Red Fang ‘ Deep Cuts’ Review: Pacific Northwest sludge rockers showcase 20-years’ worth of rarities on new double-album.
★★★★
Celebrating two decades of their refined blend of stoner and sludge metal, Red Fang’s “Deep Cuts” is a 26-track compilation that offers fans a treasure trove of the band’s lesser-known works.
Released on March 14, 2025, this double-album collection spans non-album tracks, singles, B-sides, covers, demos, rarities, and more, providing a comprehensive look into the band’s evolution over the years.
The album kicks off with “Antidote,” previously featured in the “Red Fang: Headbang!” mobile game, now making its vinyl debut. This track sets the tone for the compilation, showcasing the band’s signature blend of heavy riffs and melodic hooks. Another notable inclusion is the demo version of “Wires,” offering fans insight into the raw and unpolished beginnings of one of their standout tracks.
It’s also a study in contrasts, from blistering numbers like “Weird Poly” and “Murder the Mountains” to the sullen, skulking “Hollow Light”, showing how the band’s use of dynamics sets them apart from their contemporaries.
“Deep Cuts” eclectic mix of covers highlight the band’s diverse influences. Their rendition of Wipers’ “Over The Edge” pays homage to their Pacific Northwest roots, while the cover of Tubeway Army’s “Listen To The Sirens” showcases their ability to reinterpret other genres through their unique sonic lens.
The compilation also includes “It’s Always There,” which features vocals from Pall Jenkins of The Black Heart Procession. This collaboration adds a melancholic depth to the song, a further testament to their versatility.
Overall, “Deep Cuts” serves as both a celebration of Red Fang’s 20-year journey and a gift to fans, offering a deeper dive into the band’s expansive catalog and showcasing a formidable musical range, while whetting fans’ appetites as they await new material.