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Shogun Image
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 88 Ratings

  • Summary: The fourth album for the Florida-based metal quartet was produced by Nick Raskulinecz.

Top Track

Down From The Sky
A chasm grows With the cavity of serpentine teeth (Serpentine teeth) Hunger pain strike For the sweet feast of innocent blood Of innocent... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 5
  2. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. Shogun is easily Trivium's most challenging and ambitious album yet, and even though it isn't likely to spawn any hit singles, it was clearly the album Trivium had to make in order to get unduly prejudiced metalheads off their backs and finally silence undue suspicions over their abundant talent and devotion to heavy metal.
  2. In its place exists an album that rewards the listener with sharp riffs and excellent musicianship about as often as it frustrates with slapdash structures and trite over-drama.
  3. Shogun is by no means an outstanding metal album, but it should be enough to satisfy both fans of their older material and those attracted to the meatier hooks of ‘Anthem (We Are The Fire)’ and ‘Entrance Of The Conflagration.’
  4. Q Magazine
    60
    So while fourth album Shogun is impressive, Trivium continues ro make "...And Justice For All" when they could do with a "Black Album" instead. [Nov2008, p.107]
  5. Alternative Press
    50
    Shogun's assembly and architecture is devoid of the lively attack and emotional elan necessary to make this a true entry into the pantheon of heavy-metal long-players. [Nov 2008, p.158]
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Aug 10, 2013
    10
    Don't listen to metacritic. They do a poor job of collecting all the reviews (they also sometimes get the scores wrong on some reviews). ThisDon't listen to metacritic. They do a poor job of collecting all the reviews (they also sometimes get the scores wrong on some reviews). This album is Trivium's strongest effort to date combining all past elements from their previous albums. It should be on the shelves of anyone who enjoys music in general. Expand
  2. Aug 30, 2010
    10
    There is no flaw in this album. Worth your money. You will like it if you're human. The guitar work is out standing. The vocals coming fromThere is no flaw in this album. Worth your money. You will like it if you're human. The guitar work is out standing. The vocals coming from the almighty Matthew Kiichi Heafy are outstanding. The Bassist is amazing and if you listen he is audible without draining out the music. The drumming is awesome. The lyrics are a big highlight of the album. Just all around, great album Expand
  3. Dec 7, 2010
    10
    Hands down. Best metal album of 2008. No excuses.
  4. Pal101
    Dec 2, 2008
    9
    The 90% guy is closest to the mark, the other reviewers seem to be very wide of the mark to me, this album is almost as good as it gets. This The 90% guy is closest to the mark, the other reviewers seem to be very wide of the mark to me, this album is almost as good as it gets. This is Trivium's best album yet, the best heavy metal album of the year, and one of the best of the decade. An essential album for any heavy metal fan!! Expand
  5. Oct 18, 2015
    9
    Trivium shows a remarkable dedication to and mastery of the thrash metal genre. Their work here contains a finesse that keeps things fromTrivium shows a remarkable dedication to and mastery of the thrash metal genre. Their work here contains a finesse that keeps things from getting stale even when a few tracks go on for longer than they should. With blistering solos and an excellent combination of the heaviness and more melodic capabilities of metal, this is an album sure to please any metal fan.

    The lyrical themes often dive into stories from Greek mythology. Occasionally it uses them for some great metaphors. The song "Down from the Sky" focuses on a more political theme. Mix in those qualities with a sound the both harkens back to earlier metal bands like Metallica while simultaneously feeling modern and you have a powerful album. One that mixes the new and the old for something truly exciting.

    It's a glorious album for metal fans. One that is heavy and packed with material. Occasionally some songs might go on for just a bit too long, but this is one fairly long ride people wont mind taking. Trivium has crafted a refined and all around excellent metal album. One any fan of the genre should check out.
    Expand
  6. Mar 27, 2012
    9
    This album is really a big departure from the heavy thrash influence that was so prominent on their previous album The Crusade. It seemsThis album is really a big departure from the heavy thrash influence that was so prominent on their previous album The Crusade. It seems Trivium has found a nice counter balance between Ascendancy and The Crusade that pays tribute to 80's thrash and the hard edge breakdowns and hooks of today's melodic metal scene. Subject to much hate from metal heads everywhere, Trivium seems unfazed by public opinion and this band basically beats to the sound of their own drum, as if to say we don't care what you think or say about us and if you don't like it then kick rocks. Collapse
  7. MarkK
    Mar 14, 2009
    8
    It's better then their earlier work but it still sounds like Iron Maiden done in a very hyperactive manner.

See all 18 User Reviews