Review / 200 Words Or Less
Steel Trap
Cold.Dead.Broke.

This Blessing, This Curse (2006) Michael

Steel Trap – Cold.Dead.Broke. cover artwork
Steel Trap – Cold.Dead.Broke. — This Blessing, This Curse, 2006

Steel Trap is the latest export from the highly talented Bay Area scene. This five-piece group serves up volatile hardcore that no doubt gets the dance floor moving. The 7" kicks off with your typical intro track of building guitars and a sing-along, this one is "T-S-M!" - not to sure on the meaning of that though, must be an inside joke. "Crowbar Massacre" is a beast of a tune, the riffs are hard and the lyrics are seriously twisted - they even get a little help from Ross Farrar of Ceremony for some guest vocals. "Corroded" and "South E.." continue to churn out a heavy mix of brutal hardcore and metal. Steel Trap save the best for last with the track "Note of Confession." Musically the song hits just as hard as the others, but the lyrics are what make the song, touching on the personal topic of dealing with the unjust loss of a loved one. This 7" is worth it for this track alone, so go buy it.

8.0 / 10Michael • August 29, 2006

Steel Trap – Cold.Dead.Broke. cover artwork
Steel Trap – Cold.Dead.Broke. — This Blessing, This Curse, 2006

Related news

Steel Trap Call It Quits

Posted in Splits on July 14, 2008

Steel Trap Prep Debut Full-Length

Posted in Records on April 10, 2008

Trash Talk / Steel Trap Tourdates

Posted in Tours on January 14, 2007

Recently-posted album reviews

Rufio

From The Outside
Double Felix Records, Double Helix Records (2026)

“Rufio?! Like from back in the day Rufio?” Those were the words out of my mouth while claiming my next review. I wore out Perhaps, I Suppose as a teenager and my curiosity piqued. It has been 25 years since that album was released and 16 years since we have heard from Rufio at all. Regardless of these facts, we … Read more

Oddfellows

Oddfellows
Dirtnap, Wild Honey Records (2026)

The self-titled album from Oddfellows was a long time coming. As in, the band formed in 1994. Now in 2026, they return with founding members Chris Pulliam, Mark Ryan, and Mike Throneberry, plus new addition Peter Salisbury to release their debut album just 32 years later. This lineup means you're going to get a Marked Men reference right away, but … Read more

Cel Ray

Cel Rayzer
Exploding In Sound Records (2026)

I don’t remember how, but I stumbled across Chicago’s Cel Ray in 2023 on the heels of their debut EP, Cellular Raymond. I was immediately hooked. After another EP and a single, the band finally brings us their debut long player, Cel Rayzer. To no surprise, it’s excellent. Cel Ray plays a brand of post-punk that’s lo-fi and streamlined. Singer … Read more