Trivium - Shogun

[flks511]

Trivium - Shogun
Record Label: Roadrunner
Release Date: September 30, 2008

It's sad to see how the genre of metalcore has evolved. It's sad that bands like Slipknot and Atreyu are marketing their music to scene kids that probably have never heard of Metallica or Slayer in the first place. It's sad that I can't tell the difference between As I Lay Dying and All That Remains anymore. It's sad to listen to nothing but breakdowns for a whole album. I've almost completely lost my respect for the whole genre because of these generic bands.

But Trivium, to me, has always stood out from the metalcore scene because of their refusal to follow the cliche trends of the genre. Building on the progressive metal of The Crusade and the aggressive thrash of Ascendancy is Trivium's fourth full-length, Shogun. It's the rare case of a band progressing without selling out, something that we all see way too much of these days. The production is great and not overdone, and lead singer Matt Heafy has greatly improved his vocal range since The Crusade.

The album starts out with two equally heavy and relentless songs, "Krisute Gomen" and "Torn Between Scylla and Charybdis" before moving on to the lead single, "Down From The Sky." With an epic opening, a powerful pre-chorus (Heafy's screams are absolutely brutal) and a soaring chorus, this song is the ideal Trivium single I had pictured when I heard this album was coming out. Up next is the ambitiously titled "Into The Mouth of Hell We March." "Dear God, the fucking ship is sinking!" Heafy growls before another exhilerating chorus. Guitarist Corey Beaulieu follows up with a quick-paced, exciting solo.

The album gets heavier as it goes on. Standout tracks include "Insurrection," a song with verses that sound like something Metallica would have written during the 80's, "Of Prometheus and the Crucifix," with its great chorus melody and impressive guitar solo, and the closing title track, an eleven-minute masterpiece, the perfect way to close out the album, in my opinion.

What I like most about this album is Trivium's tendency not to sound like your typical melodic metalcore band. It's good to see that there are still some bands sticking to their metal roots and not giving in to today's boring metalcore trends. The lyrics are good, the band is extremely talented, and it is an overall great heavy metal record.

thrash metal; Metallica; Unearth; Lamb of God

www.myspace.com/trivium (http://www.myspace.com/trivium)

[more heart]

Isn't the point of metalcore to have breakdowns? I mean, it's derived from both metal and hardcore.

You consider this metalcore?

[spartanfan10]

They stand out from metalcore because they aren't metalcore. They're thrash like you said. And they fucking suck.

[more heart]

They stand out from metalcore because they aren't metalcore. They're thrash like you said. And they fucking suck.
Somebody else agrees with me.

[Piss]

horrible

[Klatzke]

LOL it's funny because I don't see the review but can read the comments.

[more heart]

LOL it's funny because I don't see the review but can read the comments.
Uh oh, we now know who's ignore list you're on.

[Klatzke]

Uh oh, we now know who's ignore list you're on.
He already knows he's on mine.

[more heart]

He already knows he's on mine.
I'm surprised I'm not on his yet haha.

[Klatzke]

I'm surprised I'm not on his yet haha.
He's an idiot. He should put everyone on his and save the sites integrity. He has me on it right?

[more heart]

He's an idiot. He should put everyone on his and save the sites integrity. He has me on it right?
I mean, most users here would say that by and large, I have a shitty taste in music but this kid takes that to a whole new level.

[Klatzke]

I mean, most users here would say that by and large, I have a shitty taste in music but this kid takes that to a whole new level.
Definitely

[flks511]

Isn't the point of metalcore to have breakdowns? I mean, it's derived from both metal and hardcore.

You consider this metalcore?
Well, breakdowns are fine in moderation, but most of them in metalcore today are just so overused and generic that I can't stand it.

And yes, Trivium is predominantly thrash with some metalcore elements.

[more heart]

Well, breakdowns are fine in moderation, but most of them in metalcore today are just so overused and generic that I can't stand it.

And yes, Trivium is predominantly thrash with some metalcore elements.
They're not metalcore at all.

[flks511]

They're not metalcore at all.
http://www.musicmight.com/artist/united+states/florida/altamonte+springs/trivium
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:wzfoxqwsldje
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trivium_(band)

[more heart]

http://www.musicmight.com/artist/united+states/florida/altamonte+springs/trivium
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:wzfoxqwsldje
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trivium_(band)
First, never use Wikipedia to back something up. It only looks bad. Second, the other two sites listed "metalcore" as a secondary genre. One of them said "death/thrash metal" in the article and never mentioned them being metalcore at all. Nice try.

[flks511]

First, never use Wikipedia to back something up. It only looks bad. Second, the other two sites listed "metalcore" as a secondary genre. One of them said "death/thrash metal" in the article and never mentioned them being metalcore at all. Nice try.
Dude, I'm right. I said they had metalcore elements and those links prove it. And I'm done arguing about this, the name of the genre is meaningless and doesn't really give an accurate description of Trivium or the music they play.

[more heart]

Dude, I'm right. I said they had metalcore elements and those links prove it. And I'm done arguing about this, the name of the genre is meaningless and doesn't really give an accurate description of Trivium or the music they play.
It isn't when you constantly refer to a band who clearly isn't metalcore as a metalcore band. Are you going to tell me that just because some link could say that The Used is a deathcore band that it's true?

[flks511]

It isn't when you constantly refer to a band who clearly isn't metalcore as a metalcore band. Are you going to tell me that just because some link could say that The Used is a deathcore band that it's true?
If multiple sites list metalcore as their genre, chances are they're right.

[more heart]

If multiple sites list metalcore as their genre, chances are they're right.
Again, if I were to find mutiple sites claiming The Used as a deathcore band they would be correct?

[flks511]

Again, if I were to find mutiple sites claiming The Used as a deathcore band they would be correct?
No, but that's the point. Those are good sources that know what they're talking about. Not some kid making shit up, but staff of the website who know what they're doing.

[more heart]

No, but that's the point. Those are good sources that know what they're talking about. Not some kid making shit up, but staff of the website who know what they're doing.
Just checked those two sources again. It seems as if those could have been written by somebody who signed up for those sites, not necessarily by a staff member from either site.

[flks511]

Just checked those two sources again. It seems as if those could have been written by somebody who signed up for those sites, not necessarily by a staff member from either site.
The allmusic review is for sure a professional review. The Music Might page could have been created by a member of the site, but I doubt it, and even if it was, that doesn't mean they're wrong.

[more heart]

The allmusic review is for sure a professional review. The Music Might page could have been created by a member of the site, but I doubt it, and even if it was, that doesn't mean they're wrong.
So only 1 of you two sources is "legit". Again, I'll use the same analogy as before: under your logic, if I posted on a site calling The Used a deathcore band, then it's automatically true?

[flks511]

So only 1 of you two sources is "legit". Again, I'll use the same analogy as before: under your logic, if I posted on a site calling The Used a deathcore band, then it's automatically true?
Obviously, no. But no one is that stupid. It's not that difficult to get the name of a genre right.

[more heart]

Obviously, no. But no one is that stupid. It's not that difficult to get the name of a genre right.
Well, except in your case...

[flks511]

Well, except in your case...
Funny. Ever heard of the album Ember to Inferno? Or Ascendancy? Listen to those and tell me Trivium isn't metalcore.

[more heart]

Funny. Ever heard of the album Ember to Inferno? Or Ascendancy? Listen to those and tell me Trivium isn't metalcore.
I just did. They're still not metalcore. I'm beginning to suspect you have no idea what metalcore is.

[flks511]

I just did. They're still not metalcore. I'm beginning to suspect you have no idea what metalcore is.
I find it hard to believe you listened to two albums in under ten minutes. I'm beginning to suspect you're a liar who is just trying to argue with me for the sake of arguing with me. You disagree. That's cool, we don't have to like the same stuff, but to cling to a thread for a band you don't even listen to seems like a waste of time to me.

[more heart]

I find it hard to believe you listened to two albums in under ten minutes. I'm beginning to suspect you're a liar who is just trying to argue with me for the sake of arguing with me. You disagree. That's cool, we don't have to like the same stuff, but to cling to a thread for a band you don't even listen to seems like a waste of time to me.
You only need to hear just a bit to get an idea of what the rest sounds like. And no, I'm not a liar. Just someone who has a btter grasp than you of what the genres are. For the record, I'm not blaming you for liking these guys. They aren't my thing and that's ok. The point is that the thesis of you're review is that they're original because they don't have breakdowns like all of the other metalcore bands out there. That's why I am here, because you're wrong.

[flks511]

You only need to hear just a bit to get an idea of what the rest sounds like. And no, I'm not a liar. Just someone who has a btter grasp than you of what the genres are. For the record, I'm not blaming you for liking these guys. They aren't my thing and that's ok. The point is that the thesis of you're review is that they're original because they don't have breakdowns like all of the other metalcore bands out there. That's why I am here, because you're wrong.
You're here for the same reason you're in any other thread of mine.

[more heart]

You're here for the same reason you're in any other thread of mine.
That being what? This band isn't metalcore, never was metalcore, and will never be metalcore.

Listen to these and still tell me that this band is metalcore:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DScZ42PPIyo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEmFbiLuzOE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9s-TwLrMxM

[flks511]

That being what?
Dude, when I write a review, I'm expecting you. I wasn't surprised when you were the first to post on this review. You're like my shadow on this site. If I post negatively about any band, I'm automatically wrong because I like Alesana. If I post a review, you find something about it to critiscize. You even said so yourself you're surprised I haven't put you on my ignore list yet.

If you don't think they incorporate metalcore into their music, well, for one thing, you're wrong. But more importantly, you really don't have any credibilty in saying that when I already know the real reason you clicked on the review.

[more heart]

Dude, when I write a review, I'm expecting you. I wasn't surprised when you were the first to post on this review. You're like my shadow on this site. If I post negatively about any band, I'm automatically wrong because I like Alesana. If I post a review, you find something about it to critiscize. You even said so yourself you're surprised I haven't put you on my ignore list yet.

If you don't think they incorporate metalcore into their music, well, for one thing, you're wrong. But more importantly, you really don't have any credibilty in saying that when I already know the real reason you clicked on the review.
And I've posted something not only on every reivew you've ever written, but something negative too? I find that very hard to believe. When I comment on you being wrong, it is in fact done so because you are wrong. Kinda like when you said Motion City Soundtrack is terrible. The fact that you like Alesana is just an added bonus really..

When I critiscize your reviews, it's because your thesis is all wrong(ex: Trivium is original because they don't have breakdowns like every other metalcore band or Start Trouble is good because they write "honest" lyrics and don't use auto-tune). It's not just being nitpicky because I find one minor thing that I disagree with. What I disagree with is the big picture.

EDIT: Does the fact that everyone who posted at the beginning of this thread saying this band isn't metalcore say anything to you?

[flks511]

And I've posted something not only on every reivew you've ever written, but something negative too? I find that very hard to believe. When I comment on you being wrong, it is in fact done so because you are wrong. Kinda like when you said Motion City Soundtrack is terrible. The fact that you like Alesana is just an added bonus really..

When I critiscize your reviews, it's because your thesis is all wrong(ex: Trivium is original because they don't have breakdowns like every other metalcore band or Start Trouble is good because they write "honest" lyrics and don't use auto-tune). It's not just being nitpicky because I find one minor thing that I disagree with. What I disagree with is the big picture.

EDIT: Does the fact that everyone who posted at the beginning of this thread saying this band isn't metalcore say anything to you?
Not every review, I'll give you that, I guess. But if it's gotten to the point where I know you're coming, it's obvious you're just here to start shit with me.

The whole one person? If another person came on and told me the Used was a death metal band would they be right?

[tdunks523]

trivium are amazing the reviewer is 100 percent right. theyre not sell outs like very other band out there and they dont dumb them selves down by putting breakdowns in their music like adtr, bmth, or emmure. there great enough said

[Chris92]

I'm not the biggest metal fan, but this is one band that can consistently hold my attention and blow me away. This album, although it drags a whole lot, has some fucking amazing balls-on-the-floor moments that I don't hear very often in the metal genre anymore. (See: when the drums come in on "Torn Between Scylla and Charybdis"). The singer's vocals do kind of bother me though.

Also, this is an okay review...it's a little short, and I feel like more should of been said about the actual album/the way it sounds and less about the band/metal in general/the reviewer's experiences with metal.

Finally, I personally would in no way, shape or form characterize this band as metalcore. They're a thrash metal band in the same vein as Metallica.

[Chris92]

trivium are amazing the reviewer is 100 percent right. theyre not sell outs like very other band out there and they dont dumb them selves down by putting breakdowns in their music like adtr, bmth, or emmure. there great enough said
1. Learn punctuation/the English language.
2. Who gives a fuck about breakdowns? That's something shitty "screamo" bands like Escape the Fate do to make you grind. Wake up. This is metal, not scenecore.
3. Also, what the fuck does A Day to Remember have to do with Trivium? Apples and oranges, bud...

[tdunks523]

1. Learn punctuation/the English language.
2. Who gives a fuck about breakdowns? That's something shitty "screamo" bands like Escape the Fate do to make you grind. Wake up. This is metal, not scenecore.
3. Also, what the fuck does A Day to Remember have to do with Trivium? Apples and oranges, bud...
okay for one who cares if my pronunciation or whatever isnt good. its a website not english class so calm down. and i think u missed my point in what i said. im saying how i LIKE how trivium do not have breakdowns and shit. there my favorite band because they play what they want to play and don't really care what people think ex the crusade. and i was using adtr as an example so chill out.

[Chris92]

okay for one who cares if my pronunciation or whatever isnt good. its a website not english class so calm down. and i think u missed my point in what i said. im saying how i LIKE how trivium do not have breakdowns and shit. there my favorite band because they play what they want to play and don't really care what people think ex the crusade. and i was using adtr as an example so chill out.
Oh no, I completely understand what you were saying. And I wholeheartedly agree with you. I was just commenting on how your post kind of didn't make too much sense/was off-point. And website though this may be, you'll find people respect you a helluva lot more and will listen to what you say if they can actually pick it out from amidst the horrific grammar and abbreviations. But fuck that, I'm not your goddamn English teacher, so let's just agree that Trivium kicks some serious ass and leave it at that.

[tdunks523]

Oh no, I completely understand what you were saying. And I wholeheartedly agree with you. I was just commenting on how your post kind of didn't make too much sense/was off-point. And website though this may be, you'll find people respect you a helluva lot more and will listen to what you say if they can actually pick it out from amidst the horrific grammar and abbreviations. But fuck that, I'm not your goddamn English teacher, so let's just agree that Trivium kicks some serious ass and leave it at that.
word, i can definately agree to that

[Dystroxia]

And I've posted something not only on every reivew you've ever written, but something negative too? I find that very hard to believe. When I comment on you being wrong, it is in fact done so because you are wrong. Kinda like when you said Motion City Soundtrack is terrible. The fact that you like Alesana is just an added bonus really..

When I critiscize your reviews, it's because your thesis is all wrong(ex: Trivium is original because they don't have breakdowns like every other metalcore band or Start Trouble is good because they write "honest" lyrics and don't use auto-tune). It's not just being nitpicky because I find one minor thing that I disagree with. What I disagree with is the big picture.

EDIT: Does the fact that everyone who posted at the beginning of this thread saying this band isn't metalcore say anything to you?
Can you find it harder that he rated Alesana's second album higher than this?