Rebirth within a band can be somewhat of a mystery. Releasing arguably their most well received record of late, Trivium’s Silence In The Snow stood proudly as a new statement of the band’s intent. Featuring entirely clean singing the record was perhaps the band’s most accomplished example of songwriting to date. Soon to lay the album to rest as they begin their next phase of their career. Armed with new drummer Alex Bent the band embark on their final touring cycle as defiantly as it began with their intimidating headline performance at Bloodstock. As the cold chill is felt across London tonight it’s not from the February air but the imperialistic conquering that will happen over at Camden’s Roundhouse.
Photos by Tristan Pratt
Enlisting support from Watford boys Sikth, the pairing of support and the headliner is perhaps an unlikely marriage. With Sikth’s meandering, schizophrenic melodies, patterns similar to an indecisive child the band take to the stage with gusto. One man down here tonight, guitarist Pin has sadly been unable to make the performance and it’s noticeable. Despite all the band performing together it simply doesn’t quite feel like the Sikth we know and love. Contrasting with their absolutely devastating comeback headline show at The Forum tonight’s performance is an entirely different affair. Nevertheless special mention should go to Dan Weller for well and truly holding the fort in such a double guitar oriented group.
With much of the guitar wizardry gone, songs aren’t delivered with the kind Pin point (no pun intended) accuracy needed. Singers Mikee Goodman and new blood Joe Rosser who is tasked with the difficulty of hitting those notes that Justin Hill held so brilliantly. “Flogging The Horses” predictably delivers its flailing punches with Rosser’s vocals proving well in a difficult arena. Opacities number and show opener “Philistine Philosophies” comes out of the gates rampantly showcasing the bands technical ability, yet for some reason the energy here tonight seems to be slightly lacking. Perhaps in the odd pairing of the two bands, there some fans that look dumb founded when Mikee Goodman goes into the spoken word of “When Will The Forest Speak“. Though faithful fans are here to save the day with the classic “Skies of Millenium Night” and of course “Pussyfoot”. Sikth shouldn’t be penalised for being a member down and perhaps a little mismatched slot but tonight its just not quite the same. Regardless though, the Watford bunch bring their a-game delivering their teutonic Progressive Metal in spades but not all shots are bullseyes.
Gutting the power on stage as unmistakable triplet of “Run To The Hills” gallops out of the PA, there are moments here when fans deafen what is a loud PA. As the empirical skulls flank both stage right and left are light a demonic green the Ascendancy introduction “The End Of Everything” slowly welcomes the arrival of our hosts this evening. As a wide eyed Matt Heafy bounds onto the stage as Trivium burst into “Rain” producing a downpour of energy, not stopping for a breath. Though the kit might be the anchor, three quarters of the band are in almost constant movement. Ensuring that both vocalists, taking over harsh vocals now, Corey Beaulieu delivers the throat charring. Making a beautiful contrast to Matt’s singing, particularly on Shogun ripper “Down From The Sky“.
Despite their recent line up woes, it seems that new drummer Alex Bent is becoming well at home as the bands rhythmic heartbeat. Navigating the likes of “Entrance Of The Conflagration” with ease and relaxing on the kit as night goes on the man marches to his own beat, making potential for an interesting contribution to new material.
Providing the fitting hospitality that Trivium are renowned for, it’s all smiles here as we hear deeper cuts the likes of “Forsake Not The Dream” and “The Deceived” even reaching as far back as Ember To Inferno celebrating its re-release with a crushing “Pillar Of Serpents“. Having seen the band more than a fair share of times, Trivium are simply brilliant at the art of the performance. Welcoming every member of the crowd, save for the shattering circle pits around everyone here is part of the exact same performance. Often citing Metal as the most united of fronts, there are countless examples of an elitist nature, not here. Instead the Florida sunshine permeates the usual preconceptions.
Yet it’s not just a good host, the trickster riffing of “Throes of Perdition” show that Trivium can well and truly hold their own on technicality. Choosing the combination of classic eighties style guitar trade off “A Gunshot To The Head of Trepidation“, an almost modern tale on Megadeth classic “Hangar 18” to the radio positive “Until The World Goes Cold“. Creating a perfect juxtaposition of just how far the band have come from their 2006 debut. Taking the crowd in the palm of their hands one final time, The Roundhouse could well have been flipped from the combined power in the jump as Heafy and co hurl out their now iconic “In Waves”. Be it a headline spot at Bloodstock or a sold show at London’s Roundhouse, regardless of setting our Japanese samurai’s once again and always will receive a heroes welcome from London.
