Trivium, O2 Academy, Birmingham - review and pictures
When Trivium roared, the crowd roared back, as the heavy metal band stunned a packed O2 Academy in Birmingham last night.
After stellar performances by support acts Venom Prison, Power Trip and Code Orange, the eager crowd decided they had waited long enough for the world famous metalcore group.
Chants of ‘Trivium’ bounced off all four walls, before the band exploded onto the stage with latest single The Sin and the Sentence from their eighth album of the same name.
To say the crowd went wild would be an understatement. Screams and roars came from all corners of the balcony and stalls, with bodies packed tight into every space. Clothes and shoes flew in all directions while brave fans crowd surfed in front of the stage.
After performing hit Betrayer - also from their 2017 album - lead singer Matt Heafy praised the crowd for their ‘incredible’ enthusiasm.
The 32 year old, kitted out in a black vest top, said: “You guys are amazing. We have been looking forward to being back in the UK for some time. We were born in the States but adopted by the UK.
“This tour has been six weeks long, but first place has been Paris, France. If you wanna change that - the birth of heavy metal, Birmingham - all of us have got to step the f*** up.
"Can we do that? God damn right.”
The band, formed in 1999 in Orlando, Florida, quickly moved on to perform another new singer Sever the Hand, which had fans singing - and roaring - along.
It was a performance at Download Festival in 2005 at Castle Donington that really launched Trivium on the world stage, with the band fast becoming a hit in the UK.
“You are incredible tonight my friends. I wanna see your bodies moving and your heads banging," added Matt.
“It’s been amazing growing up in this country. Whether this is your first time seeing us or 54th, thanks so much for making us feel at home in your country. We love it.”
Trivium - made up of members Matt Heafy, Corey Beaulieu, Paolo Gregoletto and Alex Bent - has sold more than one million albums worldwide, and is currently performing around the UK and Europe on a six-week tour.
Matt teased fans, and said: “You’re all amazing. We have five shows in the UK and we’re taking bets to see who the best city is. Right now you’re tied with Bristol.”
This was met with uproar from the crowd, with the singer adding: “But the capital of the birth of heavy metal should probably win this contest.”
And after performing Like Light To The Flies and favourite Pull Harder On The Strings Of Your Martyr, the energetic frontman announced Birmingham had won hands-down against Bristol.
The final song, after fans screamed for an encore, of 2012 single In Waves had everyone in the O2 launched onto their feet.
Trivium was loud, fierce and full of energy, just like its fans - an absolutely lightning performance.
