There is no shortage of heavy music taking itself very seriously, but The Barbarians of California have never seemed particularly interested in following that rule.
Led by Aaron Bruno of AWOLNATION and Eric Stenman, The Barbarians of California have built their own corner of hardcore, metallic riffs and irreverent humour, bringing together two musicians whose careers have taken very different paths through the underground and mainstream.
Now, The Barbarians of California are preparing to release their sophomore album, MEGATONS, this Friday, August 21st.
Following 2024’s debut album, And Now I’m Just Gnashing My Teeth, MEGATONS pushes further into the band’s mix of aggressive hardcore, dissonant guitar work and tongue in cheek songwriting. The album features 12 tracks, including ‘THE GNARLYCORE CLASS’, ‘VANILLA LATTE’, ‘BOMB TO A KNIFE FIGHT’, ‘REALLY REALLY RAD’ and ‘BACK TO THE VALLEY’.
The band have also been building momentum onstage, with upcoming headline dates alongside appearances at Rocklahoma and Louder Than Life, as well as shows with Guns N’ Roses.
For Bruno, The Barbarians of California aren’t an attempt to recreate anything from his past. Instead, the project has given a home to a side of his musical identity that has always been there.
We spoke with Bruno and Stenman about MEGATONS, the band’s approach to humour, their hardcore roots, the reaction from Anthrax’s Charlie Benante, their plans for Australia and Japan, and what it means to make heavy music in 2026.
The Barbarians of California ‘REALLY REALLY RAD’ video
“MEGATONS” is a pretty explosive title. If this album were literally measured in megatons, what kind of impact are you hoping it leaves on listeners?
AARON BRUNO: I want everyone to stop listening to all other music besides MEGATONS ! JK, I am happy to have any impact at all.
You’ve had careers spanning everything from hardcore to platinum-selling rock. Why was The Barbarians of California the right vehicle for this chapter instead of simply revisiting what you’ve done before?
AARON BRUNO: It has always been part of me. The timing revealed itself and provided a green light to blast right through.
The single “THE GNARLYCORE CLASS” is as funny as it is heavy. How important is humour to the band’s identity, and do you think heavy music sometimes takes itself a little too seriously? (loved the Shaq appearance)
AARON BRUNO: Nothing is calculated, specifically. I probably just feel more comfortable with a light hearted twist… so that I never take myself too seriously. The music is already intense enough. Regarding heavy music taking itself too seriously… I certainly cannot speak to how other musicians think of themselves or their work.
The Barbarians of California ‘The Gnarly’ video
Songs like “VANILLA LATTE,” “BOMB TO A KNIFE FIGHT,” and “MODERN FASHION” have titles that instantly make people curious. Do the song names come first, or do they emerge once the music is already written?
AARON BRUNO: The title usually comes last. I like to get to know the song first, go on a few dates, meet their parents, and walk on the beach before I can understand what title would be appropriate.
AWOLNATION has become such a defining part of your career. Does stepping into The Barbarians of California feel like returning to your hardcore roots, or is this something completely different?
AARON BRUNO: As I said before, this has always been inside of me waiting for the right time/opportunity to come out. These elements have existed inside AWOLNATION. Now, they have a home, all their own.
Eric, you’ve helped shape records for countless artists behind the mixing desk. What’s it like swapping the producer’s chair for a band where you’re just as invested creatively as everyone else?
ERIC STENMAN: This has all definitely been a new chapter in my life, that I didn’t see coming. The whole reason that I got into audio production was because my early bands’ recordings all sounded horrible. Starting in my mid 20s, my whole life focus switched from playing music, to recording it. I stayed in that arena for more than 20 years, and never thought I would be back on the writing/performing side of things. I have to admit, it’s been very fun, and certainly somewhat nerve-racking. Hah!
The Barbarians of California ‘Vanilla Latte’ video
VICE summed the band up with four very enthusiastic words: “They’re so f***ing good.” (I agree) What’s been the most surprising reaction you’ve had since people started hearing this project?
ERIC STENMAN: Hahah… yeah, that was a good one! I wouldn’t assume that Vice Magazine would immediately love us. For me, one amazing reaction is the fact that Charlie Benante from Anthrax (and now Pantera) has expressed interest in the band. He has been such a hero of mine since I was 15 years old! Some of these riffs may not exist without Anthrax and SOD.
You’re heading out on headline dates while also sharing stages with Guns N’ Roses and festivals like Rocklahoma and Louder Than Life. Does playing to audiences who may have never heard you add extra pressure, or is winning over a new crowd part of the fun?
AARON BRUNO: It’s even more fun. I think I wear the underdog jersey very well.
ERIC STENMAN: We will always welcome the challenge of being put in front of people that have never heard of us. Festivals are such a huge part of the live music experience these days… we’re incredibly grateful for these opportunities!
Having said that, will we see you in Australia any time soon?
ERIC STENMAN: We would absolutely love to make it to Australia! Any production companies out there want to book the Australia/Japan debut of The Barbarians??? (hint hint).
The band talks about bringing back an authentic West Coast punk spirit in a world that’s becoming increasingly digital. What does authenticity actually look like in 2026?
AARON BRUNO: Hard to say. I can only hope that TBOC is obviously just that.
The Barbarians of California ‘Bomb To A Knife Fight’ video
Finally, if someone has never heard The Barbarians of California before and only has time to listen to one song from “MEGATONS,” which track are you handing them and why?
AARON BRUNO: “BACK TO THE VALLEY”. It’s one of my favorite songs that I have ever been any part of.
ERIC STENMAN: Yeah… “BACK TO THE VALLEY”, or “BOMB TO A KNIFE FIGHT”. Either of those would give the listener a pretty good idea of what’s in store for them.
The Barbarians of California ‘MEGATONS’ Track List:
- BACK TO THE VALLEY
- THE GNARLYCORE CLASS
- VANILLA LATTE
- BOMB TO A KNIFE FIGHT
- REALLY REALLY RAD
- MEGATONS SEGUE
- EARTHQUAKE
- THIS IS SHREDICAL
- HIDE ALL YOUR RECORDS
- MODERN FASHION
- SHARK OUT OF WATER
- I AM THE SUBMARINE
Pre save here.
MEGATONS arrives this Friday, August 21st, giving The Barbarians of California another opportunity to prove exactly what happens when hardcore roots, big riffs and a sense of humour collide.
For anyone still unfamiliar with the band, Bruno and Stenman have made their recommendation clear. Start with ‘BACK TO THE VALLEY’ (you’ll have to wait until Friday) or ‘BOMB TO A KNIFE FIGHT’, then see where the rest of MEGATONS takes you.
If the band’s Australia hint is anything to go by, there may eventually be a reason for Australian fans to hear it all in person.
MORE IN Features
