On Tuesday 22nd March we arrived at the Pyramid Centre in Portsmouth to see Trivium. The first thing that stood out was the hundreds of metal heads queuing up and silhouetted against the sea front back drop. Once entering the venue, it was a large open space with a glass sky light that formed a point, it was clear to see why the venue got it’s name.
Once the bodies were in the venue and the merch stall had quietened off, the first band took to the stage. The opening act for the evening was London based band, ‘As Lions’. Vocalist Austin Dickinson started the show with huge enthusiasm and energy and managed to maintain it throughout the set. They really got the crowd pumping, warmed up and set the right tone for the rest of the evening.
The main support was Milton Keynes Metalcore band, Heart of a Coward. Lead vocalist Jamie Graham was on point with audience participation and actively encouraged the crowds to form a circle pit. Suddenly, the audience separated and there was a sea of organised chaos in the centre of the room. By the time they had finished playing, the crowd were amped up and ready for main act, Trivium.
There was a short break and the patrons used the opportunity to plan their positions for the performance. Slowly people were edging forward towards the barriers at the front and the sentinels of friendship groups were holding places whilst the others ran to the bar.
The lights dimmed and the demon skulls on stage were unveiled from the black cloth that was previously masking them. Suddenly, ‘Run to The Hills’ (Iron Maiden) started playing through the PA and masses of metal fans started singing along. Amped up and ready to party, the music finished and the smoke filled stage was lit with a purple glow and ‘Snøfall intro’ started to play. Now was the moment we had all been waiting for, Trivium were about to take the stage. A loud cheer emitted from the audience as we saw the band come on. The lights dimly lit new drummer Paul Wandtke spinning his drum sticks above his head at the back and the purple hues highlighted Corey Beaulieu’s long hair and guitar.
The lights came up and Matt Heafy was stood centre stage, poised with his guitar and boom.. straight into ‘Silence in the Snow’ from the newest album released October 2015.
As cliché as it may sound, the crowd went wild! Everyone surged forward throwing their arms in the air and chanting “Triv-i-um” in a united fashion only understood by either Metal fans or sports fans alike. This was pure passion!
Throughout the set Matt was kicking out some amazing guitar solos and all together the band demonstrated why they are so popular. Heavy riffs, catchy hooks and huge energy maintained from start to finish. The whole room was constantly moving.
Half way through the evening, Matt decided to lay down the cardinal rules of a mosh pit – Always pick someone up if they fall. To me this was a welcome announcement as so many bands these days seem to forget how carried away people can get. He also demanded that whatever the band did on stage, he expected to see the audience doing to. Be it singing, dancing but always having a great time. The crowd certainly paid attention as there were people dancing right up until the last note played. Over all the atmosphere was thick with energy and everyone had a great time. Well mannered Metal heads were happily discussing the show, helping each other off the floor and eagerly heading to the merch tables. I’d certainly recommend getting to a Trivium show if you haven’t seen them before especially as they are playing more intimate venues to cater to fans that never get to see them in their home towns!
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Trivium are still set to play the following UK dates this year:
March 25th Oxford O2 Academy
March 26th Lincoln Engine Shed
March 27th Leicester O2 Academy
March 29th York Barbican
March 30th Middlesbrough Empire
March 31st Aberdeen Beach Ballroom
April 1st Kilmarnock Grand Hall
So if you haven’t seen them already, don’t miss out and book now!
