Only Through the Pain
Trapt · 2008
45 min · 11 tracks · alternative metal
A blend of gritty riffs and melodic hooks that captures the struggle between resilience and despair.
Top tracks — play these first
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Wasteland — Opening with an anthemic chorus, this track establishes a sense of urgency and sets the tone for the album's exploration of inner turmoil.
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Contagious — This song combines catchy melodies with darker themes, effectively showcasing the juxtaposition of vulnerability and strength prevalent throughout the album.
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Only One in Color — With its poignant lyrics about feeling isolated despite being surrounded by others, this track encapsulates the album's emotional depth and lyrical maturity.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album balances gritty riffs with introspective lyrics but lacks standout moments that elevate it beyond its genre.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features driving guitar riffs and anthemic choruses, while the second half shifts towards more introspective and melodic arrangements.
- Several tracks incorporate a call-and-response vocal style, enhancing the dynamic between the lead singer and backing vocals.
- The album's lyrics frequently explore themes of struggle and resilience, with a notable shift in tone from aggression to reflection as it progresses.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- introspective late-night reflections
- steady emotional builds
- dynamic storytelling through music
- engaging mid-tempo pacing
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Solid entry that showcases Trapt's evolving sound, but not their most recognized work.
- Career context
- By the time 'Only Through the Pain' was released in 2008, Trapt had solidified their place in the alternative metal scene with previous hits like 'Headstrong'. This album came after their successful self-titled debut and its follow-up, 'Someone in Control', marking a period where the band sought to evolve their sound while maintaining their established identity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Breaking Benjamin· Three Days Grace· P.O.D.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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The Last Tear
The narrator confronts their pain directly, acknowledging past mistakes while expressing a desire for redemption.
This moment reflects a pivotal shift in tone, as it moves from reflection to a proactive stance on healing, emphasizing personal growth.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Wasteland 3:45
- 2 Who’s Going Home With You Tonight? 3:35
- 3 Contagious 4:23
- 4 Black Rose 4:41
- 5 Ready When You Are 4:57
- 6 Forget About the Rain 3:28
- 7 Cover Up 3:45
- 8 Only One in Color 4:18
- 9 Wherever She Goes 3:42
- 10 Curiosity Kills 4:21
- 11 The Last Tear 4:15
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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