Red of Tooth and Claw is, as the singer/guitarist Adam Turla put it, a "Homer's Odyssey of revenge, only without the honorable character at the center."[8] It is a concept album, and a prequel to their second album, Who Will Survive, and What Will Be Left of Them?
Overall, critical reception has been positive. The album has a score of 70% on Metacritic, indicating generally favorable reviews. Alternative Press gave the album four stars, writing, "They've finally realized their full potential..." AllMusic described "...a taut, tense, elegant delivery..." and gave the album four stars as well, stating "the band's combination of a taut, tense, elegant delivery and poetic lyrics breathes life into each of Red of Tooth and Claw's songs."[4]
In a mixed review, Spin felt it "...runs low on contemporary touchstones or appeal."[3]The A.V. Club gave the album a C+, stating it "envisions turbulence, stages it professionally, and downplays Murder By Death's power to frighten listeners and conjure up dust storms." Sputnikmusic criticized the album for sounding too similar to the previous album.[2]Paste wrote that "the album triumphs on the sheer energy of the band’s performances—every one of them swirling, unapologetic tours-de-force."[12]
