Ghost Cult was lucky enough to be among the select few to witness one of Baroness’s special record release gigs. The band released their stellar new album Gold & Grey via their own Abraxan Hymns imprint and wanted to celebrate with their fans. The small intimate affairs dotted the east coast and saw the band perform both unplugged (as a duo) and also with the full band. Even as we waited in line to get into the tiny room at Rough Trade Brooklyn for the show, making conversation with fans who were pumped for the new album, talk of “all-time great bands” was bandied about. It was legit exciting just to be there. People already had bought the album to be signed as well as other merch. Rough Trade does a terrific job with these events and we have been to many diverse ones over the years from Wardruna to most recently, Amanda Palmer.

As we filed into the room and I rushed up front to get a good spot, the room was already buzzing. No one had ever seen the band in such a small space before. Even the first time I ever saw the band, at Scion Rock Fest in Atlanta over a decade ago, it was a huge outdoor tent. That was the start of their ascent to the heavy music pantheon where they now reside. With the full band gear set up on the little stage, we were ready for them to hit the stage.

With no fanfare, no dimmed lights, and no pronouncements, the band went to their instruments and immediately ripped into ‘A Horse Called Golgotha’ from “The Blue Album” (Relapse Records). It was amazing and they were on fire! After they played the new single ‘Borderlines’, John Baizely said a few words of gratitude to the crowd, recounting that the Purple record release show was also at this location, making it all the more special. The band ran through a few more inspired songs in their remaining thirty-minute set time. It was a wonderful little show, and the crowd almost didn’t want to leave, but the band had a tight schedule with the record signing and then their art exhibition.

After signing albums and hanging out with fans for an hour or so the band headed over to the Revolver-sponsored Art Exhibition, focusing on the artwork of frontman John Baizely and Marald van Haasteren, taking fans piece by piece through the process of how the art of Gold & Grey, and some of their other iconic work has come into being. We mingled with the band, fans, and music industry types and soaked in the art. All in all, it was a great time. We’re looking forward to more tour dates from the band this summer and beyond.

 

Baroness setlist: Rough Trade Records

A Horse Called Golgotha

Borderlines

March to the Sea

Tourniquet

Morningstar

Seasons

WORDS AND GALLERY PHOTOS BY KEITH CHACHKES

LIVE PHOTOS BY DANTE TORIERRI OF USELESS REBEL IMAGING