What makes The Glorious Dead by The Heavy notable?

The Glorious Dead received praise for its eclectic mix of genres, contributing to the band's rising stature in the UK indie rock scene. It was well-received by critics, with particular attention to its unique sound and lyrical depth, solidifying The Heavy's place as a significant act within the genre during this period. By the time The Glorious Dead was released in January 2012, The Heavy had already gained significant recognition with their 2009 breakthrough album, The House That Dirt Built. This third studio effort followed their successful foray into mainstream consciousness, particularly with the single 'How You Like Me Now?' which prominently featured in commercials and TV shows. The band aimed to further solidify their sound while exploring deeper thematic elements.

Who is The Glorious Dead for?

The Glorious Dead works well if you're into gritty energy for late nights, thought-provoking reflections on humanity and emotional depth with raw honesty.

How many songs are on The Glorious Dead?

The Glorious Dead has 10 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

The Glorious Dead

The Heavy · 2012

39 min · 10 tracks · indie rock

A gritty blend of bluesy rock and soul-infused grooves layered with an unmistakable British indie flair.

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Top tracks — play these first

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What Makes a Good Man? — This track stands out for its introspective lyrics that question morality while wrapped in a catchy melody, making it both thought-provoking and accessible.
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Curse Me Good — With its infectious chorus and driving rhythm, this song captures the album's energy perfectly while showcasing the band's ability to blend rock with soulful undertones.
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The Big Bad Wolf — This track is notable for its playful yet dark narrative that cleverly intertwines themes of desire and danger, set against an upbeat musical backdrop.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album blends various influences effectively but lacks some cohesion in its overall flow.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a faster pace with a more aggressive sound.
Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the interaction between the lead singer and backing vocals.
The album closes with a track that combines multiple genres, layering bluesy guitar riffs over a soulful rhythm section.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

gritty energy for late nights
thought-provoking reflections on humanity
emotional depth with raw honesty
engaging storytelling through varied tempos

Maybe skip if you

prefer polished and smooth sounds
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time The Glorious Dead was released in January 2012, The Heavy had already gained significant recognition with their 2009 breakthrough album, The House That Dirt Built. This third studio effort followed their successful foray into mainstream consciousness, particularly with the single 'How You Like Me Now?' which prominently featured in commercials and TV shows. The band aimed to further solidify their sound while exploring deeper thematic elements.
Stylistic neighbors: Royal Blood· Wolfmother· The Black Keys