With Bent firmly fitting in his place as the band's drummer, the chemistry between the band members is better than ever. What the Dead Men Say is the second of two great albums, and confirms that The Sin and the Sentence wasn't a fluke.
All are multi-layered, offering moments of both beautiful intimacy and blazing rage. For most bands, attempting this juxtaposition would be disastrous, but here it sounds sublime, seamless.
While Trivium have always been stubborn about following their own way, What the Dead Men Say sounds like an intentional gift to longtime fans. Its consistency, diversity, energy, and songwriting prowess put the set on par with the band's very best work.
It’s not perfect (hello, Bending The Arc To Fear), but for a band previously hindered by wearing their influences so blatantly on their sleeve, they have made it to their final form.
Trivium have evolved into something special. I remember my indifference towards them during the crusade, but it was in shogun where I became aTrivium have evolved into something special. I remember my indifference towards them during the crusade, but it was in shogun where I became a huge fan. I’ll get one thing out of the way, I’ve enjoyed almost every album more or less. I do believe their best album is still Shogun, though Sin and the Sentence is a close second. However, where “deadman” excels is that it embodies every single era up to this point. I recently read a review about this album and it was 100% spot in : Deadman is the perfect album to show people what trivium is all about! I'm 100% with that notion. There are moments like “The Defiant” that have shadows of Ascendancy.On the other hand, Songs like Catastrophist or sickness unto you have shades of shogun! Needless to say, this is probably the album Trivium wanted to make, and they’ve done an outstanding job!
While the highs in “Sin” are probably more dynamic, this is probably a more consistent record from start to finish. It’s hard to figure out where I will rank this album among their discography 6 months from now, but just breathe easy knowing that one of the best metal bands right now is currently in the prime of their career! They’ve found their craft, and if this has lasting value, we are certainly in for a treat for the next few years
One minor complaint I have of this album is the use of Their new drummer that they showcased in sin! He takes more of a backseat in this album in comparison! That isn’t to say his work here isn’t great! Hardly. It’s excellent, but I feel they made it a point to focus on the drumming more on the previous album than here. I wish they could’ve had more moments to showcase his talents here. I consider him to be one of the best drummers today! Regardless, this is an exceptional record, and it should be considered to be one of 2020's best by the end of the year.
My favorites: Where the Dead Man Sing, The Defiant, Sickness Unto you.…Expand
Perfect blend of Shogun and The Sin and the Sentence. Trivium has taken everything they’ve learned throughout their careers and made theirPerfect blend of Shogun and The Sin and the Sentence. Trivium has taken everything they’ve learned throughout their careers and made their Magnum Opus. Alex Bent is exactly what they needed on drums.…Expand
Let the fact that I just made an account so I could talk about how good this album us show that i really love this album. I am relativelyLet the fact that I just made an account so I could talk about how good this album us show that i really love this album. I am relatively young and new this metal, so the sin and the sentence was my introduction to them in late 2018 and have been going through the catalogue of Trivium, so therefore i have no rose tinted glasses. I can whole heartedly say this is up there with Ascendancy, In Waves and Shogun. It builds upon the years of development that the band has gone through and puts the years of trying to find a drummer that fit that band, since the departure of the original drummer, and gives thanks that the fans went through a revolving door to find some of the best chemistry and technical ability the band has ever seen. Dont let him take all the credit. Poalo shines with bass rifts and lines that gleam out in a genre that often pitches out the hard bass however, it is hear for all to see and we are not complaining. Corey shines with writing credits on some of the best songs, and guitar rifts that go back to the Shogun days with technical brilliance and his chemistry with Matt us in full display with both of them building eachother up for some amazing solos. The vocals by Matt are some of his best, as unlike in his early work, you can really feel the power in his clean vocals, the chorus to songs like the Catastrophic echo this and on songs like the Ones we Left Behind, his vocal talent it there to see. His screams have also seem so much development, especially since his blowout that its fair to say, his streaming career has seemed to help him as he is at his best. The only criticism is that Bending the Arc of Fear isnt as memorable as the other tracks but it still slaps with isolated listens. If you want to get into metal, or love it already. This albums will pick you up, throw you around and give you want you want.…Expand
Alright where to start. This album really stands out for me compared not only to their previous albums, but among the modern metal scene.Alright where to start. This album really stands out for me compared not only to their previous albums, but among the modern metal scene. Trivium is a band that, in most people's opinions, is hard to classify into one genre of music. Of course, their older catalog clearly fits into Thrash and Metalcore, but that cannot be said for their last three albums, and WTDMS is no different. This album has pieces of Thrash, Metalcore, technical and melodic Death Metal, and Black Metal. Not only does it blend these genres so expertly, but it manages to capture aspects of Ascendancy, Shogun, even the Crusade. The mix in the album allows for the bass to really come through, even leading sections, Matt's vocals are like wine, they get better with time, the guitar work was impressive, and don't even get me started on Alex Bent's fantastic drumming. While the radio friendly songs on their own are alright, in the context of the album, they serve as a break from the speed and aggression of the rest of the album. For me, the highlight of this album was Sickness Unto You, dark subject matter, but with some kick ass riffs and that breakdown. One thing that seems to work every time they try it, is they choruses. Not just the melodic ones, but the screams too, I mean, Bending the Arc to Fear has a fantastic chorus that just works in that aggressive piece. Overall, think of this album as a more diverse, more technical Sin and the Sentence. This album has cemented itself into my top 3 by Trivium.…Expand
Worthies (6/10):
- Catastrophist
- Amongst The Shadows & The Stones
- Bleed Into Me
- The Defiant
- Scattering The Ashes
- The Ones WeWorthies (6/10):
- Catastrophist
- Amongst The Shadows & The Stones
- Bleed Into Me
- The Defiant
- Scattering The Ashes
- The Ones We Leave Behind…Expand
