Bands evolve over the years; this is evident with Florida’s metal act Trivium as they set out to prove on their 9th album What The Dead Man Say. This is their first album since The Sin and The Sentence released in 2017. For those who know me, you will know I only have two ways of looking at music, it’s either good or bad. So, what did I think of this release? You will soon find out but before that, let me tell you about the album.
The intro song conveniently named IX (nine) is an instrumental piece, a perfect little slice of the calm before the storm, introducing the title track What The Dead Man Say where the band shows off Matt Heafy’s diverse vocals and Alex Bent’s prowess on drums. Catastrophist is a huge epic banger (6 minutes 28 seconds) that shows the band has honed their craft over the years and said let’s go all in. It definitely pays off as it’s probably one of the best songs I’ve heard from the band.
The heaviest track on the album goes to Amongst The Shadows and The Stones, a crushing song that keeps you on your toes and when you think the song is coming to an end it just kicks up into a heavier gear. Some of their heaviest work so far.
Bleed Into Me is a ballad that just works and I love Paolo Gregoletto’s bass on this track. The Defiant displays more of the heaviness of this album and Sickness Unto You then brings speed to the table; so fast! They finish the album with 3 solid tracks Scattering The Ashes, Bending The Arc To Fear, The Ones We Leave Behind.
So, in conclusion, if you haven’t figured it out yet I loved this album, a really solid addition to their discography. A well-balanced, technical, heavy album that displays all the experience that band has gained over their 20-year career. Cory Beaulieu and Matt Heafy let their shredding shine which glues the whole album together. It’s fantastic. Hopefully, we will see them back on the road soon but in the meantime play this on a loop.
Eric Brisson
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