Hailing from Britain, Baron is not necessarily not metal. But it’s just psychadelic and druggy enough to keep it forever confined withing a Rainbows in the Dark post for purposes of Nine Circles. On their latest album, Torpor, Baron has mellowed their sound to a cascading flow of hypnotic melodies and harmonies supported by the 1960’s style drumming. The work is staggering in its depth of character, emotion and longing. Certain to hook and relax even the most uptight of human beings, Torpor is a marvelous work to be enjoyed by people across all genres of life.

Despite their foray into the depths of psychadelic rock, Baron doesn’t employ the usual trickery of their British counterparts both contemporary and ancient. There are no timbale’s, tambura, sitar, etc. The band employs the standard guitar, bass, drums, organ and the occasional recorder. Thus confining their psychadelic leanings and mood alterations strictly to their songwriting ability. Which is fierce, to say the least. Tacks like “Stry” slowly weep as they float along revealing layers of emotional depth. Other tracks like “Mark Maker” employ a more guitar heavy, rock-laden approach yet still allow room for breath, space and just a hint of fuzzy winding. The final track, “Albedo Dei,” is the starkest. The guitars are manipulated through the use of an ebow to create a near church-like level or mournfulness. Slow and yearning the songwriting unfolds as a light blanket to comfort the listener into atmospheric, dreamy bliss.

The vocals, at their most full are reminiscent of The Sheila Divine’s Aaron Perrino and, at times, the later work of Chris Higdon of Elliott. Thus, the baritone vocals of Alex Crispin are in some elite company, talent-wise. Supported by a didactic bass that vascilates between walking and drumming styles it is the vocals that soar out of the psychadelic abyss to captivate the very soul of the listener. The music is a landscape—a path for the listener to follow. Never more evident than on “Wild Cry” where the vocals interplay with the bass and organ masterfully as the guitar and drums provide support and direction in their own way.

Baron’s earlier work on their 2013 release Columns was a lesser realized version of what they have achieved here on Torpor. The album was even recorded (illegally) in an abandoned medieval hall in the UK. Just a nod to their dedication and willingness to go the distance. And it certainly shows. Torpor is a majestic work of ambiance and mood evoking whatever emotions are hidden deep within the soul of the listener. So enjoy this one. Light some candles, pour some earthy yet light red wine (I suggest a nice Gamay from Jura) and let spin the burning calm of war.

– Manny-O-War

Torpor is available 10.23.2015 via Svart Records. For more information on Baron check out their Facebook page.