Baltimore’s finest Trapped Under Ice is at it again to unleash havoc with their raw blend of in your face hardcore. The bands latest effort Secrets of the World came out August 4th, on Reaper Records. The band brings the brutality of a New York hardcore band, while keeping it “cold” in a way only Trapped Under Ice can deliver. Coming off Stay Cold lets see what “Ice” the band brings to their first full length.
First off I must comment on the fat bass lines and production value; Trapped Under Ice delivers a true hardcore sound that almost has the raw live feel, while not sacrificing any audio quality. The band comes out swinging with “See God,” very punctual and real something that can truly be appreciated in the current sea of mindless clones and drones. Fast, pissed, and downright aggressive, Trapped Under Ice does hardcore justice with songs like “TUI,” and “Gemini,” that are relentless. Much like Shai Hulud misanthropy runs rampant throughout Secrets of the World, especially apparent within the closing track “World I Hate,” which may very well be the best track on the album, with a more eerie destructive melody.
Only setback within Secrets of the World is its length, I left my stereo after track one to get a Pepsi by the time I got back it was already to track five. This doesn’t surprise me due to the genre but a full length album that only spans just over twenty minutes is somewhat upsetting. Especially since their EP Stay Cold with bonus tracks spanned around thirty minutes, you don’t see that happen too often. Other than that minor nuisance Trapped Under Ice has put together one of the most solid hardcore albums yet this year.
If you like hardcore, this is a must. Secrets of the World, contains the perfect blend to suit any hardcore taste buds. I am certain Trapped Under Ice will continue to bulldoze across the earth with their intense amount of touring, and continue to climb up the ranks within hardcore to become one of the best. Trapped Under Ice has a delivery and style that is true to themselves as well as the genres roots. Do not miss out on one of the best hardcore albums put out this year.
Fuck man, I love this band.
