What makes Red in Tooth and Claw by Madder Mortem notable?

The album received critical acclaim for its ambitious compositions and lyrical depth, earning a spot on several year-end lists highlighting the best metal releases of 2016. Its unique blend of genres influenced a resurgence of interest in progressive metal, encouraging new listeners and artists alike to explore the genre's boundaries. By the time 'Red in Tooth and Claw' was released in January 2016, Madder Mortem had already established themselves within the progressive metal scene with four previous albums. This record marked their first release since 2012's 'Eight Ways,' showcasing a more refined approach to songwriting and instrumentation as they continued to explore complex themes.

How many songs are on Red in Tooth and Claw?

Red in Tooth and Claw has 10 tracks, running approximately 50 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Red in Tooth and Claw

Madder Mortem · 2016

50 min · 10 tracks · progressive metal

Melodic progressions intertwine with heavy riffs, creating a haunting atmosphere that captures both vulnerability and ferocity.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Blood on the Sand — Opening with powerful riffs and dynamic vocals, this track sets the tone for the album's exploration of conflict and survival, showcasing the band's signature sound.
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If I Could — This track features a poignant balance of melody and heaviness, demonstrating the emotional depth that Madder Mortem is known for while engaging with themes of longing.
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All the Giants Are Dead — With its introspective lyrics and shifting dynamics, this song encapsulates the album's thematic core regarding loss and resilience, making it a standout moment.
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Underdogs — Closing the album with an epic length, this track combines intricate arrangements with evocative storytelling, leaving listeners with a sense of catharsis and reflection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

65 /100

Treeline

Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

The album showcases ambitious compositions and a unique blend of melodic and heavy elements, marking it as a standout in progressive metal.

What we noticed

Vocal melodies often intertwine with heavy guitar riffs, creating a dynamic contrast between softness and aggression throughout the record.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Blood on the Sand 5:22
2 If I Could 5:16
3 Fallow Season 4:12
4 Pitfalls 5:20
5 All the Giants Are Dead 5:11
6 Returning to the End of the World 5:56
7 Parasites 3:12
8 Stones for Eyes 4:23
9 The Whole Where Your Heart Belongs 4:31
10 Underdogs 7:31

What to play next

Listen next

Marrow

2018

Go back to

Eight Ways

2009

Full Madder Mortem discography Artists like Madder Mortem

progressive metal

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