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Purple
by
Purple Image
Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 19 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 53 Ratings

  • Summary: The metal band returns from a tour bus accident in 2012 with a new lineup. Nick Jost and Sebastian Thomson take over for Allen Blickle and Matt Maggioni on the fourth studio release produced by David Fridmann.
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Top Track

Chlorine & Wine
When I called on my nursemaid Come sit by my side But she cuts through my rib cage Pushes the pills deep in my eyes ... The taste was much... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. Kerrang!
    Jan 6, 2016
    100
    A positive and uplifting album, and one that marks the most hard-fought comeback of the year. [12 Dec 2015, p.50]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Exclaim
    Dec 16, 2015
    90
    This is a must-hear. Baroness are back, and they sound as good as ever.
  3. Consequence
    Dec 18, 2015
    83
    Purple is a redemptive statement that’s indelibly human, going far beyond mere notes and music. It speaks to the deeper powers of creation: the artistic struggle to maintain, survive, and somehow have fun in the face of death, a fate Baroness defied and overcame.
  4. Mojo
    Dec 9, 2015
    80
    Baroness have delivered their masterpiece: an album grounding their cosmic heaviosity with earthbound, compelling drama. [Jan 2016, p.88]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. AllMusic
    Dec 18, 2015
    80
    Though not as "experimental" as their previous couple of records, as a whole Purple is far more focused, and it's certainly more euphoric.
  6. Q Magazine
    Dec 9, 2015
    80
    Baroness have confidently produced one of the year's best metal albums. [Jan 2016, p.106]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Under The Radar
    Dec 18, 2015
    55
    Purple is an enjoyable ride that's unlikely to disappoint avowed fans of the band. But playing it safe and not advancing their thesis substantially invites comparisons to earlier artifacts of their sonic template, artifacts that shine brighter than the present one.

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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. harmattan
    Dec 22, 2015
    10
    Absolutely terrific album. This is all the best we've seen and come to expect from Baroness: strong technicality, pounding momentum,Absolutely terrific album. This is all the best we've seen and come to expect from Baroness: strong technicality, pounding momentum, heartfelt emotion, balanced strength and frailty, deep symbolism and always interesting. Somehow simultaneously polished and raw. One of the best albums of the year in my book.… Expand
  2. Mesmerize
    Aug 9, 2016
    9
    9.09.0
    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz    … Expand
  4. TalentlessHack
    Dec 30, 2015
    8
    Completely ecstatic album from the band that brings forth a perfect blend of hard hitting sludge metal and a more soft melodic feel. BasicallyCompletely ecstatic album from the band that brings forth a perfect blend of hard hitting sludge metal and a more soft melodic feel. Basically a blend of Baroness' old and new material. The intro track alone "Morningstar" is a perfect example of a sludge anthem that grabs you by the throat and won't let you go. "Shock Me" is another one.

    The album also takes some time to settle down a bit on tracks like "Fugue" and "Chlorine & Wine". Especially "Fugue", a hauntingly beautiful slow jam that just bursts into a short, yet sweet climax.

    The only flaw with this album is that the some songs on here, like "The Iron Bell", don't really bring anything new to the mix that has been done before on the last couple of tracks. Something tuktuk also mentioned.

    Overall, I really enjoyed this album. A pleasant surprise to say the least.

    (This might also be a great album to recommend to people that aren't really into metal music, given it's accessibility.)

    Fav Tracks: Fugue, Morningstar, Shock Me
    Least Fav Track: The Iron Bell    … Expand
  5. MetalLife
    Mar 13, 2016
    8
    Great album. The Baroness unique sound leaves you craving to listen to the album over and over again. The songs are filled with breakdownsGreat album. The Baroness unique sound leaves you craving to listen to the album over and over again. The songs are filled with breakdowns that keep your attention as the well balanced guitar effects, keyboards and drum kits keep you lost in the songs. "Morning Star" and "Shock Me" are the songs that initially caught my ear not to mention the cover art, Great band great album. Cheers… Expand
  6. tuktuk
    Dec 24, 2015
    7
    Here are my thoughts on the new Baroness album, “Purple”:

    I don’t review the metal genre very often, but when I do it’s usually something I    Here are my thoughts on the new Baroness album, “Purple”:

    I don’t review the metal genre very often, but when I do it’s usually something I really enjoy. “Purple” is no exception. The album opens with some lovely, electric guitars and drums which then quickly transitions into some fast paced, awesome sludge metal. The two opening tracks are amazing. So amazing in fact, it’s hard for the rest of the album to continue in such fashion.

    The midsection with the track “Fugue” is a nice change of pace, but after that the songs don’t really add anything new from what we’ve already heard earlier. The mixing on the album is also not the greatest and sounds very cluttered at times. Luckily the album finishes strong with the surprisingly heartfelt song “If I Have To Wake Up”.

    Overall this record feels more like a hard rock album rather than metal because it’s so approachable. I’m getting Metallica vibes, (especially on the vocals) it reminds me a bit of their last album “Death Magnetic” in some ways. “Purple” is however the superior record and I would definitely give this a listen if you are a rock/metal fan, or just a fan of great music in general.

    Fav track: Morning Star

    Score: 7/10    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Best Album of 2015
46
#46 Most Shared Album of 2015

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