Florida metalcore icons Trivium just keep pumping out the hits for their new album “What the Dead Men Say.” The full album finally landed on April 24 and is perhaps some of their best work yet.

Fans have been eagerly anticipating a new Trivium album since 2017’s “The Sin and The Sentence” welcomed new drummer Alex Bent and thoroughly blew us all away. With “Sin,” we saw a more technically advanced Trivium, embracing the subtle nuances of musical genius in ways only they could. The notion of them once again outdoing themselves seemed impossible. Now they’ve hit us with the title track of their new album, and three others, “Bleed Into Me,” “Amongst the Shadows and the Stones,” and “Catastrophist.” And it’s safe to say, these progressive metal thrashers have found their niche and are just going to keep stunning us with their incredible sound.

Lead vocalist Matt Heafy so effortlessly transitions between clean, stylised baritone almost crooning, and dirty, deep growls you could be forgiven for thinking he was two different vocalists. His strict singing training regime is clear in the masterful way he can manipulate his voice to elicit those distinct Trivium vocals we’ve come to know and love. His double guitar harmonies with Corey Beaulieu are nothing short of blissful and mesmerising to behold. The unique way the two are able to blend their sound into those deep riffs that seem to soar so high they almost take flight, only to crash us back down with breakneck speed and energy has practically become Trivium’s trademark. Their powerful rhythm section completes the quartet’s metal perfection with bassist Paolo Gregoletto and drummer Alex Bent serving us up a flawless backbone to every song and strong beats that can honestly only be described as “head bangable.”

“What the Dead Men Say” is thematically on point, taking inspiration from past and present, to deliver clear and poignant messages about the flaws and frailty of humanity. The band looks both within and outside the complexities of human nature to create commentary on some of the most pertinent issues today; COVID-19, surveillance controversies, and those who attain success by crushing others. Delivering these highly intelligent and informed perspectives in their beautifully constructed and signature Trivium sound, we can’t help but take notice. Albums like “What the Dead Men Say” are rare. We listen, we learn, we grow, and we have a hell of a lot of fun while we’re doing it.

 Metalcore 

Author: Harley Houghton

Harley Houghton is a writer and blogger, based in Melbourne, Australia. Her passions include music, especially metal, gaming and comics. Check out her blog www.harleysmadhouse.com and follow her on Twitter.