Trivium - Struck Dead EP

With just three tracks, ‘Struck Dead’ is the distillation of all that makes Trivium a cut above the average metalcore screamers. Recorded at the band’s own Hangar Studios in Orlando, Florida, there is very little suggestive of the so-called Sunshine State here. Instead, the lyrics are influenced by frontman Matt Heafy’s personal struggles, tracks coming together whilst waiting for the band’s studio to get an upgrade and coloured by the energy of revisiting ‘Ascendancy’ in tour rehearsals. Apparently providing “a cathartic release” for all involved, the effect on the listener is similar, a rush of aggressive energy that proves irresistible. 

Unveiled earlier this year as a single, ‘Bury With My Screams’ is gloriously percussive, drummer Alex Bent making an unmistakeable mark, seemingly pounding his kit into submission. Not to be outdone, the guitars drill the opening riff with real intent, the introduction punctuated with a lovely twin guitar moment before everything briefly slows in that pleasing, heavy way that makes you grimace in appreciation. Heafy switches from rage fuelled screams to clean vocals for a chorus that provides a melodic hook, something of a signature for the band that still works incredibly well. Concluding with the words “not dying” practically torn from Heafy’s throat, you can only hope he feels better for exorcising whatever demons are plaguing him. 

The title track rages with an intensity that other bands can only dream of. The stop start riff is pulverising and there is something so satisfying about Heafy’s delivery, the way he attacks the words “struck f***ing dead”. Impossibly heavy, ‘Struck Dead (Pain Is Easier To Remember)’ seethes with unbridled anger that Trivium somehow deliver with such class. Though relentless, there is still melody to be found amidst the fury. 

The delicate introduction to ‘Six Walls Surround Me’ provides brief respite from the aural assault, a reminder that Trivium can do beauty, but would rather tear it apart, as they do here, Heafy’s agonised vocal cutting in, seemingly from nowhere. The most sprawling of the tracks, there is room for some magnificent musical interludes, occasionally reminiscent of traditional metal with the sound of twin guitars, the influence of Maiden seeping through, albeit veiled in something decidedly more modern.  

‘Struck Dead’ is released on Friday 31st October. A truly satisfying battering of the eardrums awaits.