Trap ThemBy now this album has been heralded by many as top this and top that and rightfully so because this forceful 4-piece have improved upon their efforts on "Seance Prime," which was one of my top five EP's of 2007. In my review for that EP I said it would be wise that they keep then session drummer Scott Desfusco and fuck am I eating my words now! The band has since enlisted the services of Michael Justian, who beat the skins on one of my favorite albums, The Red Chord's "Fused Together In Revolving Doors" and has also spent time in Unearth. It would be nearly impossible for this release not to be as awesome as unloading the king of all money shots on the object of your desire. (I know object sounds demeaning to females but the reason I choose that word is was because maybe you swing another way, but I'm sure you already know that)
The album is composed of 10 tracks that total about 25 minutes and not a second is wasted. Every note, every beat is a means to the end. Throughout the album Trap Them implements various techniques to achieve their goal, shifting effortlessly through various genres, whether it be crust, grind, punk, d-beat, metal, etc,. Flawlessly they change tempos, shifting from d-beat drumming patterns to outright blast beats, which they've done before but I would say they were done more tactfully this time around. The majority of the album is up there in terms of tempo, it's just a matter of how many beats per minute, however, the band makes sure to throw in some quality mid-paced parts, which they do so excellently in the beginning of the album on "Day Nineteen: Fucking Viva" and during all of "Day Twenty Four: Gutterbomb Heaven On The Grid," which may have had a lot to do with the eerie feedback and guitar and bass playing provided by Kurt Ballou, the albums engineer and producer.
Lyrically the album is the stories of the residents of Barren Praise, "...a fictional ghost town," that stayed behind. Though it seems the lyrics are more geared towards the inhabitants of small towns, there are parts that anyone can relate to, whether you live in a small town or in a super city.
As I stated in my review of "Seance Prime," Kurt and Trap Them are a match made in heaven. The sound of the guitars, bass, and drums are perfect for what the band is doing. The guitars on this album have one of the best tones I have heard. Amidst all the chaos going on in the mix the bass distinctly stands out. And vocalist Ryan McKenney has a damn near perfect place in the mix.
One of the reasons (aside from the awesome music of course)to not rip this album is the sweet fucking layout. Jacob Bannon outdid himself with this one; there is so much going on throughout the booklet's 32 pages that you could literally spend an entire day sitting on the shitter after a night of heavy drinking and still have new shit to pick out on your subsequent visit to the throne.
Rating: 4.5/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: "Day Nineteen: Fucking Viva," "Day Twenty Four: Gutterbomb Heaven On The Grid" & "Day Thirty-One: Mission Convincers"
Synopsis: If you were a fan of Trap Them previous to this release this will only make you more of a fan and if you
weren't then this may get you on board. If you are new to the band this should be the first CD you add to your collection from these guys because it is without question their best work to date.