Sometimes, musical evolution comes not as a whisper but a defiant roar. My first listen to “Purple” wasn’t by chance, it came after hearing hints of the band’s reinvention. Released on December 18th, 2015, “Purple” marked a dramatic, cathartic rebirth for BARONESS. It’s more than a comeback; it’s a statement of resilience, creativity, and renewed ambition, a record that blends the raw intensity of their earlier sludge roots with a newfound sense of melody, texture, and emotional depth. From the first note, it feels both familiar and transformative, a bold declaration that BARONESS had not only survived adversity but grown stronger, wiser, and more daring in the process.
“Purple” is, fittingly, the color of fresh bruises, a combination of “Red” and “blue”, the two earlier albums in their catalog. Musically, it merges the intensity of those records with the more melodic, reflective qualities of “Yellow & Green”. The result is some of the strongest, most cohesive songwriting BARONESS has ever delivered. Hooks and melodies abound, balanced by heavier riffs and delicate, spare moments. “Purple” moves with remarkable focus and momentum, delivering a tightly woven journey where every song hits with purpose and intensity, leaving the listener fully immersed from start to finish. It also marks several firsts for the band, it introduces the new lineup of Nick Jost (bass, keyboards) and Sebastian Thomson (drums), who play together like seasoned veterans. Fridmann’s influence is particularly noticeable in the subtle psychedelic textures and layered keyboards that color the record throughout.
From the thunderous opening riff of “Morningstar” to the delicate, reflective moments later in the album, “Purple” is a masterclass in dynamic control. The opener immediately grabs the listener with its weight and intensity, setting the tone for what’s to come. It flows into “Shock Me,” an elegant, yet urgent track about facing new realities, confronting challenges, and navigating life’s unexpected battles. While the lyrics are reflective and often somber, Baizley’s delivery charges the song with gratitude and resilience, capturing the clarity and perspective that personal adversity has granted him.
Tracks like “Kerosene” and “Desperation Burns” evoke fire, struggle, and transformation, as do many of the album’s lyrical motifs, breathing, disappearing, doctors, pills, and mortality. The first single, “Chlorine & Wine,” stands out as a centerpiece of hope and survival. A gentle piano bridge gives way to a harmonized, almost shouted section of lyrics. These lines resonate like war stories or tales of people ecstatic to be alive despite everything they have endured.
The artistry extends beyond the music. Baizley’s cover for “Purple” depicts four women huddled together in the cold, flanked by falcons and dogs, with subtle hints of food, tools, and blooming flowers surrounding them. The imagery communicates resilience, perseverance, and hope, themes mirrored in the music. It’s easy to see the four band members reflected in these figures: alive, astonished, and strengthened, standing at the threshold of a new chapter.
Throughout the album, BARONESS’ new lineup shines. Nick Jost adds melodic and jazzy bass textures that underpin the songs, while Sebastian Thomson’s drumming brings precision and punch, perfectly complementing Pete Adams’ lead guitar and Baizley’s rhythm work. Together, they create some of Baroness’ catchiest and most emotionally powerful songs to date, particularly “Shock Me” and “Desperation Burns.” Baizley’s vocal range continues to impress, from the soaring delivery in “Try to Disappear” and “Chlorine & Wine” to the tender, ballad-like “If I Have to Wake Up (Would You Stop the Rain?).” The closing track, “Crossroads of Infinity,” offers a haunting, quiet reflection, a fitting epilogue to an album defined by both struggle and triumph.
Purple is a triumphant, fully realized statement. While it leans more toward the melodic and progressive sound of “Yellow & Green” than the raw aggression of “The Red Album” or “Blue Record”, what sets BARONESS apart is the majesty and artistry that infuse every note. The record balances heaviness with melody, reflection with intensity, and melancholy with resilience, showing a band who has endured trauma yet continues to push forward with creativity, courage, and passion. From start to finish, “Purple” is an immersive experience, bruised, beautiful, and utterly alive. It’s a record that not only consolidates BARONESS’ past achievements but also announces their renewed vigor as a band, a sonic testament to survival, artistic growth, and the transformative power of music.
Written by Peter Jerman
Tracklist
- Morningstar
- Shock Me
- Try to Disappear
- Kerosene
- Fugue
- Chlorine & Wine
- The Iron Bell
- Desperation Burns
- If I Have to Wake Up (Would You Stop the Rain?)
- Crossroads of Infinity
Lineup
John Baizley – vocals, rhythm guitar (and other instrumentation)
Pete Adams – lead guitar, backing vocals
Nick Jost – bass, keyboards/synths
Sebastian Thomson – drums
Label
Abraxan Hymns
