Gold & Grey is the fifth studio album by Baroness and it's been released on the band's own label, Abraxan Hymns. As with previous releases by the band, the album's artwork was designed by front-man, band lead, only original member and rhythm guitarist John Dyer Baizley. According to himself "It will stand as the 6th and final piece in our chromatically-themed records". I was sure the album would be called Orange, but Baizley wouldn't be that obvious. It does look orange-ish though.
I'm relatively new to the Baroness camp, but it's been a rewarding journey since I first reviewed 2015's Purple (the fourth album). Purple was within my top 10 list of that year which led me to go back to their earlier records and catch them in a coupe of live shows. The shows were great and so is the entire colored discography. It's hard to define Baroness music. It's progressive, boundless and emotional. They are associated with the metal scene, but it's really much more rock (and this time around very psychedelic as well) than heavy music. Regardless of labels, it's very good music.
Gold & Grey is not an easy digest as it's just over one hour in 17 tracks. It was very close to be a double album (like 2012's Yellow & Green), hence interesting that it features two "colors" as well. The instrumental "Blankets of Ash" followed by the super melancholic "Emmett - Radiating Light" seem to define the album split right in the middle. Before those, the first 8 tracks and 30 min are full of rockers such as the album opener and the energetic and catchy "Throw Me An Anchor". The second half is darker (or should I say grey?), slower at times and more experimental. E.g. there are three short instrumental songs with samples, jazzy moments and weird noises. The album closer "Pale Sun" is a fantastic modern take on early Pink Floyd and late The Beatles blended together. Another highlight for me is when Baroness go more progressive with longer tracks such as "Tourniquet", "Cold Blooded Angels" and the video single "Borderlines". The consolidation of Gina Gleason in the guitars/vocals gave Baizley more musical options. She brings her personal style for the guitar duo but more importantly a new dimension to the band vocal harmonies. Also the fact that the guitars are not very heavy or loud in the mix makes the bass shine in this album and I really appreciate that, it's refreshing. However, the production is not very dynamic and a bit too loud.
SCORE: 80/100
DR: 4
Genre: Progressive Rock/Metal
Released by Abraxan Hymns on June 14th, 2019
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