Whales and Leeches
Red Fang · 2013
41 min · 11 tracks · stoner rock
A heavy blend of stoner rock riffs and gritty melodies that conjure a dark, visceral atmosphere throughout its runtime.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Blood Like Cream — This track features a powerful chorus paired with driving riffs, encapsulating the band's signature blend of catchy hooks and heavy instrumentation.
-
→
No Hope — The relentless pace and aggressive guitar work reflect a raw energy that serves as a strong representation of the album's overall tone.
-
→
Dawn Rising — With its extended runtime, this closing track allows for an immersive experience, showcasing the band's ability to develop themes and dynamics over longer compositions.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines heavy riffs and gritty melodies effectively, though it follows familiar stoner rock patterns.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a heavy tone, followed by several mid-tempo songs that maintain a consistent energy level.
- Each track features prominent guitar riffs layered with gritty vocals, creating a dense soundscape characteristic of stoner rock.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, providing a contrasting dynamic that allows for moments of reflection before the album concludes.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
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
- infectious energy for gatherings
- short tracks for quick bursts
- heavy riffs for headbanging
- cathartic release of tension
- punchy anthems for road trips
Maybe skip if you
- seeking long immersive experiences
- prefer mellow background sounds
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'Whales and Leeches' was released in 2013, Red Fang had already secured their place in the stoner rock scene with their acclaimed 2011 album, 'Murder the Mountains'. This third studio album followed a period of increased visibility, including extensive touring and appearances at major festivals, marking a moment of both consolidation and evolution in their sound.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Crows in Swine
The shift from vivid imagery of decay to a stark realization about the futility of existence creates a haunting effect.
This transition emphasizes the thematic depth within the song, contrasting bleakness with moments of clarity that challenge listeners’ perceptions.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 DOEN 3:18
- 2 Blood Like Cream 3:33
- 3 No Hope 2:58
- 4 Crows in Swine 3:01
- 5 Voices of the Dead 2:43
- 6 Behind the Light 2:44
- 7 Dawn Rising 7:01
- 8 Failure 4:57
- 9 1516 3:37
- 10 This Animal 2:42
- 11 Every Little Twist 4:44
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.