Posted August 10, 2011 by Sam in CD Reviews

CD Review: Trivium

ARTIST: Trivium
TITLE: In Waves
YEAR: 2011
LABEL: Roadrunner Records
Author: Sam Yakou

Trivium seem to have a reputation in the metal community as an up and coming band despite the fact that the Florida thrashers have been around for over a decade and toured with Iron Maiden, Metallica, Slayer and the like. Their latest release, In Waves, finds the band going back to their roots. The overall sound is more atmospheric, but the attitude and melody is reminiscent of their earlier work.

Trivium frontman Matt Heafy has stated that he wanted In Waves to take what the band had established and move it forward. This is evident from the beginning of the album. Capsizing the Seas is a stark piano melody backed military drumming. The dozen or so tracks that follow span across the genres Trivium have been known to revel in. Death metal vocals on Dusk Dismantled; melodic melodies interspersed with multiple guitar lines throughout the title track; and modern heavy rock sensibilities on Watch the World Burn. All throughout In Waves the band displays their considerable chops and penchant for juxtaposing melody with brutality.

While In Waves is certainly an admirable effort that has all the earmarks of being successful; it’s not perfect. The tracks sound too processed and over-produced; songs tend to blend together; and some of the riffs can easily be lost among the myriad of heavy acts on tour. However, these issues are minor and may, in fact, help launch the band to greater commercial heights. Trivium fans will find plenty to enjoy while new fans may be inspired to raid the catalog for more.

Bottom line: In Waves is a definite step forward for Trivium. While it may not be the landmark album it aspires to be there is still plenty to enjoy. In Waves shows flashes of brilliance that are, at times, weighed down by predictability. The progression from young upstarts to metal favorites is complete. Perhaps in a few years Trivium will deliver on the huge promise shown by In Waves and hand the world the monumental album they are clearly capable of creating.