Trivium - In Waves

If “In Waves” had to be summed up in a single word, perhaps the only word that would fit the album is “Brutal”. But that only works if you imagine it being said in the deep growls of Nathan Explosion (and if you’ve no idea who he is, go and watch Metalocalypse now. Trust me, it’ll be the funniest thing you see all day).

“In Waves” is the eagerly-awaited fifth album from American metallers, Trivium. First impressions reveal that the album bears a striking similarity to “Ascendancy”, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

“Capsizing the sea”, a haunting piano based instrumental slowly builds up, leaving you unprepared for the follow on. The last note dies down allowing title track “In waves” to growl its way into existence, signalling that this is where the metal begins.

And from here, it doesn’t relent. “Inception of the end” can only be described as “brutal” (again, think Nathan Explosion) with the classic Trivium sound that fans will love. Standout tracks for “in Waves” would have to be “Watch the world burn”, “Caustic are the ties that bind”, and “Forsake not the dream”. While it may be cheating to pick three favourite tracks, it’s impossible to narrow them down to one.

Honourable mentions however, have to go to “Black”, a song so heavy it sounds like it wants to tear off your ears and launch them back at you, and “All of these yesterdays”, the final song of the album (not counting instrumental closer “Leaving this world behind”) where vocalist Matt Heafy shows off his vocal range and leaves the growls to a minimum.

Overall, another solid release from Trivium that should please any fan.