| Stone | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | September 15, 2023 | |||
| Recorded | 2020–2023 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 46:02 | |||
| Label | Abraxan Hymns | |||
| Producer | Baroness | |||
| Baroness chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Stone | ||||
Stone is the sixth studio album by American heavy metal band Baroness. The album was released on September 15, 2023, through the band's independent label Abraxan Hymns and was self-produced by the band. [4] [5] [6]
In an interview with MetalSucks in September 2020, Baizley noted that Baroness had written approximately 30 new songs for what would become their sixth studio album. "We started doing Zoom meetings every Monday night, and mostly that's because we've been writing since March or April," he said. "We're talking about new stuff we're doing, which is all file sharing, all trading elements of songs, and [we're] hoping when we get together that they congeal." [7] In November 2020, Baroness were recording their sixth studio album at a rented vacation home in Barryville, New York. The PRP had given a prospective release time of early 2021 for the album – although this would ultimately not come to be. [8] [9] The following month, the band shared a four-track live EP entitled Live at Maida Vale BBC – Vol. II on streaming services. The EP had previously been an exclusively vinyl release, having come out the previous year as part of Record Store Day. [10]
The band returned to touring in 2021, undertaking the "Your Baroness" tour through North America. The tour was a by-request show, with fans voting on which songs they wanted to be performed. [11] The tour continued into 2022, where the band also toured Europe and North America with bands such as Kvelertak, Mastodon, Killswitch Engage and Lamb of God. [12] [13] On October 18, 2022, Baroness announced that are planning to have a new record out sometime in 2023. [14]
On June 15, 2023, the band shared a video online, teasing at some potentially new music. [15] On June 20, the band published the lead single "Last Word" and an accompanying music video. At the same time, they officially announced the album itself and release date, whilst also revealing the album cover and the track list. [16] To promote the album, Baroness will embark on North American tour with support acts including Sheer Mag, Jesus Piece, Portrayal of Guilt and Primitive Man. [17] On July 14, the band unveiled the second single "Beneath the Rose" and its corresponding music video. [18] On August 18, one month before the album release, the band released the third single "Shine". [19]
| Aggregate scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Metacritic | 76/100 [20] |
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |    [21] |
| Distorted Sound | 8/10 [22] |
| Exclaim! | 8/10 [23] |
| Kerrang! | 5/5 [24] |
| Louder Sound | [25] |
| Metal Injection | 8/10 [26] |
| MetalSucks | 4.5/5 [27] |
| New Noise Magazine | [28] |
| Pitchfork | 6.2/10 [29] |
| PopMatters | 7/10 [30] |
The album received acclaim from critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album has an average score of 76 out of 100 based on 7 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews". [20] AllMusic gave the album a positive review saying, "In sum, Stone balances Baroness' carefully crafted shorter ambitions with mid-length jams to provide listeners with constantly shifting tensions, fluid dynamics, lush harmonies, and pile-driving riffs. Stone reveals a wide musical portrait of the ever-evolving Baroness, who seems to be embarking on a more expansive creative voyage." [21] Will Marshall of Distorted Sound scored the album 8 out of 10 and said: "Baroness' refusal to repeat themselves and to evolve in some way with every record has paid off hugely here; while Stone takes its time to truly release its secrets (unless you're a prophesied king, perhaps), once it does it's a truly arresting album that sinks its hooks in deep. Six albums into their illustrious career, Baroness prove there's plenty of life and surprises left in them yet." [22] Stephan Boissonneault of Exclaim! gave it 8 out of 10 and said: "It's one of their most streamlined and focused records yet." [23] Kerrang! gave the album 5 out of 5 and stated: "By now, it's unnecessary to say Baroness are good, or that they're clever, or have some reviewer screaming at you that they get into bits of music other rock bands either can't get into or simply never think to try. You don't need telling to get on Stone – a Baroness record is recommendation enough. But in the context here, with the stones and everything, it's an entirely pleasing reminder that when they create something, it will stand for the ages." [24]
Louder Sound gave the album a positive review and stated: "More than a simple distillation or a 'return to roots', Stone is an ideas-heavy brute in its own right: a monument to ambition and heaviness, and to refusing to rest too long in one place lest roots or languor take hold." [25] Metal Injection rated the album 8 out of 10 and stated, "All in all, this is very different Baroness record. It's not really what I expected even though I knew the band was clear about their new direction. However, after a number of listens I've grown to really love it. This is different iteration of Baroness that has a bit more edge and experimentation. Do I love it as much as some of the band's classic records? Not quite. I mean, those chromatic records are all pretty damn good. However, the end result though is that the new record still works, and frankly, works wonderfully well." [26] Jordan Blum of MetalSucks rated the album 4.5 out of 5 and said: "Because it doesn't last nearly as long as Gold & Grey , Stone somewhat lacks that record's expansive splendor. It more than makes up for it, though, by delivering a more focused, diverse, and accessible experience. In other words, it's just as amazing in its own ways, and regardless of where it ranks alongside its predecessor(s), it's clear that Baroness have rarely, if ever, sounded this united, motivated, resourceful, and special." [27] New Noise Magazine gave the album 5 out of 5 and stated: "With Stone, the band has made a gem of a record that also may stand as their crowning achievement." [28] In a positive review, Pitchfork wrote, "Baroness decided to downsize for Stone, their first album in four years, converting an Airbnb along the mountainous edge of Pennsylvania and New York into a studio where they could do everything themselves. This marked the first time that the same group of musicians who recorded the prior Baroness album reconvened to make the next one. Stone, however, begs for an outsider's input, for someone to have said, 'No, that's not it.' So much of Stone feels like stitched-together composites of what has worked well in the past. Momentum is often squandered, and the electrifying bits rarely rise into something more." [29] Chris Conaton from PopMatters gave the album 7 out of 10 and said: "Stone is another strong entry into Baroness' catalog of quality albums. The oddball spoken word departures in 'Beneath the Rose' and 'Choir' are fascinating. It's also very good to hear Gina Gleason's harmonies so much this time; she's a great complement to Baizley's voice and a real asset to the group. The acoustic tracks are worthwhile, and the big, catchy singles 'Last Word' and 'Shine' are sure crowd-pleasers. However, it's not as ambitious as the dual-color records Yellow & Green or Gold & Grey, and it comes up a little short compared to the excellent Blue Record ." [30]
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Embers" | 1:00 |
| 2. | "Last Word" | 6:17 |
| 3. | "Beneath the Rose" | 5:34 |
| 4. | "Choir" | 4:05 |
| 5. | "The Dirge" | 1:18 |
| 6. | "Anodyne" | 3:19 |
| 7. | "Shine" | 6:31 |
| 8. | "Magnolia" | 7:48 |
| 9. | "Under the Wheel" | 6:10 |
| 10. | "Bloom" | 4:00 |
| Total length: | 46:02 | |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 11. | "Tower Falls" (Live) | 6:28 |
| 12. | "Swollen and Halo" (Live) | 7:09 |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "The Birthing" (Live) | 5:30 |
| 2. | "A Horse Called Golgotha" (Live) | 7:13 |
| 3. | "Eula" (Live) | 6:43 |
| 4. | "Green Theme" (Live) | 4:00 |
| 5. | "Desperation Burns" (Live) | 4:44 |
| 6. | "I'd Do Anything" (Live) | 3:58 |
Baroness
Additional personnel
| Chart (2023) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria) [31] | 50 |
| Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders) [32] | 66 |
| Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia) [33] | 81 |
| French Albums (SNEP) [34] | 189 |
| German Albums (Offizielle Top 100) [35] | 20 |
| Scottish Albums (OCC) [36] | 19 |
| Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade) [37] | 20 |
| UK Album Downloads (OCC) [38] | 26 |
| UK Independent Albums (OCC) [39] | 10 |
| UK Rock & Metal Albums (OCC) [40] | 5 |
| US Billboard 200 [41] | 115 |
| US Independent Albums (Billboard) [42] | 29 |
Taproot is an American alternative metal band from Ann Arbor, Michigan, formed in 1997. They are best known for their hit single "Poem", which peaked at No. 5 on the Mainstream Rock chart in 2002.
Flaw is an American heavy metal band from Louisville, Kentucky, formed by guitarist Jason Daunt in 1996. After a string of rough independent recordings in the 1990s, the band signed to Republic and Universal Music Group and released two major label albums, Through the Eyes in 2001 and Endangered Species in 2004. Breakups, line-up changes, and internal strife plagued the band for the rest of the decade, though from 2015 to 2017, the band reformed with three of their core members to tour and write music. The band released their third studio album, Divided We Fall, in 2016, and a fourth studio album, Vol IV: Because of the Brave in 2019. An album of cover songs, Revival, was later released in 2022. The band's lineup frequently shifts; lead vocalist Chris Volz is the only constant member.
Baroness is an American heavy metal band from Savannah, Georgia that has been active since 2003. The members of the original line-up grew up together in Lexington, Virginia. The band has undergone numerous line-up changes, with Baizley serving as the sole constant throughout.
Job for a Cowboy is an American death metal band from Glendale, Arizona. Formed in 2003, the band's debut album Genesis was released in 2007, peaking at No. 54 on the US Billboard 200 and selling 13,000 copies in its first week of release. The second album, 2009's Ruination, sold 10,600 copies in the United States in its first week to debut at position No. 42 on the Billboard 200 chart. The band comprises vocalist Jonny Davy, guitarists Tony Sannicandro and Al Glassman and bassist Nick Schendzielos. Davy is the only remaining founding member.
In This Moment is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California, formed by singer Maria Brink and guitarist Chris Howorth in 2005. They found drummer Jeff Fabb and started the band as Dying Star. Unhappy with their musical direction, they changed their name to In This Moment and gained two band members, guitarist Blake Bunzel and bassist Josh Newell. In 2005, bassist Newell left the band and was replaced by Jesse Landry.
Asking Alexandria are an English rock band formed in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and now based in York, North Yorkshire, consisting of guitarists Ben Bruce and Cameron Liddell, drummer James Cassells, lead vocalist Danny Worsnop, and bassist Sam Bettley.
Veil of Maya is an American metalcore band formed in Chicago, Illinois, in 2004. The group consists of guitarist Marc Okubo, drummer Sam Applebaum, bassist Danny Hauser and vocalist Lukas Magyar. They are currently signed to Sumerian Records and have released seven studio albums. Their seventh studio album, Mother, was released on May 12, 2023.
The Word Alive is an American metalcore band formed in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2008. The band was signed to Fearless Records since their formation. In 2022, they changed their label and signed to Thriller Records. The band currently consists of vocalist Tyler Smith, guitarists Zack Hansen and Jose DelRio, and drummer Daniel Nelson. The group has had several line-up changes throughout their career, with Hansen as the only remaining founding member. Their second EP, Empire reached No. 15 on the Top Heatseekers, meeting a great amount of positive acclaim upon its release in 2009. The following year, the group recorded and released their debut studio album, Deceiver on August 31, 2010, which reached No. 97 on the Billboard 200 and 15 on Independent Albums.
Deceiver is the debut studio album by American metalcore band The Word Alive. It was released on August 31, 2010, through Fearless Records. The title derives from a passage of lyrics within the chorus of the song "The Wretched".
Thy Art Is Murder is an Australian deathcore band from Blacktown, Sydney, that formed in 2006. The band consists of vocalist Tyler Miller, guitarists Sean Delander and Andy Marsh, bassist Kevin Butler and drummer Jesse Beahler. Thy Art Is Murder has released six studio albums since formation.
Northlane are an Australian heavy metal band from Sydney, formed in 2009. The band comprises guitarists Jon Deiley and Josh Smith, drummer Nic Pettersen and vocalist Marcus Bridge. Northlane have released six studio albums: Discoveries ; Singularity, which reached No. 3 on the ARIA Albums Chart; Node, a number-one album; Mesmer, Alien and Obsidian. At the ARIA Music Awards of 2015 the group won the Best Hard Rock or Heavy Metal Album category for their album Node. At the ARIA Music Awards of 2017, the band won again with Mesmer. The band won the Best Hard Rock or Heavy Metal Album category for the third time at the ARIA Music Awards of 2019 for their 2019 album Alien.
Code Orange is an American metalcore band that formed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 2008, while the members of the band were still in high school.
Still Sucks is the sixth studio album by American nu metal band Limp Bizkit, released on October 31, 2021, through Suretone Records. Work on the album began in 2012, but the album lingered in development hell for the next nine years. The album's lead single "Dad Vibes" was premiered at the end of a performance at Lollapalooza on August 2, 2021, and officially released on September 30, 2021, marking their first brand-new material to be released for seven years.
Phinehas is an American metalcore band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 2001. The group consists of vocalist Sean McCulloch, guitarist Daniel Gailey, bassist Bryce Kelley and drummer Isaiah Perez. They are currently signed to Solid State Records and have released five studio albums. Their most recent studio album, The Fire Itself, was released on August 27, 2021.
Lorna Shore is an American deathcore band formed in New Jersey in 2009. The group currently consists of lead guitarist Adam De Micco, drummer Austin Archey, rhythm guitarist Andrew O'Connor, vocalist Will Ramos, and bassist Michael Yager. The band is most known for their 2021 single "To the Hellfire". They have released four studio albums Psalms (2015), Flesh Coffin (2017), Immortal (2020), and Pain Remains (2022). The band has also released four EPs. Since 2017, no original members remain in the band.
I Prevail is an American rock band formed in Southfield, Michigan, in 2013. They released their debut EP Heart vs. Mind (2014) and rose to popularity from releasing a metal cover of Taylor Swift's "Blank Space" as a single, which eventually was certified platinum in the US. The band has since released three studio albums: Lifelines (2016), Trauma (2019), and True Power (2022). The band found success with their original material as well, with the singles "Breaking Down" and "Hurricane" performing well on rock radio, the single "Bow Down" being nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2019, and Trauma being nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album the same year.
Purple is the fourth studio album by American heavy metal band Baroness. It was released December 18, 2015 through the band's newly founded label Abraxan Hymns. It is the first album to be released by the band following their involvement in the 2012 bus accident that left nine people injured; it is also the first album to feature new band members Nick Jost and Sebastian Thomson, playing bass/keyboards and drums respectively and the last album to feature Pete Adams before his departure from the band in 2017.
The discography of Baroness, an American heavy metal band, consists of six studio albums, one compilation album, four extended plays (EPs), thirteen singles, two splits, and twelve music videos. Formed in Savannah, Georgia in 2003, the group was originally composed of vocalist and guitarist John Baizley, guitarist Tim Loose, bassist Summer Welch and drummer Allen Blickle. Signed with Hyperrealist Records, the band released their first two EPs, titled First and Second, in 2004 and 2005, respectively. The split album A Grey Sigh in a Flower Husk – featuring two tracks by Baroness and four by fellow Savannah-based band Unpersons – was released in June 2007. After Loose was replaced by Brian Blickle, the band released its debut full-length studio album Red Album through Relapse Records in September 2007.
Gold & Grey is the fifth studio album by American heavy metal band Baroness, released on June 14, 2019, on the band's own label, Abraxan Hymns.
See What's on the Inside is the seventh studio album by English rock band Asking Alexandria. The album was released on 1 October 2021 through Better Noise Music and was produced by Matt Good. The album is the first release from the band under Better Noise Music.
