Ascendancy

Ascendancy is the breakthrough that thrust Trivium to the front line of the scene, and one of the defining metalcore records of the 2000s. From this album, guitarist Corey Beaulieu and bassist Paolo Gregoletto joined, solidifying the lineup that would become the band's backbone. Released after moving to Roadrunner Records, it integrates the edge of thrash, the explosive power of metalcore and fluid twin leads at a high level, winning acclaim from all quarters, including Kerrang! magazine's Album of the Year. From the ferocious riff and catchy chorus of the signature "Pull Harder on the Strings of Your Martyr" to the dramatic sweep of "Like Light to the Flies" and the melodic pull of "Dying in Your Arms," single-caliber songs line up without restraint. Matt Heafy moves freely between a delivery recalling James Hetfield and sharp screams, while his well-matched solo exchanges with Beaulieu vividly color the whole record. Uniting aggression with overwhelming hooks, it is the decisive album that made the Trivium name known worldwide.