Author: Primož Novak
Artist: Trivium
Label: Roadrunner Records
Release: year_month
Runtime: 57:18
Rating: 4.5/5
American metallers Trivium have stacked up quite a few albums over the past 15 years. From a run-of-the-mill metalcore outfit, they’ve grown into one of the most recognizable names on the modern metal scene. In recent years they’ve managed to stay afloat despite swapping drummers, though the quality of the albums had started to slip because they were put together pretty fast. With the seventh album, Silence in the Snow, it started to look like the band was drifting away from its signature style and bending toward the bigger market with less aggressive music. But a longtime follower will tell you, at most, that style shifts have been standard practice for Trivium from day one.
While the current album was being made, new drummer Alex Bent joined the band. He previously played in Battlecross, Arkaik, Braindrill, Decrepit Birth and others. He also helped out thrash metal veterans Testament at a few shows. Among other things, he played with Testament at Heavy Montreal 2015, alongside Slovenian bassist Tilen Hudrap. Bent may be a young drummer, but he got his experience in technically demanding bands, which took a ton of practice beforehand. After all, Trivium aren’t about to take on an inexperienced drummer, so Bent’s mileage fits the bill nicely.
Right from the opening track it’s clear that Trivium have put Bent’s skills to serious use. The Sin and the Sentence has all the Trivium trademarks they showed on previous albums. The guitars are heavy, the neoclassical-style soloing definitely stands out, vocalist Matt Heafy has started reaching for harsh vocals again, and the drums pretty much dominate the whole track. Not just fast double-kick, either: the blast beats are back. The start of the album, with its mix of elements from Ascendancy, In Waves and Shogun, is undoubtedly promising. Of course, you can’t draw conclusions from one track. With Beyond Oblivion the potential stays alive. The song explodes in a devastating way (Alex Bent simply shines), followed by a calm-down and a strong chorus, with a surprise of blast beats and virtuoso soloing in between. It feels like Trivium are back on track. With Other Worlds and The Heart From Your Hate, though, things aren’t quite as convincing as with the previous two. Melody is front and center, with a standout chorus and singalong vocals. Nothing really new, but ever since Ascendancy Trivium have been serving up hit-flavored songs written in a simpler way. Betrayer, which even flirts with melodic black metal, twists things up a little again. The metalcore element stands out more, sure, but it’s not the first time Trivium have tried something new, even if there are no drastic departures here. Trivium hit with something unexpected in The Wretchedness Inside, which leans more groove-heavy. With the low-tuned guitars and harsh vocals, the song’s power comes through that much stronger. Endless Night gives off a feeling of a forced song. Compared to the rest, it’s just too syrupy, like something made for a prom. Trivium stumble now and then, too.
The Sin and the Sentence has more highs than lows. Sever the Hand is definitely one of the highs, hiding a surprise in its swerve into a fast, thrashy section. Another tried-and-true move for the band, but undeniably effective. The biggest surprise is saved for near the end. In Revanchist, Trivium let you know they can go progressive too. After Shogun, which had quite a few progressive moments, Trivium have finally proven they’ve got the room to maneuver for another complex, technical album. The only question is whether they’ll dare to risk going that far. The album closes with the punchy, fast Thrown Into The Fire, which seals the deal: Trivium are on the right track.
With their eighth album, Trivium confirm they’re in top form. New drummer Alex Bent has brought a freshness to the band, which doesn’t mean he overshadows the other members. The guitar duo of Matt Heafy and Corey Beaulieu still delivers heavy, melodic riffs and virtuoso solos. Bassist Paolo Gregoletto makes sure you can hear him too; he’s no mere sidekick to the guitars. What may bother you is Heafy’s singing voice, which gets a bit too sugary at times. The album’s production doesn’t disappoint either. Josh Wilbur (Lamb of God, Hatebreed) was undoubtedly the right choice here.
Trivium are clearly back on track. Whether they’ll manage to stay on it or wander off into some other phase again is anyone’s guess. But it turns out a great drummer is pretty essential for Trivium. In short, Trivium are far from being written off.
Lineup
– Matt Heafy – guitar, vocals
– Corey Beaulieu – guitar, vocals
– Paolo Gregoletto – bass, vocals
– Alex Bent – drums
Production
Josh Wilbur
Tracklist
1. The Sin And The Sentence
2. Beyond Oblivion
3. Other Worlds
4. The Heart From Your Hate
5. Betrayer
6. The Wretchedness Inside
7. Endless Night
8. Sever The Hand
9. Beauty In The Sorrow
10. The Revanchist
11. Thrown Into The Fire
