Sludge-Crust Doom merchants BARONESS followed up a 2003 self titled demo with the Phillip Cope produced 2004 'First' EP issued through Hyperrealist Records. In December 2005 bassist Summer Welch engaged in recording with studio side band BIRDS OF PREY, this project featuring BEATEN BACK TO PURE's Ben Hogg on lead vocals, Erik Larson of ALAMABA THUNDERPUSSY on guitars, Bo Leslie of THROTTLEROD on guitar and Dave Witte, a scene veteran of acts such as HUMAN REMAINS, ATOMSMASHER, DISCORDANCE AXIS, MELT-BANANA, MUNICIPAL WASTE and BURNT BY THE SUN, on drums for the album 'Weight Of The Wound'.

Signing to Relapse Records in April 2007 BARONESS utilised the Jam Room studios in Columbia, South Carolina that same month, working with Phillip Cope of KYLESA as producer on new album tracks. 'The Red Album' saw release in September.

BARONESS parted ways with guitarist Brian Blickle in September 2008, the erstwhile musician opting to pursue a career in law, and swiftly replaced him with Peter Adams of VALKYRIE.