TRIVIUM: The Sin And The Sentence (THRASH): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

We no longer have to introduce Trivium, a major player in the thrash/metalcore scene for almost 20 years, who are releasing this month their eighth album, 'The Sin And The Sentence'. Speaking of sentence, what will be the one given by the fans, used for a long time to a certain recipe and a well defined style?

To keep on satisfying their audience, Trivium unfolds their know-how and their usual elements: a perfectly calibrated and incisive sound, particularly catchy multi-voiced choruses (like those of 'Beyond Oblivion' or 'The Revanchist', real highlights of the CD), an interplay of fast and destructive riffs and unleashed drums, guaranteeing a result that is always as efficient as ever.

For a mainstream metalcore band, let's admit it, the album, although relatively accessible, remains musically quite sophisticated. The combination of clear vocals and throaty vocals is optimal and the guitars easily go from a heavy register to a more melodic style in the blink of an eye and without the slightest hitch, reminding us of Avenged Sevenfold (on the chorus of 'Other Worlds' in particular and the intro of 'The Heart From Your Hate' which is faithful to that of 'Hail To The King'). The technicality of the musicians, both obvious and impressive, is not to be outdone. Let's salute in particular the great work of Axel Bent, brand new behind the drums, for his precision, his skill and his accuracy in the interpretation of the songs.

In spite of these interesting aspects, the radio-friendly side sometimes proves to be a bit disturbing when the melodies (especially the vocals) take a honeyed side. The lyrics are not really helping the picture with some heavy and overheard passages, like "You can't help me, because you don't understand me" on the eponymous track, and "Maybe you were right, maybe I was wrong" on 'The Heart From Your Hate', giving a bit of a mawkish aftertaste.

It will be necessary to wait for the heart of the disc where the atmosphere becomes a little more firm on the tracks 'Betrayer', 'Sever The Hand', and especially 'The Wretchedness Inside', and where the scream takes more place than usual to the detriment of the clear vocals, to surf on rawer metalcore sounds that will delight the fans of the first hour.

Roadrunner Records was not mistaken in signing Trivium who once again offers a sure value with this latest well-crafted and finely balanced opus, ideal to introduce melodic metalcore to the uninitiated because of its easy access. An advantage that could also be a disadvantage: as the album requires only a few listenings to be tamed and appreciated in its entirety, it could be forgotten rather quickly. It is nevertheless diabolically efficient and its execution is perfect despite the high technicality of the music. - Official website

TRIVIUM

THE SIN AND THE SENTENCE

ROADRUNNER RECORDS

THRASH