"Secrets of the World" is the long-awaited debut full-length from Baltimore, MD's Trapped Under Ice, just released by the mighty Reaper Records. Blowing through 12 tracks in just 23 minutes, and even better than last year's "Stay Cold" EP, this material easily maintains the band's position as one of the finest contemporary metallic hardcore bands out there right now, if not the best. For the most part everything remains rooted in the NYHC-styled tradition of nonstop vicious grooves accented by some mid-90's-esque experimentation with subtly more metallic sounds (including some sweet leads) and loose hints of melodic attributes tucked away beneath the surface—not to mention some badass vocal patterns. And the absolutely killer production unloads one of the sickest bass tones I've heard in a long time—super fuckin' dense but still possessing enough crispness for the details to be heard amidst the hammering force. There's just something about Trapped Under Ice and the way they're able to truly capture a certain vibe and a level of songwriting quality that so few hardcore bands can even hope to shoot for in this day and age—and they're actually managing to do it without sounding overly similar to any of their predecessors /influences, which is damn near unheard of anymore. I know my "reviews" are getting shorter and shorter these days, but shit, man, there's only so much you can say, and the fuckin' music speaks for itself. I've got huge respect for this band and their vision: They're not just goin' through the motions, and I'll always look forward to hearing where they take it next...
Get It
Reaper Records (CD)
Reaper Records (LP)
Amazon.com (mp3)
iTunes (mp3)
Comments
i seriously need to get wise to this band already.
9.24.2009 | By jfuckinw
I still cannot get into this record. The recording really weirds me out too.
9.24.2009 | By Tyrone
Album of the year. TUI take the best of the Cro-Mags, Leeway, and Crumbsuckers (vocals) with a modern twist.
9.25.2009 | By Chris
TUI is def killer. Been down since their first handful of shows. CHARM CITY REPPIN WORLDWIDE.
9.25.2009 | By John Hasson
Also, to Chris, the poster before me, that’s a pretty right on description.
9.25.2009 | By John Hasson
this is the best metallic hardcore ive heard for many years. good post
9.26.2009 | By thom
Holy shit! This record just destroys on all possible fronts! Can’t believe that an album that sounds like this came out this year and not like early ‘95. I can’t wait to score a copy.
9.26.2009 | By Moz
Amazing album and definitely also album of the year.
9.28.2009 | By xMarkusx
I like this record, but I GREATLY prefer “stay cold”
9.28.2009 | By steve
surely the new reign supreme is wayyy better than this one…
9.29.2009 | By adlianb
FALSE.
9.29.2009 | By Andrew Aversionline
secrets of the worlds is a rad album,
TUI are awesome live too, BALTIMORE HARDCORE ftw!
11.18.2009 | By Hannah
This band is total and utter garbage, just listen to No turning back or something, you know when Euros were pretending to be from NYHC?
11.18.2009 | By Jack
You’re insane.
11.18.2009 | By Andrew Aversionline
rgn sup suck arse. no turning back are nothing like TUI.
Believe has the heaviest ending in ever.
11.19.2009 | By richard