SHOW REVIEW: Trivium and Arch Enemy in NYC

Often referred to as the next Metallica in their formative years, Orlando, Florida’s Trivium have carved their own path in the world of heavy music. Formed in 1999 and signed to a major label in 2004, the band is known for creating the music that they want to create with no exceptions. Their discography is full of twists and turns, a method of artistic expression that bands often shy away from, many times due to the fear of the criticism that would likely follow such changes. Trivium’s latest release, The Sin and the Sentence, is currently being heralded by many as their finest record to this point. As the band tours North America in support of the album, we were fortunate to catch their stop at none other than Times Square’s PlayStation Theater on November 3, 2017.

As the lights dimmed for an early 8pm set time, Trivium took the stage as the eerie intro tape for the band’s latest title track rolled. Drummer Alex Bent, currently being referred to as Trivium’s tightest and most entertaining drummer to date by many, counted the band in to signify the start of what would be a near flawless set. Frontman Matt Heafy sounded particularly great throughout the night, pleasing old-school Trivium fans and new-schoolers alike as he embraced his ability to execute both clean and harsh vocal styles with ease.

“Like Light to the Flies,” a personal favorite, was an excellent addition to the set, followed swiftly by “Rain” which was enough to make any Ascendency-era fan in attendance wet themselves. These classic cuts, combined with newer hits such as “Betrayer” and “The Heart from Your Hate,” made for an entertaining back-and-forth affair throughout the night. The band concluded their share of the evening with 2011’s “In Waves” as they encouraged the crowd to crouch and then jump at once to start their final song of the night. Upon finishing, the band thanked onlookers for the craziest night of the tour to date before parting with the stage, assuring us they would be back soon.

The lights went down for a brief set change, and the crowd inside the pit dispersed. It was clear that many of them needed a break from the insanity and chaos that Trivium brought to the theater. As many of them had been beating the shit out of each other in the pit throughout Trivium’s set, the break in between the co-headliners was a welcome respite before Arch Enemy brought the house down. And, bring the house down they did. However, it was noted that many of the fans that had brought the love for Trivium didn’t stick around to bring the same to Arch Enemy, which was likely something those remaining on the floor could appreciate. Lord knows, that place was packed for Trvium.

Arch Enemy came out swinging with “The World is Yours” off of their latest release, Will to Power. Frontwoman Alissa White-Gluz had the crowd eating out of the palm of her hand, as her vocals filled the space, carried on the waves of the instrumentals behind her. Michael Amott and Jeff Loomis were on the top of their games on guitars as well as helping out with backing vocals. Daniel Erlandsson drove the energy from start to finish on drums – it must be hard to follow a drummer with the skills and raw talent of Alex Bent, but Erlandsson handled the task with ease. Drummers so often get overlooked, and it’s a shame. They really can be the backbone of a band’s sound, and Erlandsson is not an exception to that rule. Also, Sharlee D’Angelo killed it on the bass, as per usual.

Arch Enemy is a band to be reckoned with in the world of metal, and their seventeen-song set that night did not disappoint. Taking the crowd through favorites like “Ravenous,” “War Eternal,” and “We Will Rise,” it was clear Arch Enemy knew what their fans were looking for. All who were seeking a night of metal goodness peppered with the primal screams of White-Gluz were more than satisfied. Vocally, she was at the top of her game.

CONCERT PHOTOS: Modest Mouse/Brand New Tour 2016

New tracks off of Will to Power, “Blood in the Water” and “The Eagle Flies Alone” brought the fire to the crowd. “You Will Know My Name” and “My Apocalypse” had everyone in the theater singing along, and it was clear that no matter what song Arch Enemy brought to the stage, the crowd was ready to give it right back to them. Though the crowd wasn’t as large as it was for Trivium, it was just as rowdy. The energy in the place was absolutely insane, and the love for Arch Enemy was palpable. To be sure, it was a hell of a night for metal fans.

One thing was clear all night – New York City knows how to throwdown and show love to the bands that bring it back to them. And November 3, 2o17 was a night not to forget for those in attendance at the PlayStation Theater in Times Square. In a city where there are endless options to explore, the soldout crowd showed that, no matter what else is going on, there’s no place like a metal show.

Trivium Setlist