Baroness has been through a lot in the more than 20 years the band from Savannah, Georgia has been around. From a near fatal accident in the UK 10 years ago to changes in band members – oh, and then there was a global pandemic which put the brakes on touring after their fifth record, Gold & Grey – there is plenty that would be enough to drive anyone mad, but either in spite of this (or, perhaps as a reaction to this) they’ve made one of my favorite albums of the past year so far, the enigmatically titled Stone.

The band, led by guitarist/vocalist (and the cover artist for all of Baroness’ albums) John Baizley, Nick Jost on bass and keyboards, Gina Gleason on guitar/vocals, and Sebastian Thomson on drums, keep their edge on the new album. The album starts with the short, harmonized, acoustic hymn of “Embers” before the palm-muted power chords we’ve come to expect in “Last Word” – emotionally heavy but fast. And it doesn’t let up from there. Baroness is one of those rare bands I’ve but have never had the opportunity to see on stage. That was true until Friday night at the Baltimore Soundstage where I finally had that chance.

On the first date of their Fall Tour, Baroness was joined by Philly metalcore band Jesus Piece and New York’s Escuela Grind. Heavy is an understatement as both Escuela Grind and especially Jesus Piece brought hardcore energy to the stage as the packed crowd surfed and moshed.

As Baroness hit the stage, this crowd was ready as a recording of the aforementioned “Embers” played over the speakers before the band kicked into “Last Word.” The harmonies between Baizley and Gleason mirrored the harmonies of their twin guitars while Thompson and Jost propelled the song with that chugging beat.

Older songs, like “A Horse Called Golgotha” and “War, Wisdom and Rhyme” sounded at home alongside newer songs like “Beneath the Rose,” which I understand was the first time the band has played that song live. Fast and angular, the song’s tilting rhythm and spoken-sung verse sounded great. But it was those harmonizing vocals like shining gems nestled in the pumice that made it shine.

“It’s good to see you everybody,” Baizley told the crowd. “This is the first night of our tour. So, this is a special night.”  “It’s been well over a year since we played a show, and that’s been really, really fucking hard,” he continued, thanking the crowd for the response. Baroness kept things moving quickly until newer song, “Under the Wheel” where the band started off slow but then hit a sludgy groove that was intense.

Watch the official video for “Seasons” on YouTube:

The band came back out to encore with the popular “Shock Me” (a personal favorite) and “Seasons.” Baroness continue their tour through the US, and it’s one not to miss.

The setlist included:

Embers (recorded)
Last Word
A Horse Called Colgotha
March to the Sea
Beneath the Rose
War, Wisdom and Rhyme
Shine
Chlorine & Wine
Under the Wheel
Desperation
The Sweetest Curse
Isak

Encore:
Shock Me
Seasons

Here are more photos of Baroness at the Baltimore Soundstage on October 13, 2023. All photos by David LaMason.

And here are photos of Jesus Piece opening for Baroness on October 13th.

And here are photos of Escuela Grind opening for Baroness on October 13th.