Mind Noise Network
Trivium - Silence In The Snow
by James Salt - 03 October 2015
Change is something the metal community can often find difficult to stomach, from Machine Head during the “Supercharger” era and who can forget Metallica with the whole “St. Anger” debacle? It’s definitely one of those things that might send twice as many fans running away from a act’s material than the number that are drawn in. Trivium are certainly no strangers to this variety of controversy themselves. Back in 2006, after the outstanding Ascendancy the band took a swift change in musical direction and released their 3rd album The Crusade hoping to follow in the footsteps of their heroes - Metallica. But that didn’t quite go to plan - dropping the screams was probably a bad idea.
Now on album number seven some might consider their latest opus, Silence In The Snow just The Crusade v.2 but don’t be put off quite so easily - although it shares some similarities, this release may surprise you. The band may feel that they redeemed themselves with Shogun and In Waves (let’s not talk about Vengeance Falls, that was just a Disturbed album right?) as they returned to much heavier vibes, but on this latest release they’ve reverted back to dropping the screams and a songwriting formula much more reminiscent of bands such as Priest or even Maiden - but with that trademark Trivium punch still rearing it’s head every now and then.
After a short intro the record kicks off with lead single and title track Silence In The Snow. Featuring an infectious riff axemen Matt Heafy and Corey Beaulieu are so well known for, and an annoyingly catchy vocal refrain during the chorus - this is the most focussed and powerful opening track since Ascendancy’s “Rain”.
Second track Blind Leading The Blind is a showcase of an impressive vocal performance throughout the album by Heafy. Yet again a song with a huge chorus, treading further into power metal-like territory as they begin loosening themselves from their fundamental metalcore roots. The riff that chugs it’s way through Dead And Gone may remind older listeners of Pantera, whilst the rest of the track is reminiscent of 2005’s “Dying In Your Arms”.
A real album highlight is The Ghost That’s Haunting You which could go down as a career-best vocal performance by Heafy as his harmonies soar above the rhythms and thumping bass laid down by Paolo Gregoletto. The track evokes a certain grandeur that you wouldn't usually associate with Trivium, yet it suits the album perfectly and doesn’t feel out of place. Pull Me From The Void slows things down somewhat and is one of few weak points on the album. Until The World Goes Cold is the closest thing to a ballad you’re going to find here. With some flourishes of brilliance throughout you can’t help but find yourself humming along to the irresistibly catchy chorus.
It’s apparent that the band’s ability to churn out an addictive and memorable solo still remains on The Thing That’s Killing Me as well as another outstanding mic performance by the ever-charismatic frontman. Beneath The Sun certainly wouldn’t appear out of place on The Crusade, nothing more than a roller track. It’s clear that the Floridian quartet still haven’t been able to let go of their inner-Metallica on closer Breathe In The Flames as the riffs and snarls are unmistakably influenced from the “Load/Reload” era of Hetfield & Co. Don’t kid yourself, I can’t be the only one imagining Lars Ulrich sat behind the kit during this song? Whilst on that subject it appears that new sticksman Mat Madiro has settled into his role perfectly and proves to be the glue holding each of the compositions together.
Overall Silence In The Snow is a statement from a band that are ready to move on with their career, they’re prepared to wave yet another wave of controversy mimicking the same as what they experienced back in 2006 and once again in 2013. However, this time the band are revitalised, the maturity that they’re songwriting has developed lends an efficiency and flow to this album that has been lacking from previous releases. And it proves Matt Heafy is now undoubtedly one of the strongest vocalists in metal today.
If this was the album that Trivium produced 9 years ago then we could be looking at them from a totally different perspective, however it’s now the fall of 2015 and although different; is a return to form for the band. It’s just a shame that the majority of fans won’t give this the chance it rightfully deserves.
James' recommended tracks: Blind Leading The Blind & The Ghost That's Haunting You
For fans of: Avenged Sevenfold, Judas Priest, Metallica, Iron Maiden
Can you see these guys in the UK?: Not at the moment, but an album tour can't be far away. Plus, they're due a Download slot, are they up to subbing now?
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