Concert Review – Baroness
Baroness never played by someone else’s rulebook. They’ve carved out a path all their own and keep marching to the beat of their own drum. That’s exactly what makes the band feel so real and, frankly, so lovable. This tour certainly feels like it’s a tribute to the affection and respect of the fans.
On September 6th, I was fortunate enough to catch the band on the second night of the second leg of the Red and Blue Tour. A celebration of their first two highly-acclaimed albums, the show was fantastic. The 450-cap venue was almost completely packed, and people were ready to enjoy some metal.
The set kicked off with the punchy “Rays on Pinion,” rolled into the crushing “The Birthing,” and then hit the high‑point with my favorite track of the night, “Grad.” That four‑minute surge of pure, unfiltered energy feels like a perfect finish to the album’s relentless momentum. The crowd went wild when the last chord rang out, and the echo of “Grad” stayed in the air long after the lights dimmed.
“Blue” was equally wild. They opened with the thunderous “Bullhead’s Psalm,” moved through the mind‑burning “Swollen and Halo,” and wrapped up with a seamless shift from “Gnashing” into the soaring “Bullhead’s Lament.” No filler tracks, no long stretches; just pure, tight musicianship that kept the audience on their toes from start to finish.
Behind the fireworks is a solid crew: Sebastian Thomson’s drums hit with gut‑level punch; Nick Jost’s bass lays down a crushing backbone; Gina Gleason’s lead guitar slices through the mix with razor‑sharp precision; and John Dyer Baizley, frontman, rhythm guitarist, and lead vocalist, keeps the show moving with charisma and intensity.
Baroness remains a heavy, idea‑driven act that stands out in today’s musical scene. Their current tour is winding down, but the remaining dates promise to keep the fire burning. If you’re after a high‑energy, meticulously crafted show that rewards listeners with unforgettable moments, especially that unforgettable “Grad”, then this is one experience you definitely want to see.
