The Barbarians Of California, featuring Aaron Bruno of AWOLNATION and Eric Stenman of Tinfed and a noted producer, remain equal opportunity iconoclasts with each new song and video they drop. They issue their slump-avoidant sophomore album ‘Megatons’ today, August 21st.
They also share the video for ‘Earthquake’ – check it below. “I feel like we are due for another massive earthquake,” says Bruno, with his tongue planted firmly in cheek. “So, I wrote a song about it.. .assuming that California will break off into the ocean and Arizona would then be the new coastline.” Regarding the accompanying video, he says, “I wanted to put the band in a setting you’d never expect to find us in.” Gettin’ those gains!
With ‘Megatons’, The Barbarians of California are unleashing fresh chaos straight from the sun-soaked, teeth-gnashing heart of the Golden State. Blending raw hardcore energy, riffs by the pound, and that signature mix of ferocity and tongue-in-cheek humor, these new songs hit like a caffeine-fueled fever dream. Through and through, the band delivers unapologetic anthems that feel both brutally fun yet dangerously addictive.
“Everyone has heard of the sophomore slump,” states Stenman. “Making a second album can be a fraught process full of overthinking and self-doubt. Perhaps, the benefit of us starting this band, at this later point in our lives, relieves some of that pressure. This felt so easy, and is a seamless continuation of whatever we started with the first batch of song — just bigger and better.”
The Barbarians aren’t slowing down — they’re just getting louder, meaner, and more ridiculously entertaining. TBOC have also confirmed their first set of headline tour dates, alongside shows with Guns N’ Roses and festival appearances. All upcoming and confirmed live shows are below.
Upcoming tour dates:
September 6th — Rocklahoma Festival — Pryor, OK
September 8th — Exit In — Nashville, TN
September 9th — Blueberry Hill Duck Room — St. Louis, MO
September 11th — Waiting Room — Omaha, NE
September 12th — Thunder Ridge Nature Arena — Ridgedale, MO
September 14th — 7th St. Entry — Minneapolis, MN
September 15th — Cactus Club — Milwaukee, WI
September 17th — Cobra Lounge — Chicago, IL
September 18th — The Foundry — Cleveland, OH
September 19th — Louder Than Life Festival — Louisville, KY
October 23rd — Lodge Room — Los Angeles, CA
Jaunary 24th — ShipRocked — Naples, FL