Kris Barras Band: The Modern Force in British Blues Rock

The Kris Barras Band is a formidable British blues rock outfit led by former professional mixed martial artist turned guitarist and vocalist Kris Barras. Hailing from Devon, England, the band has cemented its status as a major live attraction and chart presence, with their 2022 album "Death Valley Paradise" crashing into the UK Official Albums Chart Top 20.

Early career

Kris Barras began his musical journey in earnest after retiring from a successful MMA career in his late twenties. Forming the Kris Barras Band, he independently released the debut album "Lucky 13" in 2016, showcasing his gritty vocals and fiery guitar work. This self-funded effort quickly captured the attention of the UK blues scene, leading to a signing with Provogue Records, a prestigious label under the Mascot Label Group umbrella.

Breakthrough

The band's major breakthrough arrived with their 2018 sophomore album "The Divine and Dirty". Released via Provogue, the record was a critical and commercial success, hitting number one on the UK Blues Chart and receiving extensive national radio play. This success established Barras as a leading figure in the new wave of British rock, paving the way for larger tours and festival headline slots.

Key tracks

Hail Mary — This explosive single from "The Divine and Dirty" became a live anthem and a staple on rock radio, perfectly encapsulating the band's high-energy blues rock sound.

Dead Horses — A track showcasing Barras's soulful songwriting and melodic sensibility, it demonstrated the band's ability to craft radio-ready rock songs with emotional depth.

Who Needs Enemies — Featuring a guest appearance from guitarist and labelmate Danny Bryant, this hard-rocking song highlighted Barras's powerful riffing and the band's collaborative spirit.

My Parade — A defiant and catchy track from the "Death Valley Paradise" album, it marked the band's evolution towards a broader, more modern hard rock audience.

Following their breakthrough, the Kris Barras Band solidified their reputation with relentless touring and consistent releases. Their 2021 album "Death Valley Paradise", produced by Dan Weller, saw them embrace a heavier, more contemporary rock production while retaining their blues core. The band has shared stages and collaborated with notable artists like Beth Hart and has become a regular fixture at major European festivals including Download and Hellfest.

Fans of the Kris Barras Band's blend of searing guitar work and anthemic rock often enjoy similar artists from the UK scene. The Treatment delivers a similarly energetic brand of no-frills, riff-driven rock and roll. The Dead Daisies share a focus on classic rock songcraft and powerhouse guitar solos delivered by a collective of renowned musicians. King King offers a more soul-inflected take on the modern British blues rock formula. Those Damn Crows bring a comparable level of modern hard rock energy and catchy, crowd-pleasing hooks to their live shows.

The Kris Barras Band's music is a regular feature on rock radio stations across the network, from dedicated classic rock FM stations to online rock radio streams that champion the newest guitar heroes. Their powerful singles and acclaimed albums receive consistent airplay on independent music radio stations focused on blues and rock, ensuring their anthems reach a passionate and growing audience.

Listeners can discover the raw power of the Kris Barras Band's blues rock catalog by tuning into the rock radio stations featured on our website. You can hear their essential tracks and latest releases through the variety of dedicated rock and independent music stations available on onairium.com.