This week on Riff Worship, we dive headfirst into one of the 21st century's most visceral extreme music masterpieces: Trap Them’s 2008 sophomore album, Seizures in Barren Praise. Joining us to dissect the record's enduring legacy is Clint Gee, vocalist of Seattle grindcore outfit Smearing!
We’ll take a look into the blueprint of the record, exploring how the band seamlessly fused hardcore punk velocity with the legendary Swedish Boss HM-2 buzzsaw guitar tone. From its non-linear track listing to the cryptic lore of the fictional town of Barren Praise, we establish exactly why this album remains a high-water mark in aggressive music.
In this episode, we’ll discuss:
An in-depth look at the album's creation at GodCity Studios with producer Kurt Ballou, highlighting the evolution from their debut full-length Sleepwell Deconstructor.
Unpacking vocalist Ryan McKenney’s unique, paragraph-style lyrical concept—treating the written word as a separate art medium from the music—and how the stark cinematic style of director Dario Argento influenced his approach.
Analyzing the specific gear behind the record's devastating riffs, including the Ampeg V4 amp head and the finely tuned HM-2 pedal setup.
Discussing the dark, iconic cover art crafted by Deathwish Inc. co-founder and Converge frontman Jacob Bannon.
Clint Gee shares his own history in the DIY Nashville and Seattle music scenes, and how Trap Them's legendary live intensity shaped his own musical path!
Recommendations:
Orphan Donor - Ailments
Demeanor - The Slugs Throne
Vulgar Mephitis - From Dust
FAKE DUST - Decrepitizing Din Of The Cerebral Psyopticon
PISSCORPSE - PRECIPICE OF DEATH
Total Power Exchange - Fractured Godhead Terrene Mask
Infernal Coil - Within A World Forgotten
Napalm Death
Thou
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