Trapt - Only Through The Pain Review

Posted by Dan Marsicano on 08.12.2008

Trapt returns with Only Through The Pain, the band's first new album in three years, and one that has the band utilizing a heavier emphasis on melody. The fans' reaction have been mixed on the album, but how does Dan Marsicano feel about it?

The Band

Chris Taylor Brown-Vocals, Guitar
Robb Torres-Guitar
Pete Charell-Bass
Aaron ‘Monty’ Montgomery-Drums


The Track Listing

1. Wasteland-3:45
2. Who’s Going Home With You Tonight?-3:35
3. Contagious-4:23
4. Black Rose-4:42
5. Ready When You Are-4:57
6. Forget About The Pain-3:29
7. Cover Up-3:45
8. Only One In Color-4:19
9. Wherever She Goes-3:43
10. Curiosity Kills-4:22
11. The Last Tear-4:15





The Review

Trapt has made a career out of rock anthems and catchy singles. Their 2002 self-titled debut album went platinum, thanks to the success of singles “Headstrong,” “Still Frame,” and “Echo.” Once the sophomore album Someone In Control was released in 2005, the band’s popularity waned a bit, but the album still went gold, with help from singles “Stand Up” and “Waiting.” With a new lead guitarist, Trapt has released their third album, Only Through The Pain, a more commercial effort than previous albums.

As a fan of the band’s first album, I was initially surprised at the lack of anger and hostility that Brown displayed. Brown has taken his lyrics and turned them from being about aggression towards other and about lost love and finding true happiness. I know what you’re thinking, “Dan, does that mean that Trapt has gone all ‘emo’ on us?” My answer to that is a simple “maybe.”

It depends on what perspective you are looking at. For long-term fans of the band, who have stuck with the band since the beginning and supported them for years, yeah, Only Through The Pain seems like a cop-out, a way for the band to get back to that level of success in 2002. This factor could split fans on the new release, and looking at message boards and reader reviews, it appears that is what has happened.

For fans of rock music, and those who have only heard a track or two from the band themselves, Only Through The Pain may provide more enjoyment for you. The songwriting is geared towards being as catchy and melodic as possible and Brown seems to pour his heart out for all to witness. Not every track works, and the ballads are hit-or-miss, but Only Through The Pain offers a new Trapt, one that’s not afraid to show its flaws for the world to judge.

The one-two explosive punch of “Wasteland” and single “Who’s Going Home With You Tonight?” provide fans with the heavy and driving Trapt. The tracks are some of the best tracks of the band’s career and are instantly memorable. While the other tracks on the album take a bit to get accustomed to, these two provide the boost in energy that is guaranteed to get the live crowds pumped.

Unlike some of the past rock albums I’ve reviewed recently, Trapt makes sure that it isn’t all ballads and tear-jerkers. “Contagious” is slower than the opening tracks, but has a pulse-pounding chorus with a solid ending that picks the pace up quite a bit. “Curosity Kills” is a nice break from a pair of ballads near the end and has a post-grunge sound to it that reminds me of Saliva (the good years).

The most criticized part of Trapt’s new sound is the increase of a softer-sound. These tracks are hit-or-miss. Thankfully, for the most part, the over-used acoustic ballads are kept to a minimum, with the band working extra hard to overcome that cliché. “Black Rose” is the best ballad on the album, with a good guitar solo to boot. Brown puts in a great vocal performance and the rest of the band follows suit. Closer “The Last Tear” is a bit cheesy, but Brown pulls it off to end the album on a high note. The same can’t be said for the over-long “Ready When You Are” and plodding “Only One In Color.”

Only Through The Pain has a few surprises, mostly in the form of funky “Forget About The Pain” and “Cover Up.” The bands put on their best impersonation of 311 meets Maroon 5, something that may shock people. I hope they are shocked, as I think that’s what rock music needs a bit of these days. These two tracks aren’t the best Only Through The Pain has to offer, but its different, and for that, I give Trapt credit.

Only Through The Pain doesn’t top their debut album, but it will cause controversy and concern among fans. The melodic sound suits the band well and while too mainstream for some to handle, I applaud a band that changes their sound, even if fans may turn their back on them. Only Through The Pain has enough tracks that are potential singles that the album should do well, but fans may be disappointed by the “evolution” of Trapt into what they are today.

The 411: Only Through The Pain is one of the better rock albums I've heard this year, because of the extra effort Trapt puts in to please both long-time and newer fans, even if said fans are less than ethusiastic about the album. There are a handful of ballads, some emotionally potent and others mediocre, but the brief moments of experimentation in "Forget About The Pain" and the pair of opening tracks help the album to stand out better than expected.

Final Score:  7.0   [ Good ]