Review: “For Those Who Never Came Home” by Trapped In Thought!

While they have existed in one form or another for more than a decade the trials and tribulations of life have often seen Ontario Metalcore quartet Trapped In Thought take periods of hibernation before returning rejuvenated. This time around “For Those Who Never Came Home” the band retain the line up that brought us the re-recorded rendition of the title track of their 2014 EP “Lost Dreams” in February 2020 with founding member Stephan Burnett on guitars, Stefan Bento on drums, Michael Grint providing vocals and Jake Sweezy on bass. Ruminating over uncertainty, stressful situations and immersive distractions can put us at war with our thoughts to the point that they become intrusive. This collection is a somber journey through those intrusive thoughts and memories of loss and self-doubt, set on the backdrop of melancholy melodies juxtaposed with fist-to-the-face aggression…

…with roots in Post-Hardcore opening instrumental “Sheltered” feels like waking up fully clothed on the sofa after a night of drunken debauchery, the full ache in the body and mind eased by the warmth of the sun. A thing of beauty, that opens the floor for  “Exposed”, a track which confirms what everyone knows but doesn’t want to mention – there is no such thing as a fresh start because the baggage of what went before remains a weight on the shoulders. A classically styled cut that reminds of bands like Phinehas, it finds the trio joined by Jon Howard of Imonolith and Threat Signal fame. The melodies are rich, warm, somber and sobering, contrasting the pained vocals perfectly in arty fashion, a spoken word classy and understated while the aggression of the middle is well balanced. Something isn’t quite right in the mix, the band sounding like they miss the punch and weight of a second guitar but that doesn’t hide any of the qualities they so or detract from the enjoyment of this offering. “Erode Through Me” finds similar balance, drifting between Post-Hardcore riffs and Metalcore punch, Grint providing a varied approach without any cleans and sounding unhinged at times as the aggression levels shift and contort through the song.

“Brotherhood” is arguably the most personal of these cuts, chugging rhythms overlayed by intricate leads as Grint grieves on his memories having lost of a best friend in Ryan Jason James Gospil (11/10/1994 – 09/03/2020) to a motorcycle accident. In some ways it’s relatable to the Volumes cut “Vahle” which runs on a similar theme, both bands sticking to what they do best with all unclean vocals aggressive guitar work and yet both able to create something captivating and emotively raw while being heavy at the same time. The tapping sections of this one in particular are stunning, making it the kind of tribute that fits perfectly and is easy to relate to. “Still Sleep” closes the book with a cut that has a couple of DJent leaning riffs as Grint once again exposes his soul and vents his spleen. A solid collection of Metalcore cuts that has the power to move you, Trapped In Thought are in inspired form here [8/10]

Track Listing

1. Sheltered
2. Exposed (ft. Jon Howard of Imonolith, Threat Signal)
3. Erode Through Me
4. Brotherhood
5. Still Sleep

“For Those Who Never Came Home” by Trapped In Thought is out 21st April 2023 and might be available over at bandcamp.