Having come across this Finnish band's name as a reference in Circle's most recent album Incarnation, I felt no reluctance whatsoever about having to review this quartet's most recent outing.
As you know (or may so, when reading that review) Circle “licensed” its name for one record to a bunch of Finnish musicians from the more “extreme” Underground music scene, and among those participating on Incarnation, where Speedtrap's own Markus Hietamies (bass – also a member of Forced Kill, Stench Of Decay, and formerly of Pyrotoxic) and Ville Valavuo (guitar – also a member of Death Toll 80K, Death With A Dagger, and formerly of Pyrotoxic and Perikato) whom, along with singer Jori Sara-aho (also active in Cripper, Death Toll 80K and Scent Of Flesh, and formerly of Irritate, Marttyyrioperaato, Nailgunner, Skullfuck, Hooded Menace, Neutron Hammer and Deadarlings) and drummer Miika Keränen constitute the current line-up of Speedtrap.
Founded in 2007 in the town of Lapeenranta (a city & municipality situated at the shore of Saimaa lake in South-Eastern Finland, at a mere 30 km from the Russian border in the South Karelian region, and some 220 km by road ENE from Helsinki – with a history going back to the 16th century, the current municipality houses some 73,000 people, making Lapeenranta the 13th biggest town in Finland) the now Helsinki based band takes elements from Hardcore Punk and Rock 'n' Roll to synthesize a high-energy Heavy Metal which is somewhat reminiscent of Motörhead (but played at higher pace) on the one hand, and to early Riot on the other! What makes the difference however, is the singer, whom in stead of Lemmy's typical semi-low vocals, brings a somewhat higher-pitched type of shout-screaming. The band has several earlier releases to its name, these consisting of a 4-track demo entitled Heavy Metal Raid – Demo 2008, the 6-track Raw Deal EP (issued through Thunderknights in 2009 it included all of the demo's 4 songs), and the 2010 split release with Death With A Dagger (issued through Holy Roller Records in 2010, 4 songs out of 7 were by Speedtrap).
After that, according to the info sheet we got along with the download promo copy of this album, the band came across “...many slow-ups and hardships...” (literal citation, no details given), but persistence prevailing, Speedtrap is now back with its first full-length release. Well...full-length!? With 8 tracks the album closes in less than 30 minutes...but there's a reason for that, and we again ind that in the info sheet : “...the band has squeezed out all the unnecessary elements from their diamond-tight arrangements and kept songs short to ensure an overdose of genuine 110-proof Rock energy...Zero extra + zero bullshit = pure Rock 'n' Roll Powerdose!...”! And, boys, do they prevail alright! The album is a rollercoaster of catchy melodies...which are nót devoid of “calmer” moments (check the general pace of “Out Of Time, Out Of Line” and the “solo” parts of “Battle Cry”)...that'll have you gasping for air. Luckily, the last song ends in some thunderous rumbling, which will give most listeners the momentary rest to realise that the album's over, and get him/her reaching for that “play” button on the cd-player time and time again.
For your dose of Speedtrap music, you'll have to make due with the band's older recordings posted at their Bandcamp page, for which you'll find a link at (www.) facebook.com/speedtrap. A little warning however : Speedtrap music is rather addictive, and you might find yourself looking to get the band's records as soon as you've gone through a first listening of what's posted. Personally, I've even gone so far as to add Powerdose to my “Best Albums Of 2013” lists! I mean, in spite of claiming to not wanting to re-invent anything, these guys sure manage to bring a quite unique sound!