ALBUM REVIEW: Trapped In A World – Terror

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. It’s an adage so common, it’s used and overused in almost every way possible about anything the masses deem too near and dear to change. But despite it’s widespread nature, it’s a saying that hardcore titans TERROR should perhaps have followed a bit more closely. Their new release, Trapped In A World, is a collection of re-recorded tracks from their first two recordings, Lowest Of The Low and One With The Underdogs. And the kicker? Original guitarist and NAILS mastermind Todd Jones is back in the fold playing guitar for this release; prefacing his stint as producer on TERROR‘s upcoming record.

With that in mind, one would think this album would take the selected tracks and make them even more punishing and heavy, with more emphasis on the riffs and overall sonic brutality. However, the band decides to go in a different direction on this release, instead opting for a live in the studio and straight off the rehearsal space feel. It has pros and cons here, but ultimately the record does suffer as TERROR‘s trademark riffs and thick sound fall a bit flat.

That doesn’t mean these re-records have their share of high points. For one thing, the rawness and unadulterated passion of the performances stand out on each and every song, with little touches like hearing the little pre and post goofing around of the band on Life And Death adding an element of intimacy between listener and band. The fury that Jones adds to the band is especially apparent on the back half of the record, with the riffs coming thick and fast on tracks like Better Off Without You, which is still absolutely slamming. Jones‘ guitar tone and vocalist Scott Vogel‘s voice may sound a bit more muted, but on tracks like this and Less Than Zero, with its pummelling bass breakdown, the heaviness is not lost in the sound, and the live nature adds another dimension to them. Crushed By The Truth too, is still an instant mosh; as fast and frenetic as ever.

But the record’s biggest detraction is found across the majority of the rest of it. TERROR is known for it’s sheer heaviness; the mixture of crunchy riffs that take up enough space to compress an entire room in their grip. The production of their records, perfectly captured in essence though their last record, Total Retaliation, produced by wunderkind Will Putney. The production and mix adds a heft that captures exactly what TERROR is and always has been. The band is at its best when their riffs are mixed well and hit like a sledgehammer, not a claw hammer. Both are heavy, but the difference is obviously felt. Tracks like Push It Away and Out Of My Face just don’t carry the same weight without the right production behind them. The energy and vitality of the band are still there, and those will always be eternal facets the group carries. But the choice to go in the the less produced, more live direction for Trapped In A World softens the blow that these songs originally gave.

Todd Jones and TERROR back together again could have amazing results on the next record of original material. As a producer, Jones can bring the wrecking ball of heaviness if he so chooses. But TERROR should take heed of why their sound has endured for so long with such popularity. People love riffs, and they love when those riffs sound as thick and chunky as an anvil. These songs still have so much power contained within, but unfortunately, even with all the vim and vigour the band deliver in their performances, the true power of TERROR can only be released with the right touch of production. Fingers crossed for the next release.

Rating: 6/10

Trapped In A World is set for release March 5th via self release. 

Like TERROR on Facebook.