Trapt were formed in Los Gatos, California in 1997 when vocalist Chris Brown and bassist Peter Charell formed a group with Jacob Cook and Simon Ormandy (guitarists), and drummer David Stege. First CD, “Amalgamation”, was sold when they played at local venues, and by the time the band had graduated from high school in 1998, they were opening for acts like Papa Roach. Trapt immediately signed with Warner Bros. Records, and began recording their debut album, with Robin Diaz replacing Stege on the drums (Diaz was eventually replaced by their current drummer, Aaron Montgomery). In November 2002, debut album ”Trapt” was released, with first single "Headstrong" topping both the US Modern Rock and US Mainstream Rock charts, and climbing to number 16 on the US Hot 100. Second single "Still Frame" also managed to top the US Mainstream Rock chart, making number 3 on the US Modern Rock chart. Third single "Echo" peaked at number 10 on the US Modern Rock chart, and number 13 on the US Mainstream Rock chart. The album ”Trapt” has achieved platinum certification, peaking at number 42 on the Billboard 200.

A 3 track EP was released in March 2004, including live versions of "Made Of Glass" and "Echo", as well as a previously unheard track called "Promise". Trapt’s second full length album, "Someone In Control", was released in September 2005, and also produced 3 singles, although none matched the success of the ones from their debut, with only "Stand Up" reached number 3 on the US Mainstream Rock chart. However, “Someone In Control” climbed to number 14 on the US Billboard 200.

A live album entitled “Trapt Live!”, released in September 2007, featuring 2 previously unheard studio songs ("Stay Alive" and "Everything to Lose") as well as live versions of 9 songs from their earlier records. In March 2008, Ormandy left the band, replaced by Robb Torres, and in August 2008, Trapt released third LP "Only Through the Pain", which has charted at number 18 on the US Billboard 200.