We got the invitation a week prior. The message is loud, clear, and cryptic enough to fuel intense intrigue and speculation. Two huge bands were about to announce something, and MetalTalk was lucky enough to be asked to the event. Bullet For My Valentine and Trivium awaited in a ravishing rock-led décor hotel bar deep in Soho.
The venue is filled with legendary names from the metal scene. Journalists, radio presenters, management moguls, and attendees alike. The two bands of the evening casually mingled amongst us. There is always such a warmth to these events as onstage music stars become – very much almost – regular folk. Chatting away with grins sprawled across their faces, the musicians that have inspired so many retorted to their guests’ exciting questions.
From BFMV, Matt Tuck, Michael Paget, Jamie Mathias, and Jason Bowld were there. From Trivium, Matt Heafy, Corey Beaulieu, Paolo Gregoletto, and Alex Bent. A full house and all were there with the news of the year on the edge of their tongues.
As the drinks flowed and their canapés guzzled up, it didn’t take a genius to gauge the night’s intentions. A giant projected tour poster was behind the setup cameras and beckoning interview chairs. Besides the bands’ logos and some beautifully dark artwork, the title ‘The Poisoned Ascendancy Tour to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the iconic albums, playing them in full’ shone out.
Hitting up some of the biggest venues in the country, the announcement comes as a phenomenal surprise to longtime fans and new appreciators alike. Starting at Cardiffs Utilita Arena and finishing at London’s O2 Arena, the tour will see both bands also visit Glasgow, Manchester, and Birmingham.
In a live-streamed event, Matt Tuck, Michael Paget, Matt Heafy, and Corey Beaulieu sat down as we gathered in front. Pitched by the BFMV team, upon hearing the idea, Heafy’s initial response was a resounding, “Fuck yes.”
Since both albums (The Poison from BFMV and Ascendancy from Trivium) were released in 2005, the bands have been on a continuous whirlwind upwards into the top draw metal tiers. This tour would allow them to take a step back and appreciate their journeys and what they have achieved.
“It was just chaos back then,” Tuck said, “We were doing show after show, tour after tour. We didn’t get an opportunity to revel in what was happening. So I think this tour is us coming home to roost. There will be heightened emotions when the tour happens, but for now, we just want to get the word out there.”
But the vast sentimentality of these records for their fans is not lost on them, as Paget described, “It’s a celebration of the music, what we achieved. At a certain time and place, many years ago, both bands touched upon something fucking cool. It’s going to be very, very special.”
Joining his bandmate, Tuck added, “It was an exciting time; we’d had this dream of being a band that toured the world, making music a profession. We were finally given this opportunity, so we just got our heads down, did our best, lived, and enjoyed it. I wouldn’t do anything differently, and if I could speak to myself back then, I’d say do exactly what you do, be happy, and have fun.”
In the UK, the tour will be hitting almost every continent. Well, all apart from one. “We’re not playing Antarctica,” Heafy states before kindly apologizing to the seemingly one place that will, unfortunately, be missing out.
With their influence still amassing fans worldwide, Heafy touches upon the now generational fandom that has started to appear after these twenty years. “These kind of things blow my mind. I was talking to Josh from the Malevolence, who was like, ‘Those were my high school years, listening to BMFV and Trivium.’ I love that so much.
“People who weren’t able to enjoy BFMV and Trivium back in 2005 can do that now. And we’ll see a lot of multiple generations. We played a show in Stoke recently. I saw a man with his son, and his son had his son there. And that’s just such a cool thing.”
Since their 2005 albums, both bands have amassed an extensive discography. With an ever-growing number of songs to fill limited set times, it can only be assumed that some of the old material will need re-visiting. “It’s surprising how quickly stuff like that comes back. But nowadays, we will do songs randomly for soundcheck. I’ll call out something to put the boys’ memories to the test,” commented Tuck.
Beaulieu added, “Over the years, we’ve never played that record in one go. So that is where the biggest challenge will be.”
After touching upon their humble beginnings and dreams of their current, unexpected monumental popularity, it is clear these mammoths of metal are still just those musicians continuously working hard to get the best out of themselves and their music.
A congratulation is applauded before the floor is opened up to questions from the audience.
What is clear is that with the combined strength of these two bands, these two albums, and twenty years of added experience, The Poisoned Ascendancy tour is not to be taken lightly. As BFMV and Trivium kept the night going, they gleefully chatted with anyone and everyone who approached them. The drinks continued to flow, and nothing but good words were spoken.
What an evening and what a tour to come. Truly for the fans and without an inch of doubt, it is already looking to be the highlight of 2025.
Tickets will be released at 10 am on 1 March 2024.
