Stone
Baroness · 2023
46 min · 10 tracks · progressive metal
A tapestry of heavy riffs and melodic introspection, merging progressive metal with emotive soundscapes and atmospheric nuances.
Top tracks — play these first
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Last Word — This track showcases Baroness's signature blend of heavy instrumentation and soaring melodies, creating a juxtaposition that encapsulates the album's emotional core.
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Shine — As one of the longer tracks on the album, Shine explores themes of resilience through dynamic shifts in tempo and atmosphere, highlighting the band's growth.
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Magnolia — A standout for its lyrical vulnerability and rich textures, Magnolia exemplifies the band's ability to weave personal narratives into expansive soundscapes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends heavy riffs with introspective melodies, showcasing strong songwriting and effective pacing.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature heavy guitar riffs that gradually introduce melodic elements, creating a tension that resolves in the fourth track.
- Several tracks incorporate atmospheric interludes, with ambient soundscapes that contrast the heavier sections, particularly in 'Choir' and 'Anodyne'.
- The album closes with a gradual deceleration in tempo, allowing for a reflective finish that feels intentional and cohesive.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like dynamics inviting reflection
- introspective moments for deep thought
- peaks and valleys of emotion
- meditative listening on quiet evenings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek purely upbeat vibes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on September 15, 2023, Stone marks Baroness's fifth studio album, following their critically acclaimed Gold & Grey from 2019. At this point in their career, the band has solidified their place within the progressive and sludge metal scenes while experimenting with more melodic elements and personal themes after enduring significant lineup changes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Embers 1:01
- 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 4:02
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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