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First is the debut release by US experimental metal/ sludge metal act Baroness. Baroness was founded by former members of punk/ metal act Johnny Welfare and the Paychecks in 2003. Released in 2003 "First" is an EP with a total playing time of 16:57 minutes. There are three tracks on the EP and it was released through Hyperrealist Records. The band was signed to Relapse Records for their 2007 debut album "Red Album" but released both "First" and "Second (2005)" (their second EP release) on Hyperrealist Records. Both EPs were released on a single CD by Hyperrealist Records in 2008. Note that lead vocalist/ guitarist John Baizley is also responsible for the cover artwork (as well as the cover artwork on many other metal releases by other artists).

The music on "First" is both sludgy, heavy and melodic. The vocals by frontman John Baizley are harsh. I´d say bands like Isis (early) and Mastodon have influenced Baroness. Especially the latter mentioned band. The music is generally of a good quality but the songs are not that remarkable. Pretty standard for the genre IMO.

The musicianship is good and the production is allright. Again nothing special to my ears.

"First" is an enjoyable debut release from Baroness but it´s obvious that the band needed a bit more time to create an identity and some stronger compositions to make their presence count on the experimental/sludgy metal scene. A 2.5 - 3 star rating is warranted. Good but never excellent.

"First" as you can imagine is actually the first production of Baroness, a 17-minute EP released in 2003, in which they show what the band's sound would be about. I have recently gotten more into it, due to a couple of interesting live videos I watched, that is why I was interested and wanted to know more about them.

"Towerfalls" is the opener and longest track here. In this track the vocals are heavy, almost death vocals, the music is fast and powerful but in moments a bit easier and more interesting to my ears. I prefer much more the light (if there is one) side of Baroness. I like the short interlude after four minutes, and how the music restarts again.

"Coeur" is a shorter track, with great guitars and a drummer that I really like, his works is excellent always. The vocals are again growling ones, which are not my preferred. "Rise" is by far my favorite track here, with a cool introduction with repetitive notes that makes me feel hypnotized, the sound is not death metal, now it is sludge, it does have the sound I like of Baroness. The guitar and bass work is excellent, and I like how the song is progressing little by little, increasing the sound and velocity until two minutes later the growl vocals appear. The instrumental parts are great here, what a pity I don't really love the ones with voice.

Well, one song I like, two I don't, that is why I will give it only two stars, because this is for Baroness fans.

Enjoy it!