Review Summary: A solid release that is overshadowed by Trivium's previous work.
After receiving much mixed feedback from their previous release
Shogun, many were wary of the band’s fifth studio effort
In Waves. Over the years we have seen
Trivium grow and explore new sounds; from the hit or miss sounds of
The Crusade and the over “Metallicisation” of Heafy’s lyrics to the band's best received studio effort
Shogun, listeners’ didn’t know what to expect. For the most part
In Waves does hit the heights anticipated by fans, even with its rather radio rock soundings.
A noticeable difference from other records is that Heafy’s vocals have improved, both in his clean vocals and when he chooses to use them. Tracks like ‘Of All These Yesterdays’ and ‘Watch The World Burn’ highlight the creative choices ( either structural or lyrically) the band uses throughout the album and makes for a more enjoyable listen overall. On most tracks it is easy to notice the use of hooks (this involves using the track title in lyrics, mainly found in chorus lines) which increases the album's overall catchiness as well as creates a more memorable listen. On the other hand this may promote a repetitive feel to some songs.
While
Trivium have adopted a more radio friendly, pop influenced sound there is no denying that this very much a
Trivium album. There are still the driving riff patterns, technical and fast guitar solos, the screamed and clean vocals, and the inclusion of newest member Nick Augusto who provides an intelligent percussive onslaught without going over the top, to wrap things up. This makes
In Waves a solid listen throughout and maintains the listeners’ attention with a few instrumental tracks that act as interludes for the album. This stops tracks from meshing into each other and ensures this album is seen in a more positive light.
While the band state that they are not after a sense of change, there is a change of sound that is easily recognised. It comes from a combination of musical ideas and the more dominant clean vocals.
In Waves shows many traits of a radio metal album and whilst that is not such a bad thing it is bound to create a certain backlash from the metal community. This radio rock sound can easily be identified in ‘A Grey So Dark’ where there are some pop infused riffs, and a clear lack of screamed vocals. The guitar solos are even a little more sedate, and shorter than the regular
Trivium flurry of arpeggios and sweep fests. ‘Chaos Reigns’ show much of the
Ascendancy meets
The Crusade sound. The riffage and instrumental ideas are very much similar to those from
The Crusade whilst the lyrical sound and patterns are reminiscent of those from
Ascendancy.
The extended edition of this release presents listeners with an aggressive rendition of ‘Slave New World’ and whilst this is very much a
Sepultura classic the main difference can be found in the vocals being screamed throughout. It is a decent cover, nothing more and nothing less.
Trivium certainly don’t lift the tracks quality, but neither do they drop it. Also the track ‘Leaving This World Behind’ brings back a track from
Trivium's past work ‘A View Of Burning Empires’ from the band’s debut full length release and gives new life to the instrumental track, which also maintains the attention of the listener and creates a nostalgic value.
Overall
In Waves makes for a very solid listen. Trivium have not maintained the same level of quality found on
Shogun, but this should keep the die-hard fans happy and maybe attract a new fan base from the radio rock/pop metal community. Simply put, while
In Waves shows another solid effort from
Trivium it does not meet the same standards as their last album
Shogun.
Album Highlights:
• Watch The World Burn
• Built To Fall
• Drowning In Slow Motion
• A Grey So Dark
• Of All These Yesterdays
