Only Trivium can make Valentine's Day this heavy!

MANILA, Philippines - They are finally here. American heavy metal band Trivium is currently in Manila for a much anticipated heavy metal show that will revolutionize the Valentine’s season in the city. Presented by Dickies and Sparx Insurance, “My Heavy Metal Valentine’s: Trivium Live in Manila” is happening tonight at the A.venue Music Hall on Makati Avenue.

Trivium, originating from Florida, is composed of Matt Heafy on vocals and guitar, Corey Beaulieu on guitar, Paolo Gregoletto on bass, and newest member Nick Augusto on drums. This young band first became known in 2003 when they released their debut album “Ember to Inferno.” Two years later, their second album “Ascendancy” dominated heavy metal charts and the band skyrocketed into becoming the next best thing since Metallica. The band also released two more albums, “The Crusade,” and “Shogun,” which debuted at # 23 in the Billboard 200 chart.

Trivium recently announced the departure of old drummer Travis Smith last February 4 as he was permanently replaced by young Nick Augusto for the second leg of “Into the Mouth of Hell We Tour” and for the rest of Trivium’s other activities. Matt Heafy commented, “We’re really happy to have our good friend and fellow Floridian Nick Augusto join the Trivium family. Nick’s drumming is very technical and diverse; he brings a real intense energy to the band and we can’t wait for everyone to hear the new song, Shattering the Skies Above, that we just recorded with Nick. I think it’s the best Trivium recording we’ve ever done; it’s raw, full of energy, and I think Nick’s drumming really pushed us to a new level.”

Manila fans are the lucky ones to witness a more aggressive Trivium, thanks to the arrival of Nick Augusto. But until then, we all have to wait for tonight’s show. Falling in line hours before the show won’t hurt either because even when gates open as early as 5.pm., we are sure that Antel Lifestyle Center (where A.venue Music Hall is) will once again witness a long line of music fans extending up to the Makati Avenue stretch.

In the meantime, Pulp Magazine has collected 11 questions from Trivium fans all over the country and bassist Paolo Gregoletto answered all of them just in time!

Throughout your music career, what has TRIVIUM become so far? (Rhys San Buenaventura, Naga City, Camarines Sur)

Paolo Gregoletto: I believe we have become a pretty well established international touring act. Being able to headline shows in Indonesia and the Philippines is incredible for us. About six years ago, we wondered what it would be like to go to Europe and now we cross the globe every few months playing to metal heads around the world.

Will the next album be a conceptual album?

(Skitz Trinidad, Pasig City) 

It will not be a concept album, but I feel we are going towards a darker sound musically. It will be very exciting to hear where we will end up with the next album. I believe Shattering the Skies Above will give a good indication.

What can you say is Trivium’s greatest contribution to the ever-growing development of heavy metal music? What does Trivium want to be immortally remembered for in such a diverse and particular genre? (Jose Delgado, Mandaluyong City) 

I believe we have definitely been part of the newer movement that has created excitement for heavy music once again, and more importantly, for people to create their own music. I want people to look back and say, “Trivium never compromised, even when it felt like we went against the grain or weren’t accepted for it.” That is what this genre stands for, doing what you feel is right in your heart and not trying to always follow the pack.

How do you guys relax during your downtime from touring and recording/songwriting? (Adrian Atanacio, Kawit, Cavite)

We are each different in that regard, I personally like to continue playing and jamming music. I love it, I can’t go more than a week without playing or I will get anxious. Other than music, I just spend time with my family and cat.

May I know the title of your next album and how many tracks are you planning to record for it? (Jonathan M. Tolentino, Sampaloc, Manila)

We haven’t figured it out just yet, though we have a good idea of what it might end up to be. If the record turns out great, I want to tour for at least two years solid.

What would your fans be expecting in your next album? Will it be a mixture of your previous records or would it be another “kick-ass” record? (Paul Constantino, Sampaloc, Manila)

It will probably have its own vibe, but I think there will be elements from the previous albums with just more intensity and energy.

What can the Filipino fans expect in your concert tonight and what do you expect from us? (Dylan Anchong, Davao City)

I expect nothing short of mayhem, I have heard so many amazing things about the Philippines, both musically and culturally. Our guitar tech Ken is half-Filipino, and has never been here, so I am expecting you to show him a good time, too!

Trivium has achieved so much already, opening for Metallica, songs in Guitar Hero, God of War III and all. What else do you guys look forward to? (Aslon Young, Davao City)

I just want to make the best record possible; without a great album, all the other bonuses like big support slots and games don’t mean much.

Where and when is Trivium’s most memorable show? (Jake Gerard Gonzaga, Rizal)

Download 2005, our first show in front of 40,000 people. I could describe it all, but youtube videos of that day will sum it up just fine! Young kids are now more into solos and guitar techniques, and Trivium is one of those bands who made them cool again.

What can you say about the comeback and do you think that guitar solos are here to stay?(Jian Choa, Sta. Cruz, Manila)

I am from the school of thought that more is not always better, and that goes for solos. I think if the song really needs more than one solo, then you do it, if not, don’t put them in for the sake of it. I think we are learning how to utilize Matt and Corey’s solos better in our music. Both dudes are coming into their own styles, Corey is the shredder and Matt has the bluesy feel, but both are equally capable of doing the opposite. We are in a good spot in the guitar playing department.

What can we expect from Trivium’s next album now that Trivium has announced a new drummer?(Boris Timothy B. Voll, Marikina City)

Way more intensity and energy in the music. Nick’s style is very volatile, and he keeps you on edge as opposed to just standard fast double bass. His set of influences brings a whole new element to our band. To be honest, we feel like a new band again, and it’s rare to feel that so far into a music career, we have been lucky.

There you have it! So put your boots or sneakers on, pull that black shirt over your head, ditch your fancy dinner reservations and head over to A.venue Music Hall because Trivium will dominate Valentine’s like a militia on a heavy metal rampage. Also featuring Slapshock and Valley of Chrome as supporting acts, My Heavy Metal Valentine’s: Trivium Live in Manila will start at 7 p.m. and gates will open at 5 p.m. Ticket prices are P2000 for Super VIP and P600 for general admission and are available at Ticketnet, Ticketworld, selected Odyssey Stores, Merriam and Webster Bookstores, or you can buy online through www.mobiusonline.net. Also, get a free general admission ticket to the show when you buy a pair of Dickies Gold Jeans at Dickies Concept Shop, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, Sta. Lucia East, Robinsons Place Ermita and Metropoint Mall. My Heavy Metal Valentine’s: Trivium Live in Manila is produced by Pulp Live Productions. For more information, visit www.pulpmagazinelive.com.