Purple
by Baroness
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 53 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 49 out of 53
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 53
  3. Negative: 1 out of 53
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  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, 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.
  2. 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 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    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
  3. 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. 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    Completely 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
  4. 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 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
  5. Mesmerize
    Aug 9, 2016
    9
    9.0
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
85

Universal acclaim - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. NOW Magazine
    Jan 7, 2016
    80
    Amidst the crushing avant-metal, we also get nods to classic rock, elegant instrumental work, searing lyrics and atmospheric keyboards.
    Read full review
  2. 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]
  3. PopMatters
    Jan 5, 2016
    80
    This is what is so refreshing about Purple. The band unapologetically attempt to reach beyond the limits of their primary genre’s audience and welcome in anyone who appreciates a good song.
    Read full review
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