Album Review: Hammer - Trapped
Reviewed by Dan Phipps
Coming from the small town of Penicuik which is around ten miles from Edinburgh, Hammer are a five piece band who by combining a variety of elements have worked to create their own signature sound which will see the band independently release their sophomore album Trapped on August 1st.
Now to put it simply Trapped comes out swinging right from the start. Its large heavy sound instantly makes you stand up and take notice with its sharp and attacking guitar work that is met with a thick and powerful low end that cuts through giving you the nod that it's time to pay attention to what you are listening too. Hammer are technically proficient musicians and you get a real sense of how they work to create and blend an array of styles to craft their sound, the compositions have a really strong chemistry which showcases the ability to take a section which is more heavily based on groove and then flip it on its head and go straight for the kill with a more aggressive and vicious approach as easily as you can flip on a light switch.
The band also cater for the more chaotic sound at points it may not be for a long period but they certainly fit a lot within each track which will keep you on your toes. The vocals take a very direct and attacking approach to the performance. They are deep and have a real power behind them and they are brought to the forefront of the tracks while not taking over, in a time where vocals are at points taking over a band's release instead of being part of the musical performance it's always refreshing when the collective musically look to share the spotlight. All together Hammer produces seven tracks which mesh extremely well over the run length of the record with a great flow and solid thick and real sounding production.
Hammer produces a solid and well crafted slab of modern metal with a severe extreme kick to it. It's combination of tight musicianship and excellent production which keeps the authenticity of the craft that has gone into the tracks is the key for me in finding enjoyment with the release.
