TRAP THEM

With three releases in 2007 and the new 25-minute full-length, "Seizures in Barren Praise", this year, TRAP THEM is clearly a band overflowing with creative juices. The sound is still proudly based in the Sunlight sound and style of seminal Swedish death metal acts like ENTOMBED and DISMEMBER, the sonic atrocity of those bands masterfully captured again by producer Kurt Ballou. "Seizures in Barren Praise" is an album that sees TRAP THEM "refine" their sound further into one that is heavily impacted by the band's influences, just not to the extent that any semblance of personality is lost.

The grindcore heard on debut album "Sleepwell Deconstructor" has been toned down considerably, making way for the more pronounced — though secondary to the death metal style — crusty D-beat punk of old. The approach is decidedly pile driving, regardless of whether the pace is up-tempo and calamitous or slowed to a churn. In either case, Brian Izzi's riffs ooze and slam, as McKenney foams at the mouth like a rabid dog. A few cases in point follow. "Day Twenty-Five: Guignol Serene" is a rollicking rip-snort with craggy leads, jumping groove, and the locomotive power of bassist Steve Lacour and drummer Mike Justian (the sound he gets from his kit is massive). The slower cuts provide a fine contrast without sucking out the dirtiness and oomph. "Day Twenty-Four: Gutterbomb Heaven on the Grid" is a bass-propelled mid-paced bucket of filth with McKenney's vocals leading the charge, while "Day Thirty-One: Mission Convincers" is seven minutes of ominous flow, molasses groove, and sludgy riffs". Cleanliness is just not a priority for these fellows.

Those that have been following TRAP THEM during the their thus far short, yet prolific, career will note the continued lyrical themes explored by vocalist Ryan McKenney about fictional town "Barren Praise". It is a unique lyrical take featuring McKenney's exploration of the daily struggles faced by those living lives of quiet desperation, as told through the vocalist's poetic method. For a label known for hardcore, Deathwish has on its roster one of the better American deliverers of the classic Swedish death metal sound. "Seizures in Barren Praise" is another gripping chapter in the book of TRAP THEM.