Album Review: Hammer – Trapped (Self Released)

Scottish heavy hitters, Hammer will self-release their new album ‘Trapped’ on August 1st, 2025.

Hammer realised, Hammer defined, Hammer as they stand today, and Hammer ready to mess you up. Featuring unexpected depth, impressive variety, and undeniable intensity, the Scottish metallers have aimed high with this release and hit the mark. Not just because of focus, but because it’s the perfect distillation of who and what they are right now. Capable of delivering unrelenting ferocity across all areas of the band, but confident enough to let every single aspect of the band shine. Then, throw in a thick lathering of cynicism, anger, horror, and more, connected to the ‘entrapment’ vein that runs through the entire thing, and you’re left with an album that slaps hard.

Do you think you know heavy? You don’t know heavy, because here’s Hammer to wallop you around the head with actual heaviness. Refined heaviness that drives forward with nasty intent and guaranteeing everyone listening will be head banging. Especially when it comes with the force of Mea Cupla and Trapped in a House with a Maniac. Pummelling riffs, meaty drums, and vocals that roar with such power. These two tracks alone have the impact to leave you with a crushed nose, busted lip, and concussion.

Many words come to mind as the album goes on, and one such word is ‘outrageous’ and all because of Hammer’s unrelenting power. They do not let up, both from a speed and heavy perspective and it is felt come the end. Even if the journey is so damn enjoyable. I don’t think I’ve gurned as much this year as I did during my initial listen of The Hanged Man, a track that only seems to get nastier on each subsequent listen, even though it has a touch more groove to it (it’s the drums that do it – they’re beastly here).

Throughout the album there are exceptional moments of instrumental flair, which when paired with the garish vocals, make it such a memorable listen. They’re one of Scotland’s finest heavy bands and no more proof is needed than the chunky trio of Gorehound, Basilisk, and Golem. All show off the exciting refinement that dominates the record, while also sounding inherently heavy, and wholly horrifying. They’re a dangerous sounding band, but when they’re soloing away or delivering some notable catchy and hooky riffs, it’s easy to forget that. Even if the blood-curdling vocals and crunching bass/drum combo serves as harsh reminder.

Can it get any better? Of course it can, even if it does mean the end. It’s Alive and bodies will be left lying, panting for breath, and wondering why they’re now seeing stars. The slower tempo just makes them sound heavier.

Hammer have nailed it here. Not just giving us a record that defines them perfectly, but giving us a record that stands up against the best heavy music released this year. Are you up for having your ass kicked?

Hammer – Trapped Track Listing:

1. Mea Culpa
2. Trapped In a House with a Maniac
3. The Hanged Man
4. Gorehound
5. Basilisk
6. Golem
7. Alive

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