psychedelic narration.<\/p>\n

‘Stone<\/em>‘ is full of twists and turns yet never sounds disjointed, even when ‘The Dirge’<\/em> shows up with succulent harmonies and plucky acoustics. Similarly. It is bookended by two gentle moments, ‘Embers’<\/em> and\u00a0‘Bloom’<\/em>. Although ‘Bloom’<\/em> is fleshed out in length, it provides an intimate finale with Gleason and Baizley delivering soothing harmonies.<\/p>\n

‘Magnolia’<\/em> considerably exemplifies\u00a0Baroness<\/strong>‘ 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\u2026 stone-like unit Baroness<\/strong> are.<\/p>\n

Elsewhere, songs such as ‘Shine’<\/em> and ‘Under The Wheel’<\/em> deliver the usual brand prog\/stoner metal that Baroness<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

Complemented by an absorbing narrative of confusion, reflection, and calm,\u00a0‘Stone’<\/em> doesn’t disappoint. Whether or not it’s on par with\u00a0Baroness<\/strong>‘ previous work is left for debate. But for now, let us appreciate a band as consistent as\u00a0Baroness<\/strong>.<\/p>\n