The latest from the always awesome Reaper Records is the "Stay Cold" EP from Baltimore, MD's Trapped Under Ice, by far one of the best new metallic hardcore bands out there these days. And I've been eagerly awaiting the CD release of this EP 'cause it also contains their 2007 demo as bonus tracks (as well as a handful of live tracks and a dub version of "Evelyn" by Black Ark, but it's basically the studio material that I'm all about). Utilizing straightforward hardcore power chord rhythms and chunky NYHC styled breakdowns with tiny little doses of added metallic flare, quick lead breaks, and occasional flirtations with sparse melody (think Betrayed) doesn't exactly appear innovative on paper, and I'm not really saying these guys are rewriting the book or anything, but they're not so typical either. I'm not entirely sure what it is about 'em, but it's more of a big picture thing: The vocal approach and the lyrics, the way they keep the metal influence way under control, the sense of groove and its balance with the melodic undercurrents, and also the fact that all of the songs are so short—leaving no room for senseless repetition or noodling around. So, yeah, I don't need to analyze this shit. It's great material and there's a reason this band's getting a decent amount of "hype" or whatever, so... if you've never heard 'em before, absolutely check 'em out. I can't wait to hear more from these cats...
Trapped Under Ice "Skeleton Heads"
Return to the point of no return. You can't clean the slate, you can't wash away the dirt. Now my patience is fleeting, I can't escape the feeling. Brain waves, like a vortex in your mind. Absolutely, your time is coming. It's coming. It's coming. I'm going to be there to see the death of your desires, as your life expires to the guillotine.
It's also available on vinyl if you're old school like that (or via iTunes if you're on the other end of the spectrum), but I fully recommend the CD itself for the bonus material, obviously, so... make the grab one way or another if you like what you hear.
Get It
Reaper Records (CD)
Reaper Records (7", no bonus material)
iTunes (mp3, no bonus material)
Comments
The best new hardcore band in, probably, the past 10 years for me. So original, refreshing and emotional (in a non-gay way). Love this shit.
7.1.2008 | By Buske
I don’t like the way the demo sounds on the CD. If I were you, I’d try tracking down the demo 7” or something. Regardless, Reality Unfolds is the hardest song ever.
7.1.2008 | By Tyrone
Yeah, the drums and vocals on the original version of the demo are much better. The guitars on the CD demo version are a bit brighter, but the tone of that snare drum and the effects on his vocals kind of ruin those songs for me. Regardless, the best band to come out in a long fcking time!!!
7.2.2008 | By Buske
Word up Buske. This band is just so fucking good, Demo 7” is definitely worth the pick if you can find it. Haven’t heard demo tracks from cd version of Stay Cold thought, but Demo 7” sounds are good. These guys need to do a full-length right now, Stay Cold is best 7” this year hands down.
7.3.2008 | By xMarkusxKTL
i checked these guys out on Buskes recommendation and I was pretty blown away.
This isnt new to me in many ways, but its done with conviction and a serious sense of groove. I think, to give some credit, they do have some interesting time changes that I wasnt expecting, but overall its just really solidly written bad ass sounding hardcore.
I could listen to stuff like this over and over. Just keep giving me new songs without repeating old ones, but keep the hardcore pure and slightly metallic and I’m happy.
Perfect for walking around NYC like you could just smash your way through buildings…
if you go to my blog, on the links is B-Side Wins Again. That guy has a link to the Trapped Under Ice demo… Go grab it.
7.3.2008 | By blend77
eh, here it is…
Trapped Under Ice - Demo
http://www.sendspace.pl/file/w33LquBL/
7.3.2008 | By blend77
I saw them live in Paris 2 days ago and they blew the venue right on, total chaos, best band in the hardcore game right now, the music, the lyrics, the attitude, everything is here, I hope they gonna keep on like that, bringing back the glory !
7.3.2008 | By Masterkiller