Heretics
53 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock
A gritty blend of alternative rock and post-grunge, weaving dark themes with melodic hooks and dynamic instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Tyler — This track, originally released on their debut album, gains new life here with a fresh arrangement that highlights emotional depth and storytelling.
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Possum Kingdom — As one of the band's most recognizable songs, its inclusion reinforces the Toadies' signature sound while drawing listeners back to the thematic elements of longing and darkness.
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Queen of Scars — This track stands out with haunting melodies and introspective lyrics that exemplify the album's exploration of personal struggle and resilience.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting with dynamic instrumentation but lacks a cohesive flow across its length.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a heavy, distorted guitar riff that sets a dark tone, which is maintained through the first half of the record.
- Several tracks feature dynamic shifts in intensity, moving from quiet verses to explosive choruses, particularly evident in 'Rattler’s Revival' and 'Heart of Glass'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like dynamic emotional flow
- introspective moods with haunting melodies
- late-night reflective listening experience
- engaging narrative across tracks
Maybe skip if you
- seek instant gratification tracks
- prefer upbeat party anthems
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2008, Heretics marked the Toadies' first studio album in over a decade following their breakup after 2001's Hell Below/Stars Above. This album came as the band reformed, showcasing their enduring sound while introducing a matured lyrical perspective.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 In the Belly of the Whale 3:50
- 2 Tyler 4:06
- 3 Beside You 4:15
- 4 Queen of Scars 3:03
- 5 Rattler’s Revival 4:13
- 6 Heart of Glass 3:02
- 7 Possum Kingdom 5:54
- 8 The Appeal 5:46
- 9 Dollskin 4:48
- 10 Backslider 2:35
- 11 Jigsaw Girl 5:24
- 12 Send You to Heaven 6:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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