A Following Sea: John Dyer Baizley

John Baizley is not only an amazing print maker, he is also the vocal and guitar component of Baroness. Based out of Savanna, Ga the sludge metal four piece was formed in late 2003. The band put out two EP's entitled First and Second in 2004 and 2005 on Hyperrealist Records. The albums which were each recorded in a single session generated a lot of buzz in the metal/hardcore world. Following the success of these albums the band has gone on to release two full lengths in 2007 and 2009 on Relapse Records, titled The Red Album and The Blue Album. While the blue album was a little lackluster in my opinion, overall reception of the record has been positive. Its interesting to see a band whose routes are mainly based in punk and hardcore become so popular in the metal arena. Baroness is currently on tour with instrumental psychedelic rock band Earhless, and one of my other favorites old school sounding metal/thrash masters Iron Age

Along with fronting Baroness, Baizly has created all the art for his bands album covers and t-shirts. He has also been the artist for album covers, show posters and t-shirts for bands such as Torche, Skeletonwitch, Cursed, Vitamin X, Black Tusk, Kylesa, Pig Destroyer, Darkest Hour, The Famine, and Daughters. His work definitely shows a lot of influence from the legendary metal artist Pushead. Along with this influence there is also an amazing Art Nouveau look to his work that makes it very eye catching. His pieces are extremely intricate compared to many other music oriented print makers and his attention to detail is unmatched. His work has been featured in a solo exhibit in Lancaster, PA at the Metropolis Gallery.