Baroness

Baroness is a heavy metal group from Savannah, Georgia, active since 2003. The original line-up consists of John Baizley, Tim Loose, Summer Welch and Allen Blickle, who grow up together in Lexington, Virginia. Baizley remains the only constant member across the band’s many line-up changes. The group’s current members are Sebastian Thomson on drums, Nick Jost on bass, John Baizley on guitars and vocals, and Gina Gleason on guitars. Former members listed include Tim Loose, Summer Welch, Allen Blickle, Brian Blickle, Peter Adams and Matt Maggioni.

Sound and style

Baroness play a mix of heavy metal styles, including sludge metal, progressive metal, post-metal, stoner metal and alternative metal elements. Their sound is also described as combining rock with heavier metal leanings and some more delicate, spare material.

Albums and releases

The band’s early releases include First and Second in 2004 and 2005, both on Hyperrealist Records. A Grey Sigh in a Flower Husk, also known as Third, follows in 2007 as a split CD with Unpersons on At a Loss Recordings. Later that year they release Red Album on Relapse Records, followed by Blue Record in 2009 on the same label. Yellow & Green arrives in 2012 through Relapse after being recorded with producer John Congleton in Hoboken, New Jersey and Dallas, Texas.

In 2015 the band releases Purple on its own label, Abraxan Hymns. It is recorded with Dave Fridmann at Tarbox Road Studios in Cassadaga, New York. The albums Gold & Grey and STONE follow in 2019 and 2023, both on Abraxan Hymns.

Recognition

Blue Record leads to Album of the Year recognition from Decibel Magazine, and the album also appears on year-end lists from Pitchfork, Village Voice, PopMatters, Revolver, Rock Sound and Metal Hammer. The track “Shock Me” from Purple receives a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance at the 2017 Grammy Awards.

Activity and line-up changes

Baroness does not tour for a full year in 2011 while working on a new album. In 2012 they release the single “Take My Bones Away” and then Yellow & Green. In 2015 they release “Chlorine & Wine” and announce Purple. Gina Gleason joins the band in June 2018 after the departure of Peter Adams.