MARCH 30th 2025
POISON ASCENDANCY TOUR
Review by Richard Steven Hensey
Photos by Peter Ruttan
Gallery: http://www.metaltitans.com/concertpics/the-poison-ascendancy-tour/
The Poison Ascendancy Tour first North American stop was at Vancouver’s PNE Forum. You have on one side, Orlando Florida’s Trivium, who spearheaded an entire wave of US metal that produced 10 successful studios albums with 42 singles. On the other, there are Welsh metallers Bullet For My Valentine, who have a massive following and have played with the likes of Iron Maiden, Guns n’ Roses & Metallica which speaks for itself, doesn’t it? I'm in!
Along for the ride was opening acts Sylosis and August Burns Red. Sylosis started the show off with a ripping 20 minute set. From the opening notes of Poison for the lost, the band set the tone with razor-sharp precision, blending intricate thrash riffs. Lead Josh Middleton had a commanding presence, both as a vocalist and guitarist, was at the forefront, his screams and melodic cleans weaving seamlessly into the band's intricate compositions.
August Burns Redwas up next with there high octane metal core stage presence starting with Systems of the downs “Chop Suey”. I've seen them quite a few times and they have always delivered a crushing performance proving once again why they remain one of the most consistent and technically impressive bands in modern metalcore. The band closed with an explosive encore, “White Washed”, ensuring that every fan left drenched in sweat and completely satisfied.
As the beers flowed shown by the littered beer cups on the floor, Bullet for my Valentine were up next as they are celebrating the 20th anniversary of The Poison released in 2005. Matt Tuck's vocals were as sharp as ever, seamlessly transitioning between his signature melodic cleans and punishing screams. The twin-guitar attack of Tuck and Michael "Padge" Paget was an undeniable presence, with melodic, riffing—tight, precise, and filled with soaring solos. The rhythm section, held down by Jamie Mathias on bass and the ever-masterful Jason Bowls on drums, was tight, precise, and relentless. The Poison was played in its entirety with encore's “Knives” and “ Waking the Demon” to close things off. This band never disappoints proving why they’re one of the most dominant forces in the metal genre today.
Metallica’s “ Hit the Lights” blared over the forum speakers and the crowd started to really buzz as vocalist Matt Heavy hit the stage welcoming the ecstaticVancouver crowd. it was noticeable that the fans match Trivium’s unparalleled stage presence with an almost endless stream of crowdsurfers, ( thank you security) and a moshpit taking permanent residence at front and centre of the PNE forum. Matt entices the crowd well, knowing how to get the best energy out of everyone. Trivium setlist hammered out 2005’s Ascendancy album from start to finish with encores of “Capsizing the Sea” and “In Waves”. Their stage was dressed with the larger-than-life inflatable character Ascendancy cover which reminded me of the Iron Maidens Powerslave tour back in 86. The emotional high point of the night came with for me was “In Waves”, where lighters and phone screens lit up the venue and the crowd surfers flooded the front pit area. The band’s encore left fans breathless, no one left disappointed. Trivium has always combine melody, aggression, vocal hooks and technical virtuosity into a melting pot of great songwriting, and all of this proves exactly why they are so high up the metal ladder. The Poison Ascendancy Tour proves to be a great example of a rock spectacle, delivering fans a night of high-octane energy, blistering guitars, and anthemic singalongs that prove metal is stronger than ever. Get tickets while you can!
