Trivium/Bullet For My Valentine/August Burns Red – Youtube Theater, Inglewood, Ca 4/25
By Jeffrey Easton
If there was ever a night for metal aficionados to rejoice, it was when August Burns Red opened for Bullet For My Valentine and Trivium, both celebrating their 20th anniversaries of albums. Held at the packed Youtube Theater, this concert was not just a show but a monumental celebration of metal music's evolution over the past two decades.
August Burns Red kicked off the night with an electrifying performance. Known for their intricate guitar riffs and powerful vocals, they did not disappoint. The crowd erupted as Jake Luhrs, the lead vocalist, roared into the microphone, setting the tone for the evening. Their setlist included deep favorites like White Washed and Marianas Trench, which had the audience headbanging and moshing from the get-go. The band's energy was contagious, and it was clear that they were here to make a mark. Their performance was tight, demonstrating why they have been a staple in the metalcore scene for over 20 years. The interplay between JB Brubaker and Brent Rambler’s guitar work was nothing short of spectacular. They managed to blend melody and brutality in a way that left the audience in awe.
Following August Burns Red, Bullet For My Valentine took the stage, and the nostalgia was palpable. Celebrating the 20th anniversary The Poison, a staple of any metalhead that grew up in the 2000s, they took the audience on a journey through their debut and it felt as though it was released yesterday. From the opening chords of Her Voice Resides to the haunting melodies of Tears Don’t Fall, All These Things I Hate(Revolve Around Me), Hit tHe Floor… the band reminded everyone why they have been a driving force in metal for two decades. It took me back to the Glasshouse and 2006 when I covered them for a local feature with a shoot and interview. I had to keep reminding myself that it really wasn’t 19 years ago. They played with a fervor that resonated with both longtime fans and new listeners. The encore found them pulling out Knives from their 2021 S/T album and my personal highlight, Waking The Demon from Scream Aim Fire. It was a testament to their enduring legacy and the impact they’ve had on the genre.
The night reached its climax when Trivium took the stage. Celebrating a 20th anniversary as well with the 2005 release of Ascendancy , they delivered a performance that was nothing short of a masterclass in metal. The band's technical prowess was on full display, with Matt Heafy and Corey Beaulieu’s guitar solos standing out as highlights. Their setlist was a blur of tracks from Ascendancy: Pull Harder on the Strings of Your Martyr, Like Light to The Flies, Dying In Your Arms, Departure and Declaration and closing out the show with In Waves. Each song was performed with precision and passion, showing why Trivium has maintained a loyal fanbase over the years. Hearing this stuff live again like this took me back to the Key Club, March of 2005 for the Road Rage Tour, my first time covering them. This young, energetic band bulldozing the stage with the floor a whirlwind of a pit. The band hasn’t aged a day to be honest, that energy is still there.
In conclusion, August Burns Red, Bullet For My Valentine, and Trivium put on a show that will be remembered for years to come. It was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of metal music and its ability to bring people together.
For more information, Visit Trivium’s official website HERE, BFMV,s official website HERE and August Burns Red’s official website HERE
By Jeffrey Easton
If there was ever a night for metal aficionados to rejoice, it was when August Burns Red opened for Bullet For My Valentine and Trivium, both celebrating their 20th anniversaries of albums. Held at the packed Youtube Theater, this concert was not just a show but a monumental celebration of metal music's evolution over the past two decades.
August Burns Red kicked off the night with an electrifying performance. Known for their intricate guitar riffs and powerful vocals, they did not disappoint. The crowd erupted as Jake Luhrs, the lead vocalist, roared into the microphone, setting the tone for the evening. Their setlist included deep favorites like White Washed and Marianas Trench, which had the audience headbanging and moshing from the get-go. The band's energy was contagious, and it was clear that they were here to make a mark. Their performance was tight, demonstrating why they have been a staple in the metalcore scene for over 20 years. The interplay between JB Brubaker and Brent Rambler’s guitar work was nothing short of spectacular. They managed to blend melody and brutality in a way that left the audience in awe.
Following August Burns Red, Bullet For My Valentine took the stage, and the nostalgia was palpable. Celebrating the 20th anniversary The Poison, a staple of any metalhead that grew up in the 2000s, they took the audience on a journey through their debut and it felt as though it was released yesterday. From the opening chords of Her Voice Resides to the haunting melodies of Tears Don’t Fall, All These Things I Hate(Revolve Around Me), Hit tHe Floor… the band reminded everyone why they have been a driving force in metal for two decades. It took me back to the Glasshouse and 2006 when I covered them for a local feature with a shoot and interview. I had to keep reminding myself that it really wasn’t 19 years ago. They played with a fervor that resonated with both longtime fans and new listeners. The encore found them pulling out Knives from their 2021 S/T album and my personal highlight, Waking The Demon from Scream Aim Fire. It was a testament to their enduring legacy and the impact they’ve had on the genre.
The night reached its climax when Trivium took the stage. Celebrating a 20th anniversary as well with the 2005 release of Ascendancy , they delivered a performance that was nothing short of a masterclass in metal. The band's technical prowess was on full display, with Matt Heafy and Corey Beaulieu’s guitar solos standing out as highlights. Their setlist was a blur of tracks from Ascendancy: Pull Harder on the Strings of Your Martyr, Like Light to The Flies, Dying In Your Arms, Departure and Declaration and closing out the show with In Waves. Each song was performed with precision and passion, showing why Trivium has maintained a loyal fanbase over the years. Hearing this stuff live again like this took me back to the Key Club, March of 2005 for the Road Rage Tour, my first time covering them. This young, energetic band bulldozing the stage with the floor a whirlwind of a pit. The band hasn’t aged a day to be honest, that energy is still there.
In conclusion, August Burns Red, Bullet For My Valentine, and Trivium put on a show that will be remembered for years to come. It was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of metal music and its ability to bring people together.
For more information, Visit Trivium’s official website HERE, BFMV,s official website HERE and August Burns Red’s official website HERE
