Trivium & Bullet For My Valentine Celebrate 20 Years Of Their Groundbreaking Records With The Poisoned Ascendency Tour
The Poisoned Ascendancy Tour is a monumental celebration of two of the most influential metalcore albums of the 2000s: The Poison by Bullet For My Valentine and Ascendancy by Trivium. These two records defined an era, introducing a new generation to the aggressive precision of modern metalcore fused with melodic hooks and blistering technicality. Trivium’s Ascendancy, released in 2005, set a new standard with its blend of thrash-infused riffs, searing solos, and Matt Heafy’s dynamic vocal delivery, while The Poison, also released in 2005, showcased Bullet For My Valentine’s ability to combine soaring choruses with visceral emotion and driving rhythm. Together, these albums helped shape the sonic identity of mid-2000s heavy music and paved the way for countless bands that followed.
Now, nearly two decades later, Trivium and Bullet For My Valentine are joining forces to honor the legacy of these landmark releases by performing them in full on the Poisoned Ascendancy Tour. Accompanying them on this historic run are two crushing support acts: August Burns Red, metalcore veterans known for their technical ferocity and powerful live shows, and Bleed From Within, whose explosive energy and sharp songwriting continue to earn them international acclaim. This tour is not just a trip down memory lane—it’s a reinvigoration of the genre’s roots, bringing the past into the present with unrelenting intensity and a lineup stacked with generational talent.
As the lights dimmed and a thunderous cheer erupted from the crowd, Bleed From Within took the stage with electrifying force, launching into the crushing opener “God Complex.” The Scottish metalcore titans wasted no time establishing their dominance, with Scott Kennedy’s commanding vocal presence slicing through the venue like a razor. His roars were matched by the precision of Ali Richardson’s explosive drumming, delivering a relentless barrage of double kicks and perfectly timed breakdowns. The audience surged forward, fists pumping in rhythm, instantly swept up in the raw power and tightly executed aggression that Bleed From Within brought to the Poisoned Ascendancy Tour stage.
The band seamlessly transitioned into “Levitate,” one of their most anthemic and emotionally charged tracks. Guitarists Craig Gowans and Steven Jones wove intricate melodies with blistering riffs, shifting between soaring leads and palm-muted chugs that rattled the floor. Jones also provided backing vocals, blending harsh screams and harmonies to deepen the song’s impact. The crowd responded in kind, voices rising to match Kennedy during the song’s towering chorus, while the band’s energy remained unflinching—every note struck with purpose, every moment elevated by a sense of urgency and passion.
Midway through the set, Bleed From Within unleashed “I Am Damnation,” a track that perfectly captured the band’s knack for combining groove-laden heaviness with modern metalcore finesse. Bassist Davie Provan laid down a thunderous low-end foundation, locking in with Richardson’s drumming to create a punishing rhythm section that drove the pit into a frenzy. With synchronized headbanging and sharp stage presence, the band turned the entire room into a kinetic storm, showing that their music isn’t just meant to be heard—it’s meant to be felt in the chest and bones.
As their set reached its climax, Bleed From Within delivered two fan favorites: “The End of All We Know” and “In Place Of Your Halo.” The former erupted with blistering speed and a chorus that had the entire venue shouting in unison, while the latter brought a dark, brooding atmosphere that built to a crushing finale. Every member delivered with unwavering conviction, feeding off the crowd’s energy and returning it tenfold. By the end of their performance, Bleed From Within had solidified their place among metalcore’s elite—reminding longtime fans of their staying power and proving to new listeners that their fire is burning hotter than ever.
August Burns Red delivered a searing, emotionally charged performance on the Poisoned Ascendancy Tour, cementing their reputation as one of the most technically proficient and impassioned live acts in modern metalcore. As the stage lights burst to life and smoke enveloped the risers, the band stunned the crowd by opening with an unexpected and electrifying cover of “Chop Suey!” by System of a Down. Jake Luhrs brought a fresh fury to the iconic vocal patterns, combining growls and clean moments with theatrical flair, while JB Brubaker and Brent Rambler matched the chaotic energy with a whirlwind of dueling guitars, expertly navigating the song’s shifting tempos and intricate structures. The crowd erupted, immediately swept into a frenzy of movement and voice as the band made the track their own.
Transitioning into “Paramount,” the band’s message of perseverance and inner strength rang out over layered guitar harmonies and tight rhythmic accents. Matt Greiner, a marvel behind the drum kit, carried the song’s dynamic core with flawless transitions from technical footwork to thunderous breakdowns. Bassist Dustin Davidson anchored the low end with punch and clarity while also offering powerful backup vocals that added richness to the chorus. The chemistry between band members was palpable, the result of years of shared evolution and a steadfast commitment to pushing their craft. Their timing was impeccable, their energy surgical yet deeply human—each note played with fire and finesse.
“Composure,” a staple from their landmark album Messengers, brought out a deafening singalong as Luhrs raised his hands and let the fans roar the first lines. It was a moment of catharsis, the pit exploding with controlled chaos, limbs flying as circle pits churned and crowd surfers soared. Brubaker’s melodic leads pierced through the sonic assault, carrying a wave of emotion that elevated the track from an old favorite to a transcendent moment. Without pause, they slammed into “Defender,” its haunting intro sample replaced by Luhrs’ guttural command and Davidson’s bone-rattling bass. The breakdown dropped like a hammer, and the room shook under the weight of Greiner’s polyrhythmic assault, as fans shouted the iconic line: “You want to see a man? That’s what you see in me!”
Later in the set, the band unleashed “Bloodletter” and “Exhumed,” two of their heaviest offerings. Luhrs’ vocal range stretched from low growls to anguished screams as the band leaned into darker, more aggressive textures. Rambler’s chugging rhythms and Brubaker’s jagged leads created an atmosphere of unease and fury, while Greiner’s precise fills and relentless energy powered every passage. The crowd responded with absolute fury, erupting into walls of death and wave after wave of mosh pits. These songs served as a reminder that August Burns Red has never been content to rest on legacy—they continue to innovate, to evolve, and to challenge both themselves and their audience.
Closing the night with two anthems—“Marianas Trench” and “White Washed”—the band delivered a one-two punch of melody, complexity, and overwhelming emotional force. “Marianas Trench” built slowly, tension rising with haunting harmonics and Luhrs’ solemn delivery before the track exploded into galloping riffs and sky-piercing leads. Finally, “White Washed” sent the night into overdrive, Greiner’s iconic opening drum pattern instantly recognized by the crowd, who screamed every word in unison with Luhrs. It was a triumphant finish to a set that balanced nostalgia, technical excellence, and heartfelt connection. August Burns Red didn’t just perform—they connected, uplifted, and left every soul in the venue altered by the sheer force of their art.
As the stage darkened and the crowd’s roar grew to a fever pitch, a chilling intro track rolled through the venue—an atmospheric build laced with eerie string melodies and digital distortion. Suddenly, the lights snapped to life with sharp flashes of red and white, and Bullet For My Valentine took the stage with full force, launching into the opening track of The Poison, “Her Voice Resides.” The familiar opening riff sent waves of nostalgia through the audience, and the pit immediately erupted. Matt Tuck, front and center with his sleek black guitar, delivered the song’s iconic growl and rapid-fire verses with the same venom and precision that captivated fans nearly two decades ago. Behind him, Michael “Padge” Paget let loose soaring leads and screaming solos, establishing early on that the band wasn’t here to coast—they were here to dominate.
The crowd surged forward as Bullet tore into “4 Words (To Choke Upon),” one of the band’s heaviest and most beloved early anthems. Tuck’s vocals alternated between scathing screams and clean defiance, while Padge’s relentless fretwork added bite and melody in equal measure. Bassist Jamie Mathias provided vocal backup and thunderous low-end, syncing tightly with drummer Jason Bowld, whose sharp snare cracks and double-kick precision pushed the song’s momentum to a fevered pace. Fans screamed every lyric with fists raised—“Look at me now!”—a reminder of how deeply The Poison had burrowed into the hearts of metalcore fans across generations.
With barely a moment to catch their breath, the band transitioned into “Tears Don’t Fall,” the record’s breakout single and arguably its emotional core. The room lit up with cellphone lights as the crowd sang along word for word. Tuck’s voice, melodic and aching, rang out clearly over the dual guitar harmonies, while Padge’s solo section delivered chills with every note. As the song built to its climactic breakdown, Bowld’s drums and Mathias’ bass laid a crushing foundation beneath the sorrowful guitars. It was a powerful moment—equal parts heartbreak and aggression—and a clear reminder why this song became a defining anthem of the 2000s metalcore scene.
The band powered through deeper cuts like “Hit the Floor” and “All These Things I Hate (Revolve Around Me),” tracks that showcased their ability to balance ferocity with melody. “Hit the Floor” was a pit-stirring beast, with Tuck’s vocals growling through the verses and Bowld’s drumming injecting extra urgency. Then came the delicate acoustic intro of “All These Things I Hate,” a moment of calm that gave way to roaring choruses and thunderous distortion. The song’s blend of vulnerability and aggression played perfectly with the audience’s emotions—one moment swaying to soft chords, the next headbanging through its thunderous payoff.
The haunting title track “The Poison” followed, delivered with brooding atmosphere and blistering intensity. The stage bathed in cold blue lighting as Matt Tuck leaned into the mic, delivering venomous verses with spine-tingling clarity. Padge’s lead playing sliced through the gloom, while Mathias’ rhythmic drive and Bowld’s ferocious fills gave the track its sinister pulse. “Cries in Vain” continued the emotional onslaught, a blend of melody and melancholy that let the band slow things down while keeping the audience locked in. Tuck’s clean vocals here shone, offering contrast to the underlying darkness and giving fans another moment to scream the chorus with everything they had.
As the band neared the end of the album, they delivered “The End” with thunderous resolve. One of The Poison’s most expansive tracks, it gave each member a moment to shine. The dual guitar interplay was tight and expressive, Bowld’s drumming was dynamic and commanding, and Tuck’s vocals captured the desperation and catharsis embedded in the song’s lyrics. By the final chorus, the band had transported the audience through a full-spectrum experience of rage, sorrow, and release—a reminder of why The Poison still resonates after all these years.
After a brief pause, the house lights remained dim and the stage fell silent—until the band returned for a feral encore. The first of two final blows came in the form of “Knives,” a newer track with a vicious bite. Its churning riffs and raw vocal delivery gave the set a renewed blast of energy, showing that Bullet wasn’t just looking backward—they were still carving new paths. Tuck’s delivery was unrelenting, and the crowd responded with fresh ferocity, circle pits forming once more as the song roared forward.
To close the night, “Waking the Demon” ripped through the speakers like a final exorcism. The opening riff alone sent shockwaves through the venue, and when the main rhythm hit, every body in the room was moving. Padge’s guitar screamed with harmonic squeals and technical flair, while Mathias and Bowld locked into a groove that felt almost mechanical in its precision. Tuck roared through every word, the crowd bellowing each line back at him in cathartic unity. As the final notes rang out and the band took their bows, fans were left breathless, fulfilled, and fully reminded of why Bullet For My Valentine’s The Poison remains a cornerstone of modern metal. Their performance wasn’t just a trip down memory lane—it was a defiant statement that this band still belongs at the top.
The moment the stage went black, a low rumble swept through the crowd, and the familiar ambient build-up to “Rain” surged through the sound system. As the intro cracked into its iconic triplet riff, a wall of light exploded behind the band, revealing Trivium poised at the front of the stage, ready to unleash hell. Matt Heafy gripped the mic with fervor, launching into the song’s screamed verse with fiery precision, while his guitar harmonies with Corey Beaulieu immediately set the tone for what would be an unforgettable night. The band had promised to play Ascendancy in full, and with “Rain,” they opened the floodgates—both musically and emotionally—for a sea of fans who had waited nearly two decades to hear the record live in its entirety.
Without missing a beat, Trivium roared into “Pull Harder on the Strings of Your Martyr,” one of the most iconic tracks of their career. The crowd erupted as the familiar intro riff—half groove, half gallop—whipped the floor into chaos. Corey’s lightning-fast tremolo picking and Matt’s gut-wrenching growls set the pit ablaze. Paolo Gregoletto, commanding stage left with his thunderous bass tone and signature headbang, locked in tightly with Alex Bent, whose drumming elevated the track to brutal new heights. Heafy paused before the final chorus to let the crowd scream the title lyric—“Pull harder!”—before all hell broke loose in the breakdown, strobe lights mimicking lightning as the audience surged forward in waves.
Next came “Drowned and Torn Asunder” and the title track “Ascendancy,” two deep cuts that showcased the band’s early exploration of melody and aggression. “Drowned” simmered with atmospheric tension before unleashing razor-sharp riffs, and Heafy’s clean vocals rang out with eerie clarity, contrasting the crushing chugs. “Ascendancy” brought an almost militant energy—tight, rhythmic, and unrelenting. Corey’s blistering solo soared over Alex’s devastating double bass, while Paolo’s backing vocals added a haunting layer to the song’s message of internal struggle and empowerment. The chemistry between the band members was undeniable, a testament to years of evolution and refined musicianship.
The band took a brief interlude to spotlight Alex Bent, whose drum solo stunned the audience into near silence before erupting into cheers. With surgical precision and boundless creativity, Alex moved from thunderous tom work to impossibly fast foot patterns, blending jazz-inspired cymbal phrasing with pure death-metal brutality. The solo was more than a display of technique—it was a declaration of his place in the upper echelon of modern drummers. As he wrapped up with a snare-driven crescendo, the rest of the band returned to the stage, grinning, visibly proud of the man behind the kit.
Launching back into high gear, Trivium tore into “A Gunshot to the Head of Trepidation,” arguably the emotional centerpiece of Ascendancy. The crowd screamed along with every line, from the haunting intro to the anthemic chorus, and the synchronized headbanging between Matt, Corey, and Paolo made for a visual spectacle as much as an auditory one. Corey’s solo in the song brought a melodic, almost neoclassical touch that contrasted beautifully with the aggression, and Heafy’s voice cracked with passion as he delivered the song’s final, defiant refrain. The performance wasn’t just nostalgic—it was powerful, immediate, and deeply affecting.
From there, they launched into “Like Light to the Flies” and “Dying in Your Arms,” the former bringing chaotic, thrash-inspired precision while the latter revealed the band’s capacity for clean, emotive songwriting. “Like Light to the Flies” saw Corey and Matt weaving complex harmonies while Paolo’s bass snarled beneath the frantic pace. “Dying in Your Arms” was a singalong moment, its haunting chorus resonating through the entire venue. Heafy leaned into the mic, letting the crowd take over certain lines, and a sea of fists and cellphone lights filled the air. Though often the most melodic track on the record, it was delivered with heavy emotion and undeniable sincerity.
The performance grew darker and heavier with “Suffocating Sight,” “Departure,” and “Declaration,” a trio of deep cuts that leaned into the band’s progressive and blackened influences. “Suffocating Sight” came with jackhammer riffs and stop-start rhythms, with Alex Bent’s tight footwork making the older track feel renewed and brutal. “Departure” was slower and more brooding, unfolding like a sonic descent into despair with Heafy’s cleans drenched in reverb before building into a spiraling solo from Corey. “Declaration,” the final track of the album, closed the main set with epic weight—its twisting structure and searing riffs pushing the band and audience alike to the edge of exhaustion. It was raw, majestic, and punishing—a fitting climax to a legendary record.
The band exited briefly, but the crowd’s chants of “Trivium! Trivium!” filled the room until the lights dimmed again and a thunderous riff ripped through the darkness—“In Waves.” The encore was a final, triumphant explosion, and when Heafy screamed “IN WAAAAVES!” into the mic, the entire floor jumped in unison. It was a final reminder that while Ascendancy was the night’s focus, Trivium’s legacy extends far beyond a single album. As the song ended in a maelstrom of sound, lights, and adrenaline, the band stood shoulder-to-shoulder, saluting the audience with genuine gratitude. The performance was not only a celebration of Ascendancy, but a showcase of how far Trivium has come—masters of their craft, unwavering in their purpose, and still ascending.
As the final echoes of Trivium’s “In Waves” dissipated into the rafters of The Fillmore, a sea of sweat-soaked, exhilarated fans roared in unison, many throwing up devil horns while others stood still, wide-eyed in awe. The sold-out crowd in Philadelphia had just experienced a masterclass in modern metal—from the raw, impassioned performance of Bleed From Within, to August Burns Red’s triumphant hometown domination, Bullet For My Valentine’s nostalgic yet aggressive run through The Poison, and Trivium’s thunderous full-album celebration of Ascendancy. Throughout the night, the energy never dipped—circle pits whirled with relentless force, crowd surfers poured over the barricades, and fists pounded the air to every screamed lyric and chugging breakdown.
The Poisoned Ascendancy Tour stop at The Fillmore felt less like a concert and more like a communal exorcism—four bands each delivering high-impact performances with unmatched intensity, technicality, and heart. Whether it was Bleed From Within igniting the fire with their razor-sharp grooves, August Burns Red turning their hometown into a war zone of melodic chaos, Bullet For My Valentine revisiting an album that changed the genre, or Trivium proving why they remain one of metal’s most respected titans, every moment was electric. As fans slowly filtered out into the cool Philly night—voices hoarse, necks sore, and hearts full—it was clear this wasn’t just another tour stop. It was a celebration of legacy, unity, and the enduring power of metal, etched forever into the memory of everyone who packed that room.
