Review Summary: The breakthrough album that launched Trivium into stardom.
Is it fair to say that Trivium have evolved greatly since Ascendancy? Yes, of course they have. They demonstrated great technical ability and musicianship on this album and it is definitely safe to say, judging on their recent output, that the band have solidified themselves within metal as a force to be reckoned with. Their mix of thrash, groove metal and melodic metalcore is a winner; and their talent is undeniable.
But what of this album? Put simply, I love this album. The End of Everything sets the tone and it is a nice introductory track that may not be very complex musically but it runs smoothly into Rain. The most prominent aspect of Ascendancy is the riffs - the twin guitar attack of Matt and Corey is nothing short of extraordinary considering the band's age at time of the release (I believe they were in their teens). Highlights include the very successful single Pull Harder on the Strings of Your Martyr. The title track is also notable - Trivium essentially write melodic thrash riffs and litter it with heavy metal Iron Maiden style solos. It is a formula that works well and if you put into consideration just how catchy some of these lovely riffs, you can conclude that these men definitely know their stuff.
In short, I have listened to this album hundreds of time and it is a good time every time. Matt's vocals are a little grating here and there but nothing that intrudes or ruins the amount of brilliant riffs and superb solos on offer here. The melting pot of thrash, metalcore and classic metal was exciting to me (and many others) and the band were seen as the saviours of metal (even dubbed the new Metallica.)
But look at them now. Their last 4 albums have been excellent - yet I would settle to say they would find it hard to top this. Haters gonna hate - but me; I love this album; so should you.
