Album Review: The Barbarians of California – MEGATONS

By: Evan J. Thomas
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)Probably one of my favorite new bands who I get into early in 2025 and have seen a handful of times and now interviewed the band as well.  

But holy shit... there are heavy albums.  Then there are albums that hit you like a mega ton of bricks to the chest while somehow putting a grin on your face.


That's exactly what The Barbarians of California accomplish on their sophomore release, MEGATONS.  Aaron Bruno and producer Eric Stenman have once again proven this project is far more than a side venture. While their debut hinted at the band's limitless creativity, MEGATONS takes that blueprint, cranks the distortion, injects even more swagger, and delivers one of the most entertaining heavy records of the year. The album leans into metallic hardcore, groove metal, thrash, and punk without feeling confined by any one genre and it hits hard!


From the opening assault of "BACK TO THE VALLEY," it's obvious this band isn't interested in easing listeners into the experience. The riffs arrive in waves, the drums hit with relentless force, and Bruno's vocals effortlessly shift between controlled chaos and infectious hooks. The energy never lets up.


One of the biggest strengths of MEGATONS is that it refuses to take itself too seriously.


Songs like "THE GNARLYCORE CLASS," "VANILLA LATTE," and the brilliantly titled "BOMB TO A KNIFE FIGHT" showcase a band that's comfortable mixing crushing heaviness with an offbeat sense of humor. That personality keeps the record feeling fresh from beginning to end.


The groove throughout this album is undeniable.  Tracks like "REALLY REALLY RAD" and "EARTHQUAKE" practically demand your body to thrash, blending hardcore aggression with infectious rhythm that would feel just as at home in a sweaty club as on a festival stage. Every riff feels purposeful, every breakdown lands with impact, and the production gives each instrument room to breathe without sacrificing any of the album's raw intensity.


Just when you think you've figured the record out, the closing stretch throws a curveball. "SHARK OUT OF WATER" slows things down with an unexpected acoustic moment before "I AM THE SUBMARINE" erupts into one final explosion of heaviness. It's a bold ending that showcases the band's willingness to experiment while never losing sight of what makes them compelling.


If there's one small criticism, it's that the album's nonstop intensity can occasionally blur together during the middle portion. While the musicianship and songwriting remain consistently strong, a little more variation in pacing throughout the center of the record could have elevated MEGATONS from excellent to truly unforgettable.  Still, that's a minor complaint on an album overflowing with creativity, attitude, and massive riffs.


The Barbarians of California have crafted a record that's loud, unpredictable, and unapologetically fun. It's the kind of album that reminds you heavy music doesn't always have to choose between brutality and personality it can have both.


For fans of Every Time I Die, Converge, early Deftones, and anyone who appreciates fearless songwriting wrapped in crushing grooves, MEGATONS is an easy recommendation.


The Barbarians of California are one of the most exciting and fearless heavy bands working today.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)