The battlefront appears strategically aligned in Baroness‘s new record Purple, which was released yesterday via the band’s newly founded label Abraxan Hymns. The reconfigured lineup, which has emerged in the aftermath of their catastrophic 2012 bus crash, marches forward with an excellent, triumphant album – one that attacks with precision. The pounding percussion/bass combination push forward, given an additional dimension by the somberly smooth keys, anthem-esque personal persevering vocals, and white-hot scorching guitar work. There’s a marriage of metal menace and resurgent joy. Tonight, Baroness will be aided by the all-in, top-speed, battering-ram metal of Virginia’s Earthling who exhibit a potent possessing sound. Get to JB’s early. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 8pm, $20 (Sold Out), 21+ (Photo by Jimmy Hubbard) – Michael Colavita