THE CRUSADE - TRIVIUM
Trivium has been called the second coming of Metallica, with the legendary band even voicing approval for the quintet. “The Crusade” fulfills that prophecy for reasons right and wrong. Thrashed-up tracks like “Unrepentant” are clearly inspired by “Master of Puppets”/.” . . And Justice for All”-era Metallica; they’re like hearing those ’80s albums recorded in digital. Guitarist/vocalist Matt Heafy’s singing is also a dead ringer for James Hetfield’s. But “The Crusade” rocks so hard you can’t deny it, and it’s easy to forget Trivium is still a developing act, because these twentysomethings are frighteningly accomplished musicians. (When did you last hear sweep picking outside of Dream Theater or Yngwie J. Malmsteen?) “The Rising” and “Tread the Floods” bare more of Trivium’s personality, showing that the band continues to strive for its own style. Billboard
