Album Review: Red Fang - 'Whales and Leeches'

The prevailing question that was always going signpost 'Whales and Leeches' - the newest serving from Red Fang - was whether the band could top the impressive, 'Murder The Mountains'? Red Fang have spent the past two years recording and perfecting this album and have had four years as a band to perfect their signature sound. Now, 'Whales and Leeches' has certainly proved the group have succeeded in that journey.

The full-length is a little different right off the bat, with notable punk influences straight away. Red Fang have always had a punk element to their music but this time around it seems they have drifted a little further from rock and a little closer to punk than usual, 'Blood Like Cream' being a classic example of this. Most of the songs have this heavy punk influence but we can also hear some groove and prog elements in there, with catchy riffs and a hint of their classic rock sound.

The entirety of the album is pounding, songs like 'Crows in Swine' get straight down and dirty with crashing introductions and aggressive vocals. Songs like this show Red Fang's heavier side and bring out the urge to head bang, this particular track is definitely designed as a live crowd pleaser.

There is so much going on, with lots of elements packed within providing for an entertaining listen. Songs like 'DOEN' and '1516' bring lashing riffs and then we are met with stand out tracks like, 'The Animal', which perfectly capture Red Fang's attempt to incorporate more punk elements.

'Whales and Leeches' is full of great anthems and will be a great live album. Red Fang have managed to successfully tweak and alter their sound just that little bit to create something new yet still classic. You can hear the hard work that they have put into this album.

'Whales and Leeches' brings something new to the table without losing the classic sounds of Red Fang that they are known and loved for. It has a nice mixture of punk and rock, and even some elements of groove going on with the riffs. You can see the effort Red Fang have put into their performance.

1. DOEN

2. Blood Like Cream

3. No Hope

4. Crows in Swine

5. Voices of the Dead

6. Behind the Light

7. Dawn Rising

8. Failure

9. 1516

10. This Animal

11. Every Little Twist