In Concert: Baroness
I’ve never claimed to be a metal head, but something about a band named Baroness and its supporting act, Mutoid Man, intrigued me greatly. With a reputable pair of earplugs firmly tucked away in my breast pocket, I figured I had little to lose.
As the headliner, Baroness and their latest LP Purple have a peculiar history of survival and catharsis. Following a near fatal bus crash in 2012, the band splintered, seeing the departure of founding drummer Allen Blickle and bassist Matt Maggioni whilst leaving frontman John Baizley to rebuild alone.
The Savannah, Georgia sludge metal quartet (now with two new members) have assembled an album of undeniable hooks, melodies, and crossover appeal. Unanimously praised by the press, fan support has been fervent. This is no more evident than at a sold-out engagement at Toronto’s The Opera House.
Prior to their appearance, Mutoid Man graces the stage. They would come close to stealing the entire evening.
Photo by Myles Herod
With lead vocals and blistering fretwork by Stephen Brodsky, drummer Ben Koller and bassist Nick Cageao round out the trio, mischievously mashing metallic propulsion with classic-rock extravagance.
[Mutoid Man] would come close to stealing the entire evening.
Photo by Myles Herod
Regularly egging on the crowd with a bellow, Brodsky injects an unsuspected jolt of humour and hijinks as the band rips into their set. First paying respect to Prince with a hardcore cover of “Purple Rain” then offering cuts from their debut LP Bleeder. My respect for the hirsute hooligans is instant.
Not to be outdone, or out-amplified, Baroness stride out to the eager audience in a wash of purple and a piped-in horn symphony. The alt-metal warriors have arrived.
Photo by Myles Herod
Most of their set comes from their albums such as Purple, and Yellow & Green, as clarified by a zealous Baroness devotee. He stands nearby and uproariously approves each song with an unabashed “eff-yeah!”
Not to be outdone, or out-amplified, Baroness stride out to the eager audience in a wash of purple and a piped-in horn symphony. The alt-metal warriors have arrived.
Later, the bleary-eyed concertgoer proves helpful by listing the name of each song upon my inquiry.
Rightfully so, tracks I would later discover to be “Chlorine and Wine,” “The Gnashing” and “Isak” throw the audience into a frenzy, initially leaving myself to listen in awe without context.
Photo by Myles Herod
As part of Toronto’s vibrant Canadian Music Week, Baroness plays the city with conviction and power. They are an exemplary live outfit of technique and gratitude. Closing out the show with open arms and wide smiles, the band parts with a genuine goodbye by stating, “Toronto, we’ll see you as soon as we possibly can.”
Luckily for me, I have dislodged my protective earplugs by now to take in every moment.
Photo by Myles Herod
