Baroness - First

Hyperrealist has put together a beautiful and cohesive package that conveniently pairs Baroness' first two blistering EPs into one handy release. The covers of both EPs are replicated on respective sides of the outside package, and both sides are also embossed with a red foil stamp. With a slipcase over that. And full liner notes. Not too shabby.

First was, well, their first EP. The 2004 release featured three snarling, heavy tracks that are more raw and claustrophobic than what would materialize on the 2007 full-length, Red Album. "Tower Falls" begins with smoldering axes and the band's cataclysmically sludgy vocals before temporarily diving into some crusty tempos that sporadically come up and then leave. Still, cleaner riffs manage to poke through intermittently. "Coeur" is a quicker, head-banging cut with plenty of reasons to bust out the air guitar.



Tracklist:
1. Tower Falls
2. Coeur
3. Rise

Link: First