[FULL METAL JACKET] The indie-metal superheroes of Baroness will be rocking their heavy riffs with Red Fang, Rabbits and the Thornes for a MFNW showcase that’s sure to be one of the more explosive performances of the festival.

Baroness’ last album, Blue Record, won critical acclaim from both Pitchfork and Spin, the latter proclaiming the band’s “melodic, fast, and heavier-than-plutonium guitar riffs” as on par with Black Sabbath. The band’s sound has also been likened to Mastadon, Isis, the Sword and High on Fire.

Formed in 2003 in Savannah, Ga., and out of the guts of former punk/metal project Johnny Welfare and the Paychecks, Baroness recorded three EPs before releasing its first full-length attempt in 2007, Red Album. In 2008, the band reunited with with Johnny Welfare guitarist Pete Adams, who had returned from a tour in Iraq. The band started recording its second full-length album in 2009.

Blue Record was released in 2010 and named Decibel Magazine’s album of the year. The vocals, which are both haunting and layered, bellow thoughtful and dark melodies that even non-metal-enthusiasts would identify as some of the best in the genre. The song “Jake Leg” isn’t only an example of Baroness’ signature sound, it also refines it–repeating intense measures that are hard not to stomp a foot to.

Don’t miss Baroness, Red Fang, Rabbits and the Thornes on Sept. 9 at Dante’s

Tags: Baroness, Dantes, metal, MFNW, music festival, MusicfestNW, Portland, Red Fang, September, the Thornes