Two decades ago, Ascendancy by Trivium and The Poison by Bullet For My Valentine helped define a new era of metalcore. On April 11, 2025, the two bands reunited at Inglewood’s YouTube Theater for a 20th-anniversary celebration tour that delivered a night of intense riffs, cinematic visuals, and raw adrenaline, proving that metal’s heart still beats loud and strong.

The celebration started with a fierce opening from Sylosis, whose thunderous riffs and technical precision jolted the crowd to life. Their performance set the tone for the night, delivering a dose of pure adrenaline with razor-sharp execution and modern metal grit. August Burns Red followed with a tight, high-impact set filled with emotionally charged moments and seamless transitions. After both bands delivered powerful openers, the audience eagerly anticipated what was coming next from the headliners.

Composed of Matthew Tuck (vocals, rhythm guitar), Michael Paget (lead guitar), Jason Bowld (drums), and Jamie Mathias (bass), Bullet For My Valentine wasted no time bringing the house down. Their set opened with a video montage highlighting the band’s rise during The Poison era — a nostalgic, cinematic introduction that stirred anticipation. Backed by slick visuals blending animated imagery, flickering lights, and shifting color tones, Bullet For My Valentine launched into their greatest hits like “Tears Don’t Fall,” “Suffocating Under Words of Sorrow (What Can I Do),” All These Things I Hate (Revolve Around Me), and “Hit the Floor” with a ferocity that felt both familiar and elevated. The crowd erupted into full-throttle sing-alongs as the band powered through their signature tracks, delivering each note with studio-level precision and stage-born chaos.

Bullet For My Valentine’s cinematic lighting and screen production blended gritty film textures, slow-motion edits, symbolic imagery, and creative visuals, such as underwater scenes, TVs, candlelight/flames, and giant speakers morphing into eyes. It wasn’t just a performance to be heard but experienced, as if fans were being pulled into a high-stakes metal opera. The pit was alive with energy, with bodies moving in sync, circle pits swirling like whirlpools, and crowd surfers riding the wave of excitement. Tuck also thrilled fans by announcing that Bullet For My Valentine’s eighth studio album is on the way later this year, sending the crowd into a roar of excitement. As they exited the stage, fans and music lovers were pumped with adrenaline, eager for what was coming next.

Then came Trivium, whose entrance was nothing short of cinematic. A figure resembling the dark, angelic creature from the Ascendancy album cover emerged on stage, looming and otherworldly as if summoned from another realm. Behind it, a sequence of evolving digital backdrops — from apocalyptic hills and stone lanterns to stormy skies — pulled the crowd deeper into the album’s themes of inner struggle, chaos, and rebirth. It perfectly matched the sonic chaos Trivium delivered.

Trivium, comprised of Matt Heafy (vocalist and guitarist), Corey Beaulieu (guitarist), Paolo Gregoletto (bassist), and Alex Bent (drummer), brought their trademark technical precision and emotional intensity. Matt Heafy’s vocals — alternating between melodic and guttural — were in top form, and the dual guitar work between Beaulieu and Heafy was razor-sharp. Songs like “Like Light to the Flies,” “Pull Harder on the Strings of Your Martyr,” “Declaration,” and “A Gunshot to the Head of Trepidation” had the pit circling and the venue charged with explosive intensity. The band’s stage presence was commanding but never overbearing; their passion for the craft was evident in every chord.

During a quiet moment, Matt Heafy shared a heartfelt reflection: “Twenty years ago, when I was 17-19, writing lyrics for Ascendancy, it was all about the things I struggled with about myself,” he said. “I was writing from a place of suffocating negativity — that’s how I came to terms with it, especially in songs like ‘Gunshot’ and ‘Declaration.’ Creating aggressive music was the only way I could process it. It became the best therapy of my life.” He also shared that Trivium’s upcoming album is expected in 2026, sparking cheers from longtime and new fans. As Trivium exited the stage, the crowd erupted in cheers, leaving them exhilarated and deeply moved — a fitting end to a night that honored the past while charging full force into metal’s future.

The lighting design played a key role throughout both sets, with Bullet For My Valentine favoring sleek, moody tones that matched their emotional edge. Trivium dove into high-contrast, mythic visuals that felt more like a fantasy war film than a concert. This contrast allowed each band’s personality to shine, creating a dynamic experience. Overall, the performances were a thrilling rush of energy, igniting the crowd and leaving everyone feeling invigorated and alive from start to finish.

Both bands could’ve easily coasted on nostalgia alone, but they chose to elevate the experience instead. They didn’t just play the hits; they redefined them, reshaping fan memories with modern visuals, tighter performances, and production that could stand up to any major arena act. It wasn’t just a show; it was a celebration of legacy, resilience, and the evolution of metalcore. It reminded everyone in the room — and anyone paying attention — that metal still has the power to shake the earth, rock your body, and move the soul.

The YouTube Theater, a state-of-the-art venue that bridges the physical and digital worlds, provided the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable night. For those who missed it, the great news is that both bands are continuing their U.S. tour. So, if you’re a metalhead, a fan of either or both bands, or simply someone craving a live show packed with intensity, power, and visual spectacle, this is your chance to witness it all.

Setlist performed by Bullet For My Valentine (BFMV):
1) Her Voice Resides
2) 4 Words (to Choke Upon)
3) Tears Don’t Fall
4) Suffocating Under Words of Sorrow (What Can I Do)
5) Hit the Floor
6) All These Things I Hate (Revolve Around Me)
7) Hand of Blood
8) Room 409
9) The Poison
10) 10 Years Today
11) Cries in Vain
12) The End
13) Knives
14) Waking the Demon

Setlist performed by Trivium:
1) Rain
2) Pull Harder on the Strings of Your Martyr
3) Drowned and Torn Asunder
4) Ascendancy
5) A Gunshot to the Head of Trepidation
6) Like Light to the Flies
7) Dying in Your Arms
8) The Deceived
9) Suffocating Sight
10) Departure
11) Declaration
12) In Waves