Trivium

One thing I’ve noticed by writing metal interviews is the fact that most of these bands persevere and stay out there for a long time compared to some of the mainstream or pop/rock bands that are popular nowadays. Trivium is one of those bands. They started in 1999 and despite a few lineup changes, they are still going strong more than 10 years later. They released their debut full-length in 2003 and have consistently released albums throughout the years. The band is currently starting to work on material for their 6th studio album to be recorded at the beginning of next year.

While they had a few days off from their “Trespass America Festival” tour, they came up here to play Heavy MTL and that’s when I had the chance to sit down with Nick, the drummer of the band.

CONFRONT: How was your show in Toronto?

NICK: It was amazing! The crowd was sick, Toronto is always awesome. Canada everywhere is pretty awesome for us.

CONFRONT: Cool! And you guys are currently on the Trespass America Festival tour, and there are a lot of you who are playing Heavy MTL.

NICK: Yeah we love coming here. Last time it was amazing and just the opportunity, you can’t pass it up! Some of the bands on that tour were doing this too so we decided why not?

CONFRONT: You guys like to play shows a lot?

NICK: Yeah! We’ve been on tour for about a year now for this album.

CONFRONT: You’re actually working on your next album now right?

NICK: Yeah!

CONFRONT: How’s that coming along?

NICK: Really good actually. We have probably 10 songs already demo-ed out. It’s kind of in the pre-production stages but it’s coming along great! We’re supposed to record it in March or April. After this year is over, we’ll stop touring and start working on that.

CONFRONT: I read your sound was going to be heavier?

NICK: Yeah but it’s kind of hard to say what it’s going to sound like because it’s still pretty early but it’s kind of more like “Shogun” mixed with the last album just with more riffs and stuff. We want to make a really heavy album.

CONFRONT: Why is that?

NICK: We just want to make a landmark album. Just trying to make our album the best one possible. I know every band says that but we’re really trying to push ourselves, writing different stuff; something that sticks out more than the average metal band.

CONFRONT: That’s a good mindset to have if you want to go far. And your sound is described as metalcore, alternative metal, progressive metal…if you were to describe it, how would you?

NICK: I don’t know! I don’t think it has a specific name but if I had to describe it, it’s just kind of the influences from the four of us mixed and mashed into one band. But I don’t know, I think we have our own sound and I like to think it’s unique.

CONFRONT: In some way, it must be. And what do you think makes you stand out?

NICK: We just work hard at it. We don’t really try to do anything weird. We just do our thing and it works. It’s an interesting question, I don’t know! We just work our asses off and try to write catchy and enjoyable stuff. And it seems to be working!

CONFRONT: Going back to your new stuff, you guys have gained writing experience throughout the years, how do you think it evolved from the beginning?

NICK: We just found what we really like and what we really want to hear. We write stuff that we want to hear and we’re just trying not to write the normal thing. And it’s still in the works too. We’re still learning about how to write better songs, it’s always evolving. Paolo actually writes a lot of the guitar stuff. Me and him just jam out and we know when it works.

CONFRONT: That’s cool! You actually joined the band later though, I guess it must’ve been a good transition?

NICK: It was awesome! It was really unexpected actually. I had no idea. I used to work for the band. Before that, maybe when I was 14, I used to be in a band with Paolo before he was in Trivium. We played before so it wasn’t anything new. But it worked out, it was a smooth transition. As soon as I joined, we started writing right away.

CONFRONT: Great! Now, I’ve noticed that metal bands usually have more creative and intricate music videos. Do you guys have a lot of input in the creative process of your video clips?

NICK: Yeah we have total control over that stuff. I think maybe in the earlier years of the band, the first music videos, it was kind of confusing and they didn’t know what they wanted. The directors kind of give their input but the last couple of music videos, it’s been totally us; whatever we want to do. If we don’t like the storyline or how it looks, we won’t put it out.

CONFRONT: It’s cool because it gives you another creative outlet! And I’m going to give you another creative outlet because I’m going to ask you to draw something that represents you!

NICK: I can’t draw. It’s a really good question though! I’m a happy metal head.

CONFRONT: With cat ears?

NICK: Yes..no! They’re devil horns! They’re bad though.

CONFRONT: No they’re not! And is there anything else you’d like to add for your fans?

NICK: Just look out for the next album, I think it’s going to be the best one.

CONFRONT: Awesome! Thank you very much!

NICK: Thank you!

Marie Claire took a few shots of their set at Heavy MTL, check them out here!!

Check out these links if you want to learn more about the band or hear some of their tunes!

Official Site : http://www.trivium.org/

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/TriviumOfficial

Twitter : https://twitter.com/TriviumOfficial

YouTube : http://www.youtube.com/user/trivium