Released: Aug 9, 2011
Genre: Metalcore, Thrash Metal
Label: Roadrunner
Number Of Tracks: 13
"In Waves" is Trivium's 5th studio album, and the first album release in 3 years. The guitar riffs are still blazing fast, but there was no real new ground broken with this album release. If you enjoyed Trivium's previous releases, then you will probably also enjoy "In Waves".
In WavesFeatured review by: UG Team, on august 09, 2011 7 of 20 people found this review helpful
Sound: I came to this album with a fairly neutral opinion of Trivium, and I did manage to get some enjoyment listening to this album. Really, at the core of it, Trivium are a thrash band and "In Waves" is a good specimen of a solid thrash album. The guitar tones are pretty good, the playing is solid, the songwriting (musically, not lyrically) is well done and displays Corey Beaulieu's and Matt Heafy's guitar work nicely. I normally don't really pay much attention to the bassist, to be perfectly honest, but I think that Paolo deserves props for doing an awesome job holding the songs together. I wasn't as impressed with their new drummer, Nick Augusto. Maybe it is just me, but listening to "In Waves" next to their previous releases the drums just aren't cutting it. Maybe it was something done in production, and not in the actual execution. Hard to say.
I think I was more impressed with how solid the rhythm and bass playing were on this album than with the lead parts. There were a few solos that I really enjoyed, and not trying to take away from Corey's playing (I would love to be able to play like Corey), but the rhythm parts just seemed more solid. I really enjoyed the rhythm and lead on "Forsake Not The Dream", and would have like to see this type of playing where during the chorus/verse the lead guitar is complementing and adding to the rhythm playing. This may be going into the realm of where I approach and leave every Trivium album I've listened to feeling lukewarm about them. I know Trivium is capable of making music better than what I feel like they generally produce, though what they do produce is still solid. // 8
Lyrics and Singing: Maybe this is just me, but I'm tired of bands with melodramatically negative lyrics. If you are writing from inspiration and about some bad things that have been going on with you, or even about current events, etc. I can understand. What I can't understand is an album full of songs that seem contrived to just have the most negative lyrics possible trying to appeal to disgruntled teenagers. I also didn't enjoy the title track "In Waves" which, just listening to the lyrics, is written like it is someone contemplating committing suicide and whether they should take other people down with them in the process. I absolutely feel like the lyrics are the weakest part of this album – musically the album is competitive with Trivium's other releases (though it doesn't surpass the previous releases) but lyrically I was very disappointed, though Trivium is not known for their deep and well written lyrics.
Going into vocal delivery, I've got mixed feelings. I can say on the song "Black" I enjoyed the vocal delivery pretty consistently throughout. My gripe with the vocal delivery is that the screamed vocals are so much more growl than singing in places you can't tell what is being said, and with the sung parts it is mostly sung too prettily. I guess I just would like the growls and the singing to meet somewhere in the middle and have some proper "thrash" vocal delivery going on. At least there could be some work on the growl vocals to make them a little more intelligible, and a little more force behind the clean vocals to make it a little more "metal" and a little less pretty. // 6
Impression: This is the first album to showcase Nick Augusto on drums, who replaced Travis Smith after his departure in 2009. Personally, I've never been a huge Trivium fan, though I do appreciate what they do in a peripheral way. I was excited to see they do have a bonus DVD with live performances of the songs from the album you can get with the "Special Edition" version of "In Waves" which looks like it is listed for $14.99 on most web retail sites. I always appreciate the opportunity to watch a band's live performance over listening to a studio recording. Unfortunately, I haven't got my hands on the "Special Edition" release yet, so stuck with just the studio recordings for the time being.
My favorite part of the entire album would have to be the solo from the track "Watch The World Burn". My favorite song would have to be "Black". I think that the song "Of All These Yesterdays" is probably the most musically interesting song on the album. "In Waves" could have potentially been a lot better with better lyrics and delivery. Existing fans of Trivium will probably be satisfied with this album, though it doesn't break new ground it absolutely does keep up their existing standard. I think that because it has been three years since their last album release this could have a little to do with a mediocre (though bearable) effort from Trivium, but I'm looking forward to see what they come out with in the future to raise the bar. // 7
In Waves
Reviewed by:
thesentinel82, on august 09, 2011 3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Sound: Following on from 2008's "Shogun", Trivium are back with "In Waves" - an album that takes them back to the days of "Ascendancy".
I would think that the majority of Trivium fans agree that "The Crusade" was the work of a band trying to be accepted into the mainstream and forgetting the signature sound that thrust them into the public eye with "Ascendancy".
If Shogun was the starting point in the revival of that sound then "In Waves" is the continuation and growth that we have wanted since 2004 and it's evident that the band have gone back to the writing and recording formula used on "Ascendancy".
Gone is the Metallica comparison and in it's place Trivium have finally established their sound. The brutal screams are back, mixed in tightly with Heafy's improved vocals and this is perfectly complimented by new drummer Nick Augusto's blistering drumming.
Corey Beaulieu is on fine form performing some gorgeous solos and riffs and Paulo Gregoletto is ever steady on bass. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: Matt Heafy's vocal work has improved massively since "Ascendancy" and he easily switches between aggressive screams and clean vocals.
The lyrics, while not quite on a par with "Ember To Inferno" and "Ascendancy" are excellent and certainly fit with the music. // 9
Impression: An excellent album by a revitalised band, their signature screams combined with excellent vocals. Trivium have finally shaken off the Metallica-clone label and can stand on their own as a band - proving they have the chops. New drummer Nick Augusto fits in seamlessly showing his skill set with some powerful blast beats and effortless drumming.
Trivium fans - buy this album as Matt & the boys are back with a vengeance! // 10
In Waves
Reviewed by:
HardAttack, on august 11, 2011 1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Sound: Trivium has always had generally positive feedback. "Ascendancy" was the album that got me interested in them, and I continued buying their material when "The Crusade" and "Shogun" came out. "The Crusade" seemed a lot like a Metallica tribute album, and "Crusade" seemed to move in a different direction completely, almost as if it was a different band. When I heard earlier this year that there was going to be a new album that is very similar to "Ascendancy", bringing them back to their roots; I was very excited. I can tell you now that it has not disappointed me. I feel that Trivium has steered their song structure style and vocals back towards "Ascendancy", but have kept their even more advanced guitar techniques and some experimentation from "The Crusade" and "Shogun".
The guitar work is impressive as always, but it seems more fun to listen to this time around. That may sound kind of odd, but I feel like "Shogun" seemed to be more of an abstract, experimentation album or a technical guitar work album. It was good, but I think "In Waves" is better. Top shelf work from start to finish. Drums are very good despite the new drummer. I learned the old one had left only within the last few days, and honestly I don't hear much of a difference. There are a few examples of drummers in the metal genre who have a very unique and easy to recognize style, but I don't think Travis Smith was one of them. I think the guitar work in Trivium out-shined the drums for so many years that I've become used to the ripping fast drums and kind of put them on the back burner. I'll put my flame shield up anyway, since I know Travis was named Best Drummer In The Universe a few years ago by Metal Hammer. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: I think the lyrics have some dark and depressing undertones a perfect example being their single from the album; "In Waves". Honestly that song combined with the intro track "Capsizing The Sea" is what still sticks in my head after listening to the entire album. Matt's voice is just as strong as it has always been on Trivium's previous efforts. I can't speak about his live performances, but I suppose if I sit down to watch the bonus DVD that came with it, I can have an opinion. I'll worry about that later. I really bought the collector's edition for the extra tracks. I think it was well worth it in the end. The lyrics fit the music well, I don't think this band has ever had a hard time making songs run along smoothly, and a lot of songs match up with the common theme of the album. I think the lyrics are more clever than some of the other metal bands I listen to, so a bonus point or two will be thrown in for that. // 8
Impression: Does the album compare to other albums or artists? Yeah absolutely. After Trivium decided to do "The Crusade", I don't think they'll ever get away without having a bit of Metallica in them from now on, but that's a good thing. I think Trivium puts any of Metallica's recent efforts to shame (Flame shield up again). It's shred/thrash/melodic metal at its core, and I couldn't be happier with the final sound all of those elements combine to create. As I said earlier, the track that sticks with me most is still "In Waves", but "Downing In Slow Motion", "Chaos Reigns", and "A Skylines Severance" are a few great examples of others that I think were done well. Not every track can be my favorite, but I don't think there were necessarily any fillers, even on the expanded version of the disc which I got for the extra tracks. Playing this album the entire way through without stopping gives a non-stop comfortable sound. And yes, I find bands that can be labeled by the press as "brutal", "hardcore" and "extreme" comfortable. I wake up on the way to work with this kind of music, I work out to it, I play video games with it and I'll play along with it on my own guitar.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is an album I can do all three of those things with, very easily, over and over again. I have a lot of music, and I can't say that about a good portion of my albums. I'd definitely buy the album again if I had to, first because it's good and second because I'm the kind of person who tries to collect all CD's from bands I like, whether they're brilliantly made or not. I love the sound of the guitars, the lyrics work pretty well, and I love the amount of content they give you for the money. I hate that it's not free, but the band deserves money for their efforts.
Take Trivium for what you will, but overall I recommend the album fans, newcomers, and I encourage skeptics to at least try listening to it. // 9
In Waves
Reviewed by:
mysistermeac, on august 10, 2011 4 of 10 people found this review helpful
Sound: Trivium's new album "In Waves" have been described as a step back to the "Ascendancy" era and at some point, you can hear some resemblance but this is a more radio friendly "Ascenandcy". The production on the album is very good (Colin Richardson almost always deliver) but the songwriting is very poor at times. Most of the time actually. The only songs that are okey are "Dusk Dismantled", "A Skyline Severance", "Black" and "Drowning In Slow Motion". The other songs just sound like Trivium is trying to get on the radio and they can't handled that sound. It just sounds chessy and wrong when they do it. Especially in the song "Built To Fall", the lyrics made me laugh but let me get to that later! // 5
Lyrics and Singing: Its not much to say but the lyrics, they are bad. Matt Heafy stated in a interview that he wanted to write easier lyrics so people all over the world could understand them. Wich could be a good thing if he didn't wrote lyrics like 12 year old emo boy that just lost his girlfriend. I mean "Built To Fall" is just embaressing with lines like "I don't want to hate you but how could I not? You killed off so much I held dear in my heart". I am from Sweden and I could cope with the lyrics on the "Shogun" album. The "Shogun" lyrics were amazing and this is just... I'm not going to say anymore. // 2
Impression: Heafy also stated that they finally found their own style and that this is the best Trivium record. Heafy, I thought you were a good musician and songwriter? This is the worst Trivium album out there. Even "The Crusade" has better songs than this album and I think they already found their sound. On "Shogun"! That album was amazing both music wise and lyric wise. don't get me wrong, I am a longtime, hardcore Trivium fan but this just got me disapointed. I have listened to the album like 5-6 times now just to see if it would grow on me, but no. This is emberassing and I really hope that Trivium get to their senses and realize that too, like they did with "The Crusade". The music on this album are okey at sometimes but doesnt't compensate for the really bad lyrics. And one thing I noticed - People talk about how "Caustic Are The Ties That Band" is one of the highlights of this album? Really? Have you heard the tempochange in the mittle at 4:55? As a musician that is very disturbing to me and personally, I would never let that get on an album. Last words - Trivium, wake up! // 4
In Waves
Reviewed by:
Sinsyk3, on august 16, 2011 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: Just like their older material, Trivium used their usual very heavy sound. The riffs are crushing and fast. They start it off with a little intro number. Basically it's the melody of the next song, the title track "In Waves". This song was my favorite because it was something new for them. It starts off with a technique they usually don't use. It's got low pitch bends and a great beat, something you can head bang to. Matt Heafy's growls are one of a kind and his clean vocals are outstanding. Trivium even decided to have some softer material; some clean chord progressions and some soft melodies. It does not stick out like a sore thumb. It blends in with the rest of this bone-rattling record. This album is definitely my new favorite Trivium album. A close match to "Ascendancy". // 9
Lyrics and Singing: I am a guitarist, not a vocalist. I'm not gonna start judging the lyrics because that wouldn't be right. I do know that I love to listen to this album; all instruments and vocals come together in such a great way. Heafy's got some chops, and the background vocals/harmonies work beautifully. // 8
Impression: This album is the best work Trivium has done since 2005, "Ascendancy". Both are great albums. "In Waves" is just a little different in the fact that "Ascendancy" has songs that all go in the same direction and have the same structure. This new album has so many different styles mashed into one that I don't know how they pulled it off. Mad Props to Trivium and their new drummer. He obviously proved himself in the making of "In Waves". // 10
In Waves
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on august 15, 2011 1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Sound: Trivium has done it again with their fifth studio album "In Waves". They have changed their sound (once again) into whole different direction. "Shogun"'s thrashy and groovy sound and long songs are gone, their new sound is more "radio friendly" (as Matt Heafy said in Bare Bones Music interview), very simple songs, simple riffs, simple lyrics, simple song structures, simple everything. There also songs which are "heavier", songs where they only use scream vocals. Trivium are softer than ever and "heavier" than ever, "In Waves" has everything from metalcore to death metal.
"In Waves" is simply lacking uniqueness and balls. It is not a good thing when you can imagine some little girls and metalcore kids liking this album. Matt Heafy's clean vocals lack balls, he could be the lead singer of any metalcore band but fortunately scream vocals are great, very powerful and unique Nick Augusto's drumming isn't as innovative or good as Travis Smith's, and some riffs example "Inception Of The End" main riff is totally ruined because of it. Nick sure can play, but he doesn't have as good taste as Travis. Overall the whole album is very generic, and because of that very boring. // 5
Lyrics and Singing: Lyrics have taken a step back too. They are repetitive and somehow amateur, childish and "metalcoreish", something that everybody could have written in high school. Examples from song "Built To Fall": "I don't want to hate you, but how could I not". "You killed off so much, I held dear in my heart". And examples from "Caustic Are The Ties That Bind": "can you help me find my way, I've been lost for so long I don't even known where it went wrong, can you help me". I prefer "Shogun" lyrics, although they weren't so good either. // 4
Impression: In my opinion "In Waves" is so far the worst album from Trivium. There are only two good and two ok songs in this album. The good songs are "Shattering The Skies Above" and "Slave New World" cover, which both are bonus songs and were released before the album itself. Ok songs are "Black" and "Caustic Are The Ties That Bind". Both songs have something good but nothing to be wowed about, basic songs. It is sad that they have lost that something which made them unique. Changing sound is not necessarily a bad thing, but when you have a working sound why to change it? "Shogun" was a masterpiece and "In Waves" can't get nowhere near to it. // 5
In Waves
Reviewed by:
Amaranth.Co, on august 15, 2011 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: Ever since Trivium came onto the metal scene they have had a lot of variations to their sound. From metalcore, thrash and even moments of prog metal, they have a unique sound in their own way (although highly controversial).
With "In Waves", Matt Heafy told us they were going to approach a much simplier method to creating this album, so we knew it would be harder to top the complexity of "Shogun".
They have definately gone back to their old roots. Much to people's disliking of it not sounding as good as "Ascendancy", this album gives off something different. It's a definate metalcore album but they have used almost all of their experimentational ideas with "The Crusade" and "Shogun" in this album and mixed it with their old-school way of writing.
Corey and Matt have a good partnership with the guitars. Matt's rhythm's were brutal along with Corey's epic melodies and crazy licks make them a pair which should considered as one of the best in this day and age.
This is also the album which introduces the new drummer Nick Augusto after Travis Smith departed. Nick brought something new to the table (although the use of blast beats do not bind well with Trivium) his drumming was solid throughout this album. // 8
Lyrics and Singing: As much as Matt Heafy isn't the most gifted lyricist. Their are some decent lyrics in this album and fit well with the music. In this album he does seem to repeat the song title or lyrics too much in songs, such as "Chaos Reigns" and "we are too far gone..." in "Of All These Yesterdays", making it repetitive and after a while, a little boring. But on the otherhand, this can make the song sound awesome like "Black" and "Watch The World Burn"
His voice has yet again improved as it does with every album. Hands down he has one of the best screams in the new wave of heavy metal. The one attribute he didn't include as much, which he brought into "Shogun", are the harsh vocal but that's what makes songs like "Built To Fall" stand out from this album.
I feel with the album, Matt was a little lazy, writing wise and in his execution, although he did create some enjoyable and epic melodies. // 7
Impression: Is it in the same dimension as "Shogun" and "Ascendancy"? No, but this album should NOT be underestimated. It is a solid album with songs that will keep any diehard Trivium fan pleased.
The songs that really stand out on this album are "Caustic Are The Ties That Bind", "Black", "Watch The World Burn", "Of All These Yesterday's", "Forsake Not The Dream" and "Built To Fall".
From a personal diehard Trivium fan, this is a solid album that does deserve more credit than it's getting at the moment. It's not "Ascendancy", it's not "Shogun"... It's "In Waves" and that's what makes it a good album, it's different, it's exciting and a must buy. // 8
In Waves
Reviewed by:
zeroceid, on august 10, 2011 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: Although on some songs the "Metallica" label with be hard to shift, the majority of the album can be classed as distinctively "Trivium". It seems with the new album "In Waves" and a debut for their new drummer Nick Augusto, that they have finally found their own sound. Their sound encompasses everything from the black metal influenced "Dust Dismantled" to the flamenco-esq acoustic passage of "Ensnare The Sun" available in the special edition. New song ideas that don't just stick to the simple verse-chorus-verse help produce a very solid album that will keep any metal fan interested right to the end of the special edition's 70 minutes of aural massacre.
The relentless guitar and drum attack is brutal, all held together by some of Paulo Gegoletto's tightest and best bass lines. The guitar tones featured across the album are perfect and as documented in the bonus DVD, they even switched studios just to achieve this sound. The rhythm playing is a sonic force not to be underestimated, however Corey Beaulieu's lead playing does occasionally seem forced and soemtimes not needed at all. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: On "In Waves" Matt Heafy has replaced his James Hetfield voice with a mixture of death growls (most notably on "Dust Dismantled", "A Skyline's Severance" and "Chaos Reigns") and soft clean vocals (present on "In Waves", "Caustic Are The Ties That Binds" and "Of All These Yesterdays"), even though (inevitably) Hetfield does make appearances, it is only when needed and always to good effect.
The singing highlight of the album comes on "Of All These Yesterdays", where Matt Heafy's voice and technique is simply breathtaking. In this song, and throughout the album, he demonstrates that his clean voice is good enough to rival that of Corey Taylor.
The lyrics of this album are a little forced at times, e.g. in "Of All These Yesterdays" the lyrics "press it against my head and dream of the colour red" scream "I couldn't think of anything else to rhyme", however, most of the lyrics are well written and fit the mood of the song and the album wonderfully. // 8
Impression: It seems Trivium focused a lot on the art, visuals and concepts behind the album to try and produced the most complete feeling album they've ever made. Every time I listen to the album I find myself in "In Waves land" depicted in the packaging and the music video (and also wanting Matt Heafy's Jacket), which tells me they've achieved their goal. In my opinion the best song on the album is "Dust Dismantled" because of its raw aggression and fantastic vocals and guitar work. Dispite all this, I feel the album lacks something, which holds it back from being an epic masterpiece.
"Ascendancy" will probably still remain the ultimate Trivium album for most fans, but "In Waves" will definitely come close. Although, for me, "In Waves" is their only album which I've liked every song and this makes it worth every penny. // 9
In Waves
Reviewed by:
JY-Rasputin, on august 09, 2011 3 of 10 people found this review helpful
Sound: Trivium has always been a hard band to pin point given the fact that you never know what they're going to deliver. Every album thus far is different from it's predecessor. This has been a double edged blade very since their critically acclaimed release "The Crusade" which gave them the stigma of being Metallica copycats, and then again with "Shogun" which resulted in them being called show-offs.
In Waves represents progression by looking back, quotes the band. How far back however is the question. "Shogun" promised us more "Ascendancy" like songs and it failed to deliver on that specific level. We got the same promise for "In Waves", and quite frank this album makes me doubt they even remotely remember how "Ascendancy" sounded. The songs are dull, repetitive and overall a very uncomfortable experience. Here and there some instrumental tracks were thrown in making it a more artsy kind of album. Few songs actually work for me. From the overly repeated motif of the intro track ("In Waves" main riff with a NIN feel due to over compressed piano) to the "master piece" "Of All These Yesterdays" which isn't nearly as great as they gave it credit for. There's nothing wrong with the sound of the record or the production but the lack of solo's, original riffs and out of the box drumming makes it a very boring record. // 5
Lyrics and Singing: The Lyrics are a bit dull as well. There are some nice hooks here and there but most of it is same old same old. I actually preferred Matt's Lyrics from when he was about 18, "Dying In Your Arms" and "This World Can't Tear Us Apart" aside of course. They are functional nonetheless. And though I think vocals make or break and album, as long as they're functional they score neutral. Matt's clean vocals have improved yet again, so that's a plus. They tend to get annoying on some occasions though. "Ensnare The Sun" is a good example. The screams have stayed the same more or less. The few vocals that Corey delivers are unfortunately laughable at most. // 6
Impression: I started this review trying to be as positive as I could be. Halfway through I realized I don't need to be lenient just because this used to be one of my favorite bands. This album fails to deliver on more than one front. The only songs I enjoyed listening to were: "Inception Of The End", "Caustic Are The Ties That Bind", "Built To Fall" and "A Skyline's Severance". Songs like "Dusk Dismantled" and the painfully awkward "Drowning In Slow Motion" are a good enough reason of never playing this album as a whole.
I sure am glad I kept the receipt, because this album doesn't deserve to be in my record collection. // 5
In Waves
Reviewed by:
guitarfreak222, on august 09, 2011 0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Sound: Trivium is a band who have long established themselves as giants in the modern metal community. Following the release of their masterpiece, "Shogun", in which the finest and some of the most intricate song writing was demonstrated within a metalcore band, I was wary of their newest release. Does their latest installment, In Waves, live up to the reputation that they instigated after "Shogun"? - No. It is, however, a solid record with some moments of brilliance.
Taking a more simple musical route, Trivium have disregarded their complex and technical songwriting ideals and sought to make a more straight forward record. Disappointingly, this album is one of the more radio friendly of Trivium's releases which is demonstrated in songs such as "Built To Fall", and "A Grey So Dark". Despite the distinct progression in musical ideals and intentions that Trivium have upheld in the past, there is no denying that this album sounds like Trivium. There are still driving riffs, large, melodic "sing song" choruses and the inclusion of Nick Augusto seems almost unnoticeable as he has closely adapted the drumming style of Travis.
In "Caustic Are The Ties That Bind", some of Trivium's best song writing is demonstrated, primarily due to the inclusion of the clean section in the middle that nicely breaks the song up. With beautifully written clean melodies which accentuates the entire mood of the song, it is followed by a flawlessly executed guitar solo and instrumental section. The other highlight of this album, is the track "Dusk Dismantled", which is an odd choice, indeed. The song exhibits musical styles which Trivium have never ventured into before. Upholding a dark and forbidding tone, the track is definitely a crowd favourite. It has a catchy, headbang-inducing chorus, followed by a classic Trivium riff + solo. Definitely a worthy listen. // 6
Lyrics and Singing: Heafy's vocals have noticeably improved following previous albums. Tracks such as "Of All These Yesterdays", "Caustic Are The Ties That Bind" and "Watch The World Burn", the band's distinct structural, vocal and lyrical choices are clearly exhibited. Heafy has always been an adequate lyricist and his skills have not diminished in this album. In some tracks, however, his lyrics may seem slightly cheesy but they aren't bad enough don't ruin the overall experience. Cory has clearly improved his ability to produce harsh vocals which highly enhances the overall vocal experience of this album. // 7
Impression: Trivium's latest album, "In Waves", is a very consistent album with flashes of their past brilliance. While it is not the innovative and impressive masterpiece like their previous album, "Shogun", it is still a solid record. This will definitely keep dedicated Trivium fans happy and maybe attract new fans due to the more "radio friendly" sound that that had adapted. Overall, a pretty good album which will definitely be embraced by my MP3 player for a long time. // 6
In Waves
Reviewed by:
Nansho, on august 09, 2011 0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Sound: Here we go, another album by Trivium, that some of you may count as a failure! But we are musicians, and we know that behind each failure... There's a success! Let's see why!
The sound, tones, and tuning... All, can help to give you the sound that Trivium wanted to sound like, they wanted to get back to a less SLASHING guitars sound, "maybe" something like the old "Ascendancy"... Matt K. Heafy said that "In Waves" Is the album that they really wanted it to be a TRIVIUM Album, and that it shows the real side of Trivium!
Music/Sound: Hearing the album from "Capsizing The Sea" till "Leaving This World Behind" we can easily see that the music and sounds are so coherent, the drums are CLEAR but not taking over the song, the guitars are harmonized but not noisy! The bass is the feeling of your headphones/speakers, and not the clash of your ears! Everything is just where it should be, everything's great!
The style featured in "In Waves" is a style different from the previous styles played by Trivium, but CMMON!... In each and every album by Trivium, we say this thing! And then we discover that Trivium can be just in the right place, where the really want to be! Metalcore, thrashy vocals... ALOT of head banging, if you hear "Black", "In Waves" or "Watch The World Burn"...
A lot of musical senses... In "Built To Fall" and "Dusk Dismantled" and what makes it a complete coherence, are the short tracks in the beginning, middle, and ending ("Capsizing the sea, "Ensnare the sun, Leaving this world behind"). Your really feel like "We made it, to hear it!" // 9
Lyrics and Singing: The idea behind the lyrics in this album, generally, is... I am Against The Whole World!
The band promoted the album on its official website, when it actually closed the site, and typed "Do I End This All For The World To See?"... Brave words, there are always challenging lyrics by Trivium's Matt Heafy! But the new thing in this album is the timing and the melodies of these lyrics, just like in "Black" when he says "So Deep, Into the Soul! So deep into the soul"... Or when the whole band stops in "Built To Fall" on the chorus "You're built to fall" and the thing that attracts you to the song is the harmony! The backing vocals are really well done in this record, as we can hear in "Inception Of The End" ("Hands are shaking, heart is breaking").
The lyrics are well put with the music! "In Waves" can clearly indicate that! With the high notes catchy chorus, and the backing guitar plays a simple bass sequence, "Do I End This All For The World To See"... That sounds just EPIC! And we can see that in the screaming in "Dusk Dismantled" the timing of the beats, and the screaming, everything... is (AGAIN) great!
Matt K. Heafy never stopped from being a thrash vocal addict! But in this record, he proved that he can sing, EVERYTHING (Everything!)... "Of All These Yesterdays" is a whole new style by Trivium, and it is a success! The vocals in "Watch The World Burn" are weird, but very attracting, that's another perfection! // 9
Impression: "In Waves" is the fifth album by Trivium, and they still prove that they can be a different band in each album! This album is just like all the others... A Trivium album! That has all my respect!
There are a bunch of great songs in this album! From "In Waves" to "Dusk Dismantled" to "Watch The World Burn" and "Inception Of The End" passing by "Drowning In Slow Motion", and the song that is full of feeling, and great guitar solos "Forsake Not The Dream", but the thing that I really hated about the album, is that there are some songs that just don't deserve being in it! I'm talking about "a Skyline's Severance" and "A Grey So Dark" and maybe "Chaos Reigns"!
As a conclusion, Trivium proved that they can be different, always, and always have anticipated albums, and always amaze us! And if I lost this album I will fly from the balcony trying to catch a bird's shit and smash it on the nearest shop to buy it again! Trivium, are still the Trivium they used to be! But this time, with a wider range! // 9
UG Reviwer. While I respect your point of view, your review is bit single minded, and honestly seems rushed, did you even give it time to sink in before you reviewed it? I think the problem I have with most reviews people have of this album is they gripe about all the same details. That and maybe people need to look at it from a different perspective and stop comparing it to previous efforts. I gave it an 8, its a solid creative effort in a different direction but doesnt seem quite yet matured on this album. I'm look forward to seeing how trivium decide to follow this up.
The intro song is very odd. Got an 80's vibe though, reminds me of that one Metallica song from RtL.. OH SHI-
Shogun is the best they will ever be. This is just without drive or any sense of going anywhere, lacks energy or passion, despite the fairly awesome melodies. They wanted to revamp a sound they didn't have anymore, so it sounds.. unfinished or something along the lines of incomplete.
Really solid album. People may complain that Shogun or Ascendancy is better or whatever, but I love how each album sounds completely different from each other. One thing I noticed in this album is how good Matt's voice has become. His screaming doesn't sound much different, but his clean vocals have improved so much from Ascendancy.
hrmmm i love the album, but i gotta say Shogun is their masterpiece so far. i agree with what WestOfTheSun said, i look forward to the follow up of In Waves.
I am actually quite enjoying this album. I havnt yet listened to all the tracks. I do feel its not as good as the oldschool Trivium but I still love it. It is obviously Trivium. The album is well produced and the instruments all compliment eachother rather well too. "Watch the world burn" is reminding me of old trivium
I disagree that Nick adopted Travis' style. Nick is a MUCH more heavy player all around but he still has a great sense of groove and time. I'd like to see Travis execute "In Waves" better than Augusto.... Oh wait, we never will cuz Travis is a dick and left one of the best bands on the planet!
My only complaint about this album is that I feel a faint disconnect amongst the tracks. The songs are all great, but I feel like its more of a compilation than an album like Ember, Shogun and Ascendancy were. Hell, even the Crusade maintained the feel of an album.
Well its not completely bad. I like it in a different way from their other albums as this just feels alot less... well "metal" in general (quite a few songs at least). Somehow to me this is more like what The Crusade could have been if they had more time and also a few returns to Ember To Inferno. Solid album tho if you don't have such high expectations for return to any of their older things.
This album has no songs that were un-listenable or bad. It had a lot of nice, interesting riffs but the songs themselves were very average and nothing mind-blowing. When listening to the entire album, you get the feeling that it drags on too long. It's a solid, decent album and in my opinion, better than Ascendancy.
Im not gonna lie, i was a little skeptical of what In Waves was gonna bring to the table, While Shogun was a great album, no doubt about it, i was curious if they were gonna stick to the same sound they produced or go a different way. One thing that i clearly noticed was the fact the sounds between Nick and Travis. And i believe they did the right thing by switching up one member, because this album blew me away, and they feel like they have got it back. Again i wouldnt say this is a masterpiece, but a fantastic follow up to Shogun. Definitely a reccomendation
I guess it's a little disappointing seeing as how good Shogun was, but most of the songs are pretty solid. Definitely a more "to-the-point" record than Shogun.
I, through and through, say this album is their best. People are gonna diss on it, but they haven't quite warmed up to it. I liked Shogun, but let's look at it this way. Ascendancy is like their Master of Puppets because it's their metal masterpiece, and Shogun is their ...And Justice For All because it's been their most progressive effort yet, however not their #1.
I see In Waves as their Black Album, and their best, because it has a wider audience acceptability, and is a simpler record. A lot of people have a problem accepting the concept of "What you don't play can be better". A lot of metal virgins will most likely turn to this record because it's an easier record to listen to. It just has a lot more potential for the band to get on the map, because honestly, a lot of their old material seems like Metallica off brand. Good, but still in the vein of Metallica. This album has a lot of great songs that sound like their own sound, their own great riffs.
The intro song is very odd. Got an 80's vibe though, reminds me of that one Metallica song from RtL.. OH SHI-
Shogun is the best they will ever be. This is just without drive or any sense of going anywhere, lacks energy or passion, despite the fairly awesome melodies. They wanted to revamp a sound they didn't have anymore, so it sounds.. unfinished or something along the lines of incomplete.
This album is awesome. The beginning instrumental is an amazing intro into the title song in waves. the rhythm guitar is very strong and the leads and solos are killer. Nick is an amazing drummer and really made his presence known in this album (in your face Travis). Paulo's bass parts sound amazing. Matt's voice has improved very much, not only the screaming but also the singing. I am a big Trivium fan, they are my favorite band, and to me this album no Shogun but it is close, not in sound but how good it is.
The intro song is very odd. Got an 80's vibe though, reminds me of that one Metallica song from RtL.. OH SHI-
Shogun is the best they will ever be. This is just without drive or any sense of going anywhere, lacks energy or passion, despite the fairly awesome melodies. They wanted to revamp a sound they didn't have anymore, so it sounds.. unfinished or something along the lines of incomplete.
Nick Augusto seems almost unnoticeable as he has closely adapted the drumming style of Travis.
are you kidding me?!?!????? Augusto did nothing good fro trivium, Trivium + blast beats = god awful... I want Travis back sooooo badly his drumming was an iconic part of Trivium, especially on shogun ZOMG i loved it!! Augusto can't compete.
I think people are underestimating this album a bit too much. Trivium did tell us it would be more simple. I think with something as complex as Shogun, it would be hard to top.
This doesn't top Shogun, it doesn't come close either but these albums are DIFFERENT.
The problem with the majority of the Trivium fans is that they can't come out of the shell of Ascendancy and so close minded about that album.
This is a good album thatdoes deserve more credit than it's getting.
God, you people just sit down and absolutely BITCH about this band like they are garbage. Musically, they are absolutely great.. like I just never got people's gripe with this band. Stop trying to generalize them into your anti-metalcore categories and open your ears for a change.. Christ!
I liked In Waves, really liked the solo/bridge bit in Caustic are the Ties That Bind. Matt's vocals are the best they've ever been imo.
I see In Waves as their Black Album, and their best, because it has a wider audience acceptability, and is a simpler record. A lot of people have a problem accepting the concept of "What you don't play can be better". A lot of metal virgins will most likely turn to this record because it's an easier record to listen to. It just has a lot more potential for the band to get on the map
I don't agree that this is their best effort yet, but it still is really good.
All the complaining about Augusto has me thrown off. Didn't any of you see Trivium live with Travis on the drums? Dude couldn't even hold a double bass roll. Kept missing notes and shit when I saw them. It was pretty bad.
All the complaining about Augusto has me thrown off. Didn't any of you see Trivium live with Travis on the drums? Dude couldn't even hold a double bass roll. Kept missing notes and shit when I saw them. It was pretty bad.
This
Travis was losing it as a live drummer, Nick can perform live with precision
Eh, it was alright. The lyrics were kind of annoying, and it felt like there was too much of a focus on being "catchy." The best part about the album was the guitar solos.
I remember there being a really cool black metal-ish part on one of the songs, though... I think it was Dusk Dismantled, but I could be wrong.
It's Matt Heafy's vocals. They just lack passion in this album when he sings. If you had some proper passionate singing in this, it would compliment the album a lot more and sound more 'complete'. Musically this is passionate and fast, but his singing sounds a step behind. Bit of a shame.
I honestly thought this album was pretty average... :\
I'd say shogun is their best, but it's a good thing that they are progressing, and not necessarily staying in the same style. I just expected a little more from them.
To be honest, and to keep it short: worst Trivium album to date. I am not a hater, I like Trivium. out of the 18 songs on this thing, there are only 5 worth listening to for me. That means fail. There were a few songs which could have been on any pop rock album (IMO).
also, some people keep saying they are primarily trahsh... uh, no. Most of the tracks on this album are either mainstream/radio metal, or straight death-metal. Overall Trivium is metal, but not specifically trash metal.
I was also a little let down with the drums, although they were still decent enough. I think it was more of a "I'm new to the band, still need to find my place within it" type of thing. Face it, his natural style isn;t fully compatible with the bands overall style (many interviews have Heafy saying that they had to tell Agusto make it more simple, or do less than he was trying to do. I think the next album will be a much better one for him, and hopefully a better album than this one. I was really looking forward to this one, but it came up short for me.
While it is musically well done, the songs themselves just didnt do it for me.
@ the third reviewer....Please tell me how this album takes them back to Ascendancy....
I've only heard a few songs, granted, working my way through them now, but from what I have heard, its nothing near Ascendancy. This leads me to the question that I do not want to pose....but have you even heard Ascendancy? Its sorta...nearly all screamed, with sung choruses. This is....well all sung with the occasional scream (from what I have heard).
that wasn't short at all, btw. also the songs I find are worth listen to are the following:
1) in waves (though not the greatest)
2) Inception of the end.
3) Dusk Dismantled
4) A Skyline's Severance (possibly best track on album)
5) Drowning in Slow motion. (bonus track)
6) Chaos Reigns
7) Shattering the Skies above (bonus track)
8) slave new world (bonus track)
Notice that 4 of these 8 are BONUS TRACKS!! wtf? that means that if I had purchased the regular cd, I would only be listening to 4 songs. In other words, I would have brought the cd back, and when they told me "no returns", I'd throw it at them and get a new cd anyway.
now I have to wait 2-3 years for a new album.... ****! At least I have the new Machine Head to listen to in the mean time !
About the complaints about Travis's drumming. He definitely got the better style and taste then Nick, his drumming on Ascendancy is really tasteful, technical and punchy. Now ive never seen Trivium live, but judging from youtube vids, Travis kept everything tight, and they even played their songs live faster than the record.
Maybe him ****ing up was in the latter stages when his relationship with the band deteriorated, but to say Nick is considerably better tha Travis is wrong. NOt hating on Nick, hes definitely solid, but i dont think his drumming is as inovative as Travis's was.
this album is pretty Meh to me. The main problem i have with this is that well, Nick was pretty castrated. dudes a monster and they had him play like he was programmed. No swag, no style
About the complaints about Travis's drumming. He definitely got the better style and taste then Nick, his drumming on Ascendancy is really tasteful, technical and punchy. Now ive never seen Trivium live, but judging from youtube vids, Travis kept everything tight, and they even played their songs live faster than the record.
Maybe him ****ing up was in the latter stages when his relationship with the band deteriorated, but to say Nick is considerably better tha Travis is wrong. NOt hating on Nick, hes definitely solid, but i dont think his drumming is as inovative as Travis's was.
I can agree with you he was more "innovative" compared to Nick at least, but Travis literally couldn't play "Gunshot to the Head.." live anymore. I have no clue what happened, but you can't have that as a touring band. you just can't.
I was really skeptical after hearing In Waves as a single, but i have to say that after listening to this whole album it kicks ass! Somehow, the band actually managed to make an album that can compete with Shogun (it doesn't surpass it by any means, but it can stand up to Shogun and still sound good). I still need to let it sink in a bit, but i'm very satisfied with the album so far.
I love this entire CD. Fuck the haters. Shogun is my favorite Trivium album, yet I'm not all "OMG HOW COULD THEY PUT OUT AN ALBUM LIKE THIS AFTER SHOGUN". I think this album is very solid on it's own.
Ok, I do not see why some people are hating on this. Yeah its not Shogun but it isn't bad either. I like all the Trivium albums because they sound good, Travis's drumming no doubt would of made this better, but they did what they had to do. You have to at-least respect them for trying something different.
listened to the whole album... liked most of it....been a devoted fan since ember to inferno...but kinda bummed because i really wanted to here an album where matt just becomes that overnight rockstar. but i know he will be in a few years. kinda thought it was gonna be more of a vulgar,reload or load album where it is just full on metal.
I still don't know what to think of this album ...
If they hadn't released "In Waves" (the song) first I would have been very disappointed by the album, because I expected something that would surpass Shogun or would at least be on par with it.
But the song In Waves lowered my expectations for this album so much that I am positively surprized when I listened to it. I even find this one to be on par with or close behind Ascendancy. (But this may change once I listened to it for some time)
i quite liked this in waves for the most part. few iffy songs here and there, but an i the only one who thought that "a grey so dark" could easily be a radio friendly pop song? all you'd need to do is tone down the guitars a little.
Trivium can go **** themselvs!!!.. They're nothing but cocky crybabies who thinks they are japanese!
Matt Heafy is partially of Japanese heritage. Who let the troll out of his cage?
I love this album. Its more focused than I've heard them be in years. I found Shogun to be long winded in many parts and kinda boring. This album has alot of intensity that reminds me of their Ascendancy days.
People will always give them a hard time, but Trivium are doing whatever it is that they want with world class execution and more heart than alot of other metal bands these days.
This album rules, because it sounds like an amalgamation between their ascendancy days and their newer sound heard on Shogun. I loved how the songs on the new record are all short and sweet. I was put off by alot of their really long stuff in the past.
@ the third reviewer....Please tell me how this album takes them back to Ascendancy....
I've only heard a few songs, granted, working my way through them now, but from what I have heard, its nothing near Ascendancy. This leads me to the question that I do not want to pose....but have you even heard Ascendancy? Its sorta...nearly all screamed, with sung choruses. This is....well all sung with the occasional scream (from what I have heard).
Which IMO isn't Trivium's forte.
You're joking right
There's plenty of screaming to be had here. It's not about vocals, it's about simplicity. They're backing away from complex/technical skills they moved to with their last two albums. Grr.
As far as drumming goes, I really think it's their best since Ascendancy. TC was nothing special, and Shogun was pretty up-and-down, though there were times when I thought Travis was a pure genius. It does feel kinda like they had Nick caged up though. Just a few points on the album where they let him loose and I liked those moments.
I like all of Trivium's albums but Shogun is the masterpiece. The people that say Matt's lyrics never mattered never really listened to Shogun. Each and every song is a story, excellently told. I listened to the three singles from In Waves and decided that this will be the first Trivium release that I don't purchase. The guitars are simplified, the drums don't even come close to the old stuff. But the worst part for me is Matt's lyrics, they're mainly just random nonsense. I'll forever love this band but this release seems better skipped.
Guys, This is the first 'serious' review that I have written and I plan on writing more, so could you guys give me some feedback and constructive criticism? Thanks.
It's the first album i kinda liked since ascendancy. Almost half of it was a style I enjoyed, the rest I could not, but that doesn't mean it was bad. It's in territory I can't review though.
Trivium did say that this album was going to be a radio release, which explains some of the softer songs, and cut downs on double kicks/weird timing/ridiculously hard solos I liked the album to be honest, different, but still good.
@ the third reviewer....Please tell me how this album takes them back to Ascendancy....
I've only heard a few songs, granted, working my way through them now, but from what I have heard, its nothing near Ascendancy. This leads me to the question that I do not want to pose....but have you even heard Ascendancy? Its sorta...nearly all screamed, with sung choruses. This is....well all sung with the occasional scream (from what I have heard).
Which IMO isn't Trivium's forte.
You're joking right
There's plenty of screaming to be had here. It's not about vocals, it's about simplicity. They're backing away from complex/technical skills they moved to with their last two albums. Grr.
As far as drumming goes, I really think it's their best since Ascendancy. TC was nothing special, and Shogun was pretty up-and-down, though there were times when I thought Travis was a pure genius. It does feel kinda like they had Nick caged up though. Just a few points on the album where they let him loose and I liked those moments.
I haven't heard much screamingyet, except for the title track. But I am home now and going to give the whole album a spin. I did say as to what I have heard already, which, granted, isn't a lot.
But I agree with you, it is a simpler than their previous efforts. Which depending on further listening may or may not be a good thing for me.
See, I don't think there is anything I can pinpoint on this album that is terrible, but the problem is there is nothing good at all. Trivium is the reason I picked up a guitar 6 years ago and I've never been more disappointed in my life. First In Flames takes a dive into nothing and now Trivium...
See, I don't think there is anything I can pinpoint on this album that is terrible, but the problem is there is nothing good at all. Trivium is the reason I picked up a guitar 6 years ago and I've never been more disappointed in my life. First In Flames takes a dive into nothing and now Trivium...
I would have to agree. I hate to say this, but i was hugely disappointed in this album. To me, it simply lacks the metal. In my opinion its their worst album yet. To a positive note, there are a few good songs for a real metalhead. "A Skyline's Severance" was pretty amazing, and im considering learning it. Also "Chaos Reigns" was quite good. I'm not satisfied at all with this album.
About Nick I personally don't hate him like some but he really hasn't made such a huge impact... Not nearly as great as Ascendancy at all. I started listening to Trivium when I heard the album and it was because of the drums (I'm a guitarist). God I miss what Travis brings to the table.
Able them being live I've never seen them as they just keep flying pass my damn country like twice now. From Youtube it does seem Travis got tedious of touring and kinda went cbf. Nick has the energy but he does fk up quite a bit sometimes, considering that he is a more technical drummer that shouldnt happen :S
It's definitely a good effort, but, overall it left me feeling unimpressed. After Shogun i was expecting the next bold step and it feels like they stepped back a bit to be honest. Black, Caustic are the Ties That Bind + Chaos Reigns are all awesome though.
Overall a little disappointed, it seems like they were just trying to recreate ascendancy and failed.
The lyrics and singing have always been the major issue with Trivium's music. I don't think there's any point in doubting that Matt and Corey are two of the most talented guitarists/music writers that are out there. But I'm just going to reiterate what the first reviewer said...I don't understand why all their music (and a lot of the music in all metal genres) has to be so consistently negative. I mean, I love a good breakdown as much as the next guy, and I can deal with the screaming that usually accompanies, but hell, even metal players have good things happen to them. Honestly, what makes most metal albums boring and unidimensional is that, for whatever reason, the musicians feel they need to make every song so damn angry. Take a chill pill, throw an acoustic track in there, maybe a track where the gain knob isn't at 11, sing a track without any screaming...just SOMETHING. If it's well done, no one should mind.
I just have a hard time imagining that these people walk around pissed off all day, and so when I hear an album that basically portrays them as such, I interpret it as pandering, which makes me think it's disingenuous, which makes me not care (just like this album). But whatever, that's just me.
This album is alright. Ive been a Trivium fan since they released Ascendency. I love a few tracks but the rest just dont do it for me. Ascendency and Shogun are FAR superior to this record. Still doesnt change the fact that trivium is one of my favorite bands.
Great album from trivium overall. this album is number 1 on uk itunes and there no doubt why. great that theyve went back to 6 string but the riffs dont sound as versatile as on shogun
If you want to listen an album like Ascendancy or Shogun, go and listen to Ascendancy or Shogun. I'm pretty sure that if In Waves was more similar to Ascendancy or Shogun, a lot of people would be complaining that they went back on their sound and didnt tried anything new, wich is exactly what they did with In Waves. It's something new. And it's good.
As far as Nick's drumming, I found it way more interesting that Travis'. With Travis, you get more speed...his ideas are almost the same in most of the songs. Nick is more creative. Thats my opinion.
And for those that said there is a lack of passion on Matt's vocals: singing with passion does NOT means screaming. Quoting something that Corey Taylor said on his book "blues singer give their heart on stage, and they don't scream any word". He didnt said exactly like that, but he meant that. xD
Yeh I take back my statement of not as much screaming, obviously only heard the songs with not as much in it =3
Cool. A lot of people have gone after the less-screaming thing. I was just getting sick of it
guitarfreak222 wrote:
Guys, This is the first 'serious' review that I have written and I plan on writing more, so could you guys give me some feedback and constructive criticism? Thanks.
That was actually a good review after I went back over it. I don't have any criticism, because I think it's a pretty great start compared to a lot of what I have read. Really your writing seems to just need more maturity. That will come with time, keep writing, you've got some good things to say. (Btw I love your rating as well)
I thought it was pretty solid. I bought the SE cd though, and many of the bonus were very good. So get the SE version for maximum enjoyment. Just don't expect much from the dvd. Lame as shit documentary
I don't usually contribute to these forums but feel i need to now...
In waves in different to Shogun...Shogun was different to the crusade...and so on.
Different is not BAD, different is progession and personally I have not stopped listening to this album.
When I first heard the SONG In Waves I wasn't to sure. I was worried about what was to come.. but after listening to the song and album consistently for a couple of weeks i've fallen in love with it.
I think it's a mix of Ascendency/Shogun with the melodic nature of the Crusade.
If you're a fan and not sure initially, I urge you to perservere, it grows on you!
I'll be the first to say that the drumming style between Augusto and Smith is the most noticeable difference on the album. I personally think that Smith was the better fit for Trivium but unfortunately they parted ways. I do enjoy the album don't get me wrong but I think that they will never be able to lyrically be able to top Shogun. My favorite three tracks are "In Waves" "Dusk Dismanteled" and "Built to Fall". The riffs are still crazy good and most Trivium fans will enjoy the album.
I love Matts voice on this album. Didn't like the lyrics at all (very very bad, in my opinion). But I did like listening to the album, and their more melodic approach this time, not that there was anything wrong with that on Shogun. I would give the album a 7.5 just for making me get into Trivium...
Wow, I guess the economy has everyone down!! From reading some of these negative reviews, I am surmising that alot of fans are very confused as to what metal is all about...BANGING YOUR FUCKING HEAD!! I have been listening to these chaps for awhile, and I think this album is their best yet. I really dont give much creedence to lyrics in metal, I have always been a fan of riffs, vocals, and guitar leads. I really dont give a crap what the song is about as long as it sounds great and I can break my ****ing neck listening to it. All of Trivium's albums have taken a slightly different direction, but I believe that In Waves is a culmination of all the styles they have experimented in all wrapped into one. If you want meaningful lyrics, listen to Adel or U2. These guys are the best modern metal band around, and we should be glad that they are carrying the torch and still drawing influences from all our faves like Maiden, Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, etc. They are supremely talented, and " In Waves " is an extention of all their talent and influence, with a modern bend. LONG LIVE HEAVY METAL.
I like the lyrics, granted they're repetitive but I'd rather listen to a band that sings about real-life stuff (even if it sucks) then some band who sings about pillaging mountains in Hell and eating dinner with Satan..and the riffs are killer..basically, I really like it. Although I'm seriously waiting for another song like Dying In Your Arms
I seem to have the opposite view on this album, I'm loving it. Sure, not all the songs aren't winners but when a band explores new ideas the resulting album isn't as tight as expected. I love the new direction they're going in and emplore Trivium to continue. Shogun belongs in a pantheon of amazing metal albums, but I never find myself listening to it all the way through.
I thought this album packed more of a musical punch. Songs are strong, short, and packed with thrash. I never really compare bands to previous efforts, take on every album as its own. Expectation leads to dissapointment, and frankly, when I heard that In Waves was going to be like "Shattering the Skies Above" I was excited.
mysistermeac: what is your problem dude?! What is your deal? Are you one of those hardcore metalheads that believes if everyone likes this music then it sucks?! So the hell what if Trivium wants to be on the radio? Do you know what its like to be in a band? Think about what they go through. All these albums and less than a few on the radio. What's wrong with wanting people to listen to your music? And I have no problem what so ever with the lyrics. There is nothing wrong with simple. You have this twisted view that the more difficult the song is to understand and play, the better it is. You are wrong. I love metal and all sorts of rock. I've been playing guitar for over 7 years and I've been a Trivium fan since Ascendancy. Shogun's lyrics were just too deep. I bet half the listeners said **** it and stopped listening. Writing songs can be like poetry, but it can also be about connecting to your listeners. Blink-182 have the stupidest, simplest songs, but THEY HAVE A HUGE FAN BASE! Why? because the fans connected to the band. Trivium is going in the right direction. I admit some of the riffs are TOO simple and at some points you can hear some off-key screw ups. but i dont care. i can listen to this album for days straight. Caustic Are the Ties That Bind is my favorite on the album. Followed by In Waves, Watch the World Burn, and Drowning in Slow Motion. GET THAT STICK OUT OF YOUR ASS "METALHEAD". Enjoy the growth of a band into new directions and stop whining.
mysistermeac: what is your problem dude?! What is your deal? Are you one of those hardcore metalheads that believes if everyone likes this music then it sucks?! So the hell what if Trivium wants to be on the radio? Do you know what its like to be in a band? Think about what they go through. All these albums and less than a few on the radio. What's wrong with wanting people to listen to your music? And I have no problem what so ever with the lyrics. There is nothing wrong with simple. You have this twisted view that the more difficult the song is to understand and play, the better it is. You are wrong. I love metal and all sorts of rock. I've been playing guitar for over 7 years and I've been a Trivium fan since Ascendancy. Shogun's lyrics were just too deep. I bet half the listeners said **** it and stopped listening. Writing songs can be like poetry, but it can also be about connecting to your listeners. Blink-182 have the stupidest, simplest songs, but THEY HAVE A HUGE FAN BASE! Why? because the fans connected to the band. Trivium is going in the right direction. I admit some of the riffs are TOO simple and at some points you can hear some off-key screw ups. but i dont care. i can listen to this album for days straight. Caustic Are the Ties That Bind is my favorite on the album. Followed by In Waves, Watch the World Burn, and Drowning in Slow Motion. GET THAT STICK OUT OF YOUR ASS "METALHEAD". Enjoy the growth of a band into new directions and stop whining.
and FYI Metallica is all over the radio. bet you love them...You give Sweden a bad name bro.
I remember when Shogun came out, a huge portion of 'Trivium fans' complained how it wasn't like Shogun and that it sucked in comparison. Now when In Waves comes out, they are talking about Shogun and Ascendancy equally. Kind of shows how people are afraid of the new.
mysistermeac, you are an idiot. We'll not get into the fact that you can't spell worth a damn or even speak proper English because this is not the proper forum but your review is garbage. You say that you are a musician and that tempo changes would have never made it onto the album... well that's why you're not a REAL musician with a band and records out there selling. If you ONLY consider the likes of Opeth, Meshuggah, Machine Head, In Flames and even METALLICA(!) there are PLENTY of examples of songs with "tempo changes" that made it on the record to the point where they have now become anthems...
You are an idiot. The album is kinda weak, and might deserve a 4 but not because your self-proclaimed credentials as a musician say it is.
And Sinsyk3 there are no "off-key screw ups..." a band like this with the backing of Roadrunner and their quality producer wouldn't let a screw up like that on the final, polished copy. And if they went off-key, you'd notice. It's called dissonance, and going off key means you step out of the key of the composition, which means taking notes not regularly found in its native scales/chords and throwing them in there...
Someone a little more experienced (Revolver Mag, BBC Music) would have picked up on it....
First off, it's blatantly obvious that most of these "reviewers" (if you can call them that) went into this with a pre-existing distaste for Trivium.
Secondly, if you're going to write a review for other people to read take a few extra minutes and proof-read the damned thing so it doesn't sound like it was written with an illiterate 4th grader with a speech impediment.
Third, you're automatically an idiot if you give it a bad review just because it's more "metalcore" or "radio friendly". You're suppose to be judging if it's good music or not, PERIOD, without inserting your own personal little genre prejudice into the mix.
I've followed Trivium since their local Orlando days and Ember to Inferno release, and I'll be the first to tell you they've released at least one album that was piss-poor, but this ain't one of 'em.
To anybody that reads this comment and is trying to decide whether or not to buy this album, do yourself a favor and buy it -- you will not be disappointed. It's good music, and it's damned good metal, point blank.
Trivium has made a lot of musical moves in their career and this is no exception, but this was a good one. Favorite Trivium album thus far.
I like to think of this album as a step up for trivium it holds u from start to end and in my opinion is pure awesomeness...their best so far after ascendancy!!!
This is to the review all the way at the top in reference to the track "In Waves", In Waves was written by Matt as dedication to the 2011 Earthquake/Tsunami in Japan and not suicide
mysistermeac: what is your problem dude?! What is your deal? Are you one of those hardcore metalheads that believes if everyone likes this music then it sucks?! So the hell what if Trivium wants to be on the radio? Do you know what its like to be in a band? Think about what they go through. All these albums and less than a few on the radio. What's wrong with wanting people to listen to your music? And I have no problem what so ever with the lyrics. There is nothing wrong with simple. You have this twisted view that the more difficult the song is to understand and play, the better it is. You are wrong. I love metal and all sorts of rock. I've been playing guitar for over 7 years and I've been a Trivium fan since Ascendancy. Shogun's lyrics were just too deep. I bet half the listeners said **** it and stopped listening. Writing songs can be like poetry, but it can also be about connecting to your listeners. Blink-182 have the stupidest, simplest songs, but THEY HAVE A HUGE FAN BASE! Why? because the fans connected to the band. Trivium is going in the right direction. I admit some of the riffs are TOO simple and at some points you can hear some off-key screw ups. but i dont care. i can listen to this album for days straight. Caustic Are the Ties That Bind is my favorite on the album. Followed by In Waves, Watch the World Burn, and Drowning in Slow Motion. GET THAT STICK OUT OF YOUR ASS "METALHEAD". Enjoy the growth of a band into new directions and stop whining.
and FYI Metallica
What is your deal?
Im nothing near a "hardcore metal guy". I listen to all sorts of "cheesy metal", like: A day to Remember, Burden of a Day etc.
I just dont think Trivium can pull this off. They are not made for this type of music and should have realised that instead of trying to be something they are not.
I know very well how it is to be in a band. I released my first debutalbum with my band through a record label in 2010 and have been a guitarist/singer for about 6-7 years now.
I just gave my opinion on the album and you saying "you are wrong!" is just plain stupidity...
Sorry for any gramatic failure. As I have said, I am Swedish.
mysistermeac, you are an idiot. We'll not get into the fact that you can't spell worth a damn or even speak proper English because this is not the proper forum but your review is garbage. You say that you are a musician and that tempo changes would have never made it onto the album... well that's why you're not a REAL musician with a band and records out there selling. If you ONLY consider the likes of Opeth, Meshuggah, Machine Head, In Flames and even METALLICA(!) there are PLENTY of examples of songs with "tempo changes" that made it on the record to the point where they have now become anthems...
You are an idiot. The album is kinda weak, and might deserve a 4 but not because your self-proclaimed credentials as a musician say it is.
And Sinsyk3 there are no "off-key screw ups..." a band like this with the backing of Roadrunner and their quality producer wouldn't let a screw up like that on the final, polished copy. And if they went off-key, you'd notice. It's called dissonance, and going off key means you step out of the key of the composition, which means taking notes not regularly found in its native scales/chords and throwing them in there...
Someone a little more experienced (Revolver Mag, BBC Music) would have picked up on it....
Haha, how nice of you to just asume that I am a wannabe musician.
I have a band, we are signed, I have released a record and if you dont see my as a "real musician", then fine
the song In Waves actually has great lyrics:
Life is impermanent, Life and death are in actuality one, for you cannot have life without death and death without life. Life and death come in waves for everyone. And not just for the individual ego, but also for the universe.
i think the album deserves at least a solid 8 it was decent i mean how do you not love this cd at least it isn't short in length at all like most cds are most days and all the songs are amazing
This album has definitely grown on me. Was disappointed at first, but I see this album for what it is now. They dont give a **** about genres and brutality - they are writing music from within, for how they feel at the time. It is exciting to see such evolution occurring from album to album. I personally miss Travis's style - There is something more vulnerable, more human and ultimately, more groovy and tasty than Nick. Nick is an exceptional drummer, one of the best ive heard. For me, he is too polished, his beats are too perfect, i mean **** he is tighter than the click itself.
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I liked the album to be honest, different, but still good.
