User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 45 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 45
  2. Negative: 4 out of 45
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  1. Oct 19, 2013
    8
    Trivium seem to have set a precedent; alternating exhilarating impressive releases such as 2005's Ascendancy and 2008's Shogun, with patchier works such as 2003's Ember To Inferno and 2011's In Waves. They have defined the Nu-Metal scene, where bands like Bullet for my Valentine and Avenged Sevenfold have shriveled up. With each album offering us something new, we were unsure as to what weTrivium seem to have set a precedent; alternating exhilarating impressive releases such as 2005's Ascendancy and 2008's Shogun, with patchier works such as 2003's Ember To Inferno and 2011's In Waves. They have defined the Nu-Metal scene, where bands like Bullet for my Valentine and Avenged Sevenfold have shriveled up. With each album offering us something new, we were unsure as to what we were going to get with their 6th studio album Vengeance Falls.

    Vengeance Falls fails to scale the heights of their best work, but is certainly a positive metal track, with an impressive blend of melody, crunchy riffs, shred fests, and emphatic choruses. This is one of the strongest metalcore tracks out there. The production by David Draiman is fantastic, and you can hear every crisp element superbly. If you are after Matt Heafy's death metal vocals, you won't find them here as he bravely reserves the more aggressive vocals for the breakdowns in some songs, and adopts a fantastic clean melodic vocal which impress throughout the album. This seemed risky after what happened with The Crusade but working with Draiman, he has increased his vocal range which can be heard on track 10 'Wake (The End Is Nigh)'.

    Trivium set a high standard with tracks 1 and 2, 'Brave This Storm' and 'Strife'. These are classic anthemic melodic metalcore tracks, based around frantic riffing, weighty vocal melodies and charging solos. Track 3 'Strife' is a standout track, and was released as a single on August 20th. It starts off with a simple riff that gets heavier with every bar, and the build up with the drums creates a whirlwind of metal excellence. The verse slows down, increasing in tempo again before the chorus and Heafy's vocals stick with you all day; epitomised by a shred fest guitar duel before kicking into that killer chorus once more. I'm really impressed at how, Heafy, Beaulieu and bassist Gregoletto all contribute vocally. 'Strife' is definitely the highlight of the album.

    Being the title track to a Trivium album, you'd expect title track 'Vengeance Falls' to be emphatic and heavy. It isn't, and is largely a disappointment. It never seems to get going, is very basic and seems lazy. For me, it is a weak point on the album. Groovy track 5 'To Believe' is another high performer. Fast paced, catchy and anthemic. It all builds to an euphoric outro, with lead shredding, Beaulieu screams, a bouncy riff and drums. Its a shame that the outro only lasted for half a minute. The next highlight 'Incineration: The Broken World' offers more melodic heavier vocals, but that solo; the duel is reminiscent of 'Like Fire to the Flies' or any other gem off Ascendancy. An absolute beauty and on of the best Trivium solos you will hear.

    Final track 'Wake (The End is Nigh)' is centred around the improved vocals of Matt Heafy. It starts out with a clean riff, and a beautiful vocal performance by Heafy, hitting low notes that I never knew existed, but they are fitting and suitable. His passion is evident and the lyrics are another highlight "With my hands around your throat/ That's the way I like you most/ When you're choking on the feelings rushing out/ Time won't open up its wings/ Let me fall from Grace/ And lend into the flames/ I don't want to feel this love go cold/ I don't know how you opened this light before'. It speeds up into another heavy melodic track, but is still very much vocal centred, until the outro when the solo takes over.

    The rhythmic partnership of Gregoletto and drummer Augusto seems to be gelling well. Gregoletto is a classy and tasteful bassist, but is largely underpowered by the other instruments. Hints of his excellence and power can be seen on 'No Way To Heal' and a devilish intro to 'Villainy Thrives'. Augusto is a fantastic drummer and holds the rhythmic fort down solidly throughout.

    The special edition has an extra 3 tracks, which include the same melodic heavy we hear throughout the normal edition, but also features an unexpected but reasonable cover of 'Skulls..We are 138' originally by Misfits. You are not missing anything if you don't get the special edition, but if you want more of the same then it is recommended.

    Overall, 'Vengeance Falls' is a good metalcore album. Some parts could have been improved, most notably the intro to 'No Way to Heal' and 'Vengeance Falls', but throughout the 10 tracks you get the feeling Trivium have matured as musicians. They have given a reason for fans to forgive them for 'The Crusade' as they are now leading the dwindling metalcore scene with a solid set of tracks, and even though it isn't their best work, it is still refreshing and glorious.

    End transmission.
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  2. Dec 2, 2013
    9
    Once again Trivium have hit gold. This band have never failed to impress me (perhaps with the exception of their debut). This album continues the sparkling form of In Waves, which I rated 8 out of 10. In fact it is better than In Waves. The first 3 songs are absolute belters and are clearly the standout tracks on the album. Other highlights include To Believe and At The End Of This War. ItOnce again Trivium have hit gold. This band have never failed to impress me (perhaps with the exception of their debut). This album continues the sparkling form of In Waves, which I rated 8 out of 10. In fact it is better than In Waves. The first 3 songs are absolute belters and are clearly the standout tracks on the album. Other highlights include To Believe and At The End Of This War. It is well worth buying this album. Expand
  3. Oct 16, 2013
    10
    This band never fails to impress me. I listen to this album every single day and never get sick of it. You guys blow my mind like usual. I love you Trivium, keep doing what you're doing.
  4. Nov 15, 2015
    8
    Trivium continues to step away from thrash metal in favor of music more in line with their Ascendancy roots. However this time there's more of a twist to it. The partnership with David Draiman (of Disturbed) as producer has lead to some improved vocals for Heafy. However it has also lead to a more robotic feeling album.

    That doesn't change the fact that this is still a metal album to
    Trivium continues to step away from thrash metal in favor of music more in line with their Ascendancy roots. However this time there's more of a twist to it. The partnership with David Draiman (of Disturbed) as producer has lead to some improved vocals for Heafy. However it has also lead to a more robotic feeling album.

    That doesn't change the fact that this is still a metal album to check out. Trivium once again delivers some powerful stuff. Thankfully Draiman's presence doesn't make the band sound like Disturbed. The influence is there and is noticeable in the execution, but this is still very much Trivium.

    Some of the themes from "In Waves" carry over. Songs like "No Room to Heal," "Strife," and "Brave This Storm" are songs about inner turmoil. However, "Strife" is a slightly different twist. The message is conflict won't make your suffering any easier.

    The rest of the album is about standing against corruption and other evils. It shows a band that's tired of the way the world is going and is taking an aggressive stance against it through their music. "Villainy Thrives" is actually a pro-capital punishment song.

    Throughout all of the tracks the band manages to keep a talented, heavy metal sound. As always the group's instrumental game is on point. The fast and often heavy solos are just as enjoyable as ever. Heafy's vocal game has stepped up in both the clean and unclean variety. The track "Wake (The End is Nigh)" opens with some stunning and slower melodic vocals.

    While sounding refined overall, the execution of the album feels stiff. The mechanical flow of tracks is noticeable and keep this album from reaching the heights of their best works.

    Still, Trivium proves they still know how to make some darn good metal. It might not be enough to throw off their detractors, but those looking for more work from the stunning band will find little to complain about here.

    I give "Vengeance Falls" an 8.9/10.
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  5. Dec 9, 2013
    9
    Trivium scores big time with a highly listenable CD that sets them apart from many of the myriad Metalcore bands, perhaps moving away and into a more basic Heavy Metal feel. Gone are the growls and they have been replaced by a very competent lead singer who hits every note. Dave Draiman produced this and, while I am not a fan of Disturbed, the influence is very heavy here and in the mostTrivium scores big time with a highly listenable CD that sets them apart from many of the myriad Metalcore bands, perhaps moving away and into a more basic Heavy Metal feel. Gone are the growls and they have been replaced by a very competent lead singer who hits every note. Dave Draiman produced this and, while I am not a fan of Disturbed, the influence is very heavy here and in the most positive of ways. This has been stuck in my car for many days. Enough that my wife is about to start walking places so she doesn't have to hear Trivium constantly. Expand
  6. Jan 25, 2016
    9
    A truly brilliant album Trivium never fail to impress another strong and brilliant album slightly better than Silence in the Snow their next album. I have listen to this album so many times I think it might be a little unhealthy. One recommendation is Strife and Through Blood and Dirt and Bone this is a must buy without a doubt.
  7. Sep 4, 2014
    7
    Not Trivium's best album for sure. However, still a great album with tremendous music quality. Every member did a good job with their instrument on this one. The only thing I didn't like was that Matt's vocal were a bit too influenced by Draiman, in my opinion. Still a powerful record that was very enjoyable overall.
  8. Jul 12, 2021
    9
    An outstandingly cohesive effort from a band who decided to change up what was already going well by hiring Disturbed vocalist David Draiman as producer of 'Vengeance Falls'. While I don't enjoy his work personally, the work that he conducted with Trivium here turned the band from metalcore heroes to anthem-making masters. While there are weaker moments to boot, the good heavily outweighsAn outstandingly cohesive effort from a band who decided to change up what was already going well by hiring Disturbed vocalist David Draiman as producer of 'Vengeance Falls'. While I don't enjoy his work personally, the work that he conducted with Trivium here turned the band from metalcore heroes to anthem-making masters. While there are weaker moments to boot, the good heavily outweighs the band. Matt's vocal delivery is the best of his career and still stands up almost a decade later. Expand
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Kerrang!
    Oct 29, 2013
    60
    An album that proves that Trivium have much life in them yet. [12 Oct 2013, p.51]
  2. Classic Rock Magazine
    Oct 25, 2013
    70
    While there's nothing here that will alienate fans or frighten the horses, there's no denying the power of songs like the crashing "Brave This Storm" or the rattling "Strife." [Nov 2013, p.93]
  3. Oct 23, 2013
    80
    Though perhaps overly mechanical, Vengeance Falls remains compelling and staggeringly textured.