If absolutely filthy, sludgy, and doomy heavy metal is what you're looking for, Red Fang may be right up your alley. Murder the Mountains, the band's second album and first for Relapse Records, is a high-quality effort filled with raunchy riffs that should satisfy anyone in search for some raw and heavy rock and roll. Red Fang does have a few kinks to work out by the time their next album rolls around, but this is a generally strong major-label debut for these American lads.
The music here is doom/sludge heavy rock. There are also quite a few alternative tendencies that lead me to think of acts like Soundgarden or Queens of the Stone Age. The guitar tones used on this album are very distorted and just plain filthy - the entire production also has a raw, unpolished edge that's absolutely irresistible! Although there is variation between compositional styles, the whole album has a bit of a "samey" feel that can be a bit detrimental in the end. There is an unquestionably accessible edge on Murder the Mountains, and maybe that (combined with the lack of instrumental variation) can lead to the "samey" feeling I develop about halfway through the record.
Despite its flaws, Murder the Mountains is a fun listen and a highly recommendable purchase for fans of dirty heavy rock/heavy metal. I'll be keeping a close eye on what lies ahead for Red Fang. 3 stars are deserved here.
Track Listing:
1. Malverde (4:04)
2. Wires (5:45)
3. Hank Is Dead (2:38)
4. Dirt Wizard (2:59)
5. Throw Up (6:35)
6. Painted Parade (2:29)
7. Number Thirteen (4:47)
8. Into the Eye (4:00)
9. The Undertow (5:04)
10. Human Herd (3:51)
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