TRIVIUM 'THE CRUSADE' 2LP

Though Trivium rose to the top of the metalcore scene with 2005 breakthrough release Ascendancy, the Floridian foursome wanted to shake their heavy foundations with the following year’s The Crusade. While he didn’t abandon screams altogether, guitarist-frontman Matthew Heafy put a much stronger focus on melodically raspy, Metallica-like vocal hooks for thrash-attacked highlights like “Entrance of the Conflagration” and “Ignition.” The aptly-titled “Anthem (We Are the Fire)” became a number one hit on the UK metal charts, while the band sharpened their steely approach on tours with Iron Maiden, Metallica, Machine Head and more.