Me listening to metalcore? Thanks but no thanks. But wait a min... A Trivium spinning in me CD player, then? Yep. 'The Crusade' is different to older Trivium releases, if the writings I've read are true (never heard those two earlier albums). On this album, the band have turned down the 'core stuff and dragged in a substantial amount of thrash metal. About selling out: This album would sell loads more if it was metalcore.

Almost every review of this platter contains two names: Metallica and James Hetfield. Most of the time, the reviewers seem to hear no differencies with these two bands, which feels very unreasonable I think. Okay, there's some very Metallica-esque parts in some of the songs, plus Matthew Heafy (also guitar, Corey Beaulieu is his partner in crime) sounds nowadays a bit like Mr. Hetfield at times, but that's not the whole story. Generally, there's nothing that's already been heard on many a North American thrash metal record, and that's the band's biggest hurdle. But Trivium are loaded with youthful energy and can write a good tune, let me tell you. At first couple of listens, there's hooks that intrigue listener, but after ten spins the songs show their power: They fucking stick to brain and there's no way out of it! At times, Trivium gets more rocking, slightly reminding me of Death Angel (or it's bastard brother, The Organization, especially on 'The Rising'), and multiplied vocal tracks only strengthen that feeling, as actually does Hefty's voice every now and then. Rapid, Megadeth-style riffage is aired a lot, too. A shred-fest. Many tempo changes really animate the songs, making the album roll on like a freight train. Gotta mention the catchy, long instrumental title track and a nice "balladish" 'This World Can't Tear Us Apart'.

Playingwise this is accurate, but with live vibe. Thanks to the organic sound. 'Becoming the Dragon' includes a good bass solo by Paolo Gregoletto. Travis Smith throws in varying, driving beats. Cover art is ugly, harking back to the thrash metal cover art of 1980s. Inside, it's more like Mastodon or something like that. Lyrical topics include e.g. loathing, war, people killing because of their religious beliefs, and metal. The lyrics are written pretty bluntly, but at times do find the point. Hefty's vocals are in vein of James Hetfield, but he also sing with clean voice and uses his screamo vox a few times.

The bottom line: Catchy, energetic thrash metal album of the 21st century, that kicks dirt over many old beard thrash metal bands' later albums. However, there's nothing new introduced to the thrash metal genre. But I'm hooked to the album, there's fantastic songs, and that's what matters. Just tell me how many unique thrash albums have been released in 21st century anyways?! Okay, there you go, then...

Rating: 8 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
10/21/2006 23:27