Composer/Musician Reacts to Trivium - Shogun (REACTION!!!)

Bryan reacts to and talks about his thoughts on Shogun
ORIGINAL VIDEO: • Shogun
Patreon: www.patreon.com/criticalreactions
Twitter: critreactions

[@andrerjaques]

They used the Fade Out because it's the last song of the album, only reason why

[@no1bandfan]

Shogun. Chills. Everytime.

[@Mantis.Sartinoli]

Their sound has changed a lot over the years...in their last 2 albums they've got a new drummer which took the whole band to a new level...try "The sin and the sentence", "Beyond Oblivion", "Sever the Hand", "What the dead men say", "Catastrophist", etc.

[@The_Horse-leafs_Cabbage]

Their recent stuff has been pretty killer

[@deminybs]

the sin and the sentence is pretty banger

[@thaesimir]

Their new drummer is absolutely killing it!

[@Lurch685]

Alex Bent is a legend in the making

[@thaesimir]

@@Lurch685 I honestly agree with you 100% That man's gonna be going places.

[@yamirrashid981]

Its the last song in the album. A fade out is justifiable in this case.

[@nateseese6904]

Agreed. Perfect way to end the album.

[@chincevideos923]

ooooooh, i forgot about that

[@vincentforest4074]

Kinda agree but still, they could've find a better way to end this epic song/album!

[@tam2071]

Something really interesting about Trivium is how their genre changed depending on the album. Their first 2 were early metalcore, their 3rd album crusade was a thrash album, this song is off their 4th album and sounds mostly the same. For the next few albums they hit around hard Rock to modern radio metal. The last 2 albums have been more thrashy, proggy and standard heavy metal. So depending on what era of Trivium you listen to its a completely different band.

[@nateseese6904]

The newest album is so heavily death metal influenced, and it was for the best.

[@chincevideos923]

@@nateseese6904 i think alex(new drummer) used to play alot of deathy stuff pre-trivium. it almost seemed like an instant tilt that direction after he joined the band. they are sooo fucking tight live now too, seeing as alex can actually hold time and be flashy through an entire set.. nothing against travis, i personally liked his drumming style. but alex is sooo much more clean live its actually crazy. i think the deathy tilt was also a big welcome to corey aswel. hell they all probably liked the transition. take care

[@chincevideos923]

@Gri8o you're right, in waves\vengeance falls did have alot more of a 'mainstream' sound to it. although the couple heavier songs on "in waves" like inception of the end etc, are actually pretty solid to be honest. vengeance falls is reaally easy to digest but pretty bland, most of the softer melodic stuff stands out to me. but that album was produced by david dramon(disturbed lead singer) or whatever and you can definitely hear it

[@felautumn9534]

@@chincevideos923 Alex has pure skill and Travis was much more technical. Both are great :)

[@chincevideos923]

@@felautumn9534 as much as I love travis style, I couldnt bring myself to say hes as technical as Alex. But that's just an opinion, both are amazing and I love em both. I dont remember my initial comment, but I didnt mean any harm. love all these guys

[@frosmane9041]

i've always thought that fade out in particular added a very lingering and memorable aspect to the song.

[@ladygeorge505]

Especially being the last song on the album, I think its proper.

[@brynmorpattison2232]

The song's about fighting an apocalyptic battle against the hordes of hell - take that literally or metaphorically - and not giving up. It's incredibly appropriate for it to be a fade out, I like to think the protagonist is still fighting. "As death eclipses all the light We make our last stand, 'til death: fight" Edit: I also choose to interpret it as being about suicide and depression is the monster for which it eventually "all comes crashing down on your face" when you beat it.

[@frosmane9041]

@@brynmorpattison2232 yeah it definitely gives the song a feeling that it never truly has an ending. most songs that fade out perhaps dont give that same never ending type of feeling

[@jordank2028]

The fade out is the outro to the album, makes sense

[@The_JustJoshing]

Trivium’s best song. Just a masterpiece.

[@Serkswarrior]

Thats debatable, cuz there is also "The Crusade"

[@brentanton7466]

You mentioned her sounds like Hetfield... He is actually a major Metallica fan of all music. He even argues their late 90s early 2000s era was just as good as the rest of the stuff. They even cover Master of Puppets on their 2nd album.

[@agustinjauregui2127]

the band has really matured, the newest record really shows it (also, the vocalist is the guitar player, he recorded their first record at 17 years of age)

[@bjhellstream]

Yeah, the Hetfield feel in the vocals has always been prominent. But since the vocals varies so much I don't really mind.

[@joshforeman1648]

That was my favourite style of vocals from Matt, rather than than the more theatrical voice he used now

[@EJ20Curry]

James wishes he could write Down From The Sky or Kirisute Gomen.

[@Under-Kaoz]

Matt's taken more into his own voice now but older albums he definitely sounds a lot like Hetfield.

[@dimitriid]

You know what this sounds like? Metal. Like it basically covers major colors, rhythms and melodies from ALL major genres of metal, but it actually sounds cohesive and intentional. I guess my fault with this band was to assume "It's generic" because, it is but than in itself is a HUGE accomplishment if you think about just how many things are inside this melting, delicious pot of metal goodness and all the tastes work fine with each other.

[@trevorstewart2618]

The Shogun album was Triviums Master of Puppets in my opinion.

[@Opranius]

really ignored this band for a long time but took a deeper listen a few month ago - really didn't regret it, the newer records by them are really nice metal-records.

[@Opranius]

...and they are really humble guys aswell. :-)

[@deminybs]

That they are, I like most of their material , just not as high on my list as some other bands . Very solid though

[@Penz0id]

I immediately thought of James when the singing started, no surprise you mentioned it moments later! Still looking forward to your next visit with BTBAM. Hoping you do Disease, Injury, Madness, or Fossil Genera, or Swim to the Moon. It would be awesome if you ended up doing The Great Misdirect for a full album review, which those songs come from. Peace out until next video! 🤘🏻

[@xikxp1]

While I agree that fade out is underwhelming, I think it fits this particular song because its main character talks about getting prepared to the final battle versus evil (at least what he considers to be it) and sonically the last part represents exactly this fight. Also I think the main character realizes that he will die fighting but still ought to proceed until he can. The song ends in such manner to represent that it actually hasn't ended yet to emphasize "ongoingness" of Shogun's battle.

[@agustinjauregui2127]

i think it also kinda works cause its the last song of the record

[@leon5150]

Ivan, I love that description. If this was a movie or anime, you could picture the calm before the battle, then the chaos and rage of the battle and then the view fading out (or zooming out) as he fights on…

[@CrappycrapCrappy]

They sound so different now, I remember buying the Ascendancy album. Pretty memorable album for me, such a solid Metalcore showcase. Anyway, still waiting for the Gojira revisit! Flying Whales would be great :)

[@donutvernichte]

Hey jo , greetings from austria. Trivium is one of my favorite bands of all time. One thing people have to consider when talking about trivium is that they changed their drummer on almost every album. There recent drummer ( alex bent) is a genius. You should defenetly check out a song from their last 2 records. Maybe "the sin and the sentence" or " the defiant". Habe a nice day sir

[@getaround1]

The fade out is cool to me because it's like the battle that was going on in the songs story telling either ended or if the battle just continued during the fade out.

[@christopherjohn84]

Great reaction Brian. I always enjoy your critiques and analysis of songs, especially when it comes to the more technical bands. Regarding your fade out comment, I totally understand your view but I personally feel that it was fitting for this track as it was the closing of the album. Still, the fade out is still probably on the old school side of things! Thanks again :)

[@CriticalReactions]

I think in the video I mentioned that I might appreciate it more given context and the more that I've read about it, it's growing on me a bit more.

[@dimitriid]

Also an aside: If you want to hear a fade out that actually works great musically speaking check the fade out for Dream Theater - The Ministry of Lost Souls. Basically they modulate the chord progression so it doesn't sounds the same, but because of the seemingly standard but changing chord progression the modulation *appears* to continue into the infinite (it does not but you lose the tonal center because of the chord so it feels like it just keeps modulating forever)

[@LiesThatBind]

Trivium's Sever The Hand , like light to the flies, Torn between Scylla and Charybdis, Until the world goes cold, Beauty in the sorrow and The Defiant would be great tracks to react to.

[@amjreptx1]

I love trivium's era from 2005- 2008 most because they sounded somewhat progressive, this is due to their original drummer.

[@CharlesEMurphy]

Great pic, Al! I really enjoy Trivium and this is a great song. And "James" makes the occasional appearance. 😉 Man, if you ever want to hear a pseudo-James Hetfield for your own listening, check out Orbit Culture - "Open Eye".

[@CriticalReactions]

I guess Orbit Culture is on the list now. I wonder if these people plan on mimicking James or if it's just coincidence.

[@CharlesEMurphy]

@@CriticalReactions I like Orbit Culture, but it's pretty straightforward metal, maybe not list-worthy. The singer even seems to be playing an ESP guitar like James, so I don't know. He mixes James with deep growls, kind of odd.

[@HurtboxTV]

Would love to see a reaction to Symphony X - The Odyssey. the 24 minute epic.

[@LAXdrummer55]

Yes please, you'll get to flex your composer chops with that one too, the first few minutes are basically a metal symphony......X....sorry...

[@citrus7115]

Yes I'd love to see him react to that.

[@deminybs]

Oh hell yeah 😎 yes one of my friends thinks triviums earlier stuff Matt sounds like James lol Also for just an instrumental from them check "the crusade" Ahh and for operatic bassy vocals that WORK with the rest of the band... you'd want to check apacolypse orchestra-garden of earthly delights \m/

[@toxxedgaming3885]

Thanks! I was LITERALLY just trying to remember that band while listening to this reaction!

[@danieldbor]

That choir chorus is quite excellent

[@burialofficial8913]

I love the hetfield style vocals that Matt does, I also love his singing voice

[@burialofficial8913]

Especially his singing voice on shogun and the crusade

[@Blight15]

I think the fade out was meant to be the end of the story, like they're marching into a battle.

[@MegaTechpc]

Keep in mind that this is the final track and the fade-out was a fade-out of the entire record. Sometimes you have to keep in mind the context of the overall record and the concept of the tracks and how they fit into that concept. Shogun in its entirety is absolutely perfect in my opinion and the fade-out is the best way to wrap up the album.

[@stormblessed9546]

Trivium!! 🤘 love this band. I grew up listening to them, and seeing how much their music has matured makes me so happy. You should check out the sin and the sentence or beyond oblivion. Great video dude, keep it up.

[@andrewtriumph]

The fade out bro? No way that's how a storm feels when it's over that's how a battle feels when it's over.

[@Amarth13]

My favorite Trivium song. That goth band you were describing sounds like Cradle of Filth. Dani does talk alot in a lower tone.

[@Beartooth.12]

RINGS OF SATURN - The husk

[@joshuayoukai4790]

There is basically a second part to this song "Kirisute gomen" which is a proper reason for the fade out. You're listening to it as a single but it is part of an album. They actually didn't put Kirisute Gomen right after shogun (I don't know why) but it's pretty obvious that it is another part because they play the same riff intentionally to begin the song. You should listen to Kirisute Gomen next.

[@writer7997]

Check out Ne Obliviscaris - Painters of the Tempest Part 2 Triptych Lux

[@odedeliyahu1756]

i love trivium we really need more of their stuff in your channel

[@jpbreeze44]

would be cool if you reacted to Lich King. They are a thrash metal band that sounds like they came from the 80s despite being formed in 2004. The song I recommend is Combat Mosh, it's their most popular song because Anthony Hopkins recorded himself moshing to it but it's still a sweet and heavy ass song, highly recommend that for a first listen.

[@NEWSFLASHDRUMMER]

I really don’t get the hate against fade out. Sometimes it fits the song better than just end it with a stop

[@TheSynking]

16:30 were you thinking of Jonas Renkse of Katatonia? Instantly came to mind as it fits your description.

[@CriticalReactions]

I can't find exactly what I think I was thinking of but My Dying Bride comes close. The music just doesn't fit the example that I was going for, the vocals are perfect though.

[@randomstuffzofdoom]

This song is really good! You should check out their later albums, his singing has improved alot I think.

[@KytexEdits]

Hey man, loved your videos on BTBAM, I'd highly recommend Swim To The Moon unless you intend to listen to an entire album (which you should!), if you listen an entire album go with the great misdirect, it's great.

[@thomasgosling4780]

If you want a theme of 'songs with a good fade out', I would recommend 'Blind Guardian - And then there was silence (Original)'.

[@ogpeppermint6318]

Oh man great reaction, first one I've seen from you and it's fitting it's from my favorite band too! If you feel like checking more Trivium out please listen to The Sin and The Sentence, album of the same name. Or Sickness Unto You, off the newest album What The Dead Men Say. Both feature their newest, and best drummer to date. Awesome reaction man.

[@Ivan-ow5xc]

Whispered - Strike! Some samurai metal :D

[@maxmaidment96]

You should have a low vocal pitch week lol. Volbeat is a band I know with a very low singer.

[@CriticalReactions]

That's not a bad idea. I'm not usually a fan of lower pitched singers but I'm open to having my mind changed :) Any suggestions, other than Volbeat?

[@maxmaidment96]

@@CriticalReactions Another one that springs to mind is a very small band called Vulture Industries, whose first album I love like almost no other. I don't even know how to pick a song they are all so good. However I always suggest the last song because the sort of spoken word part at the end gives me the chills every time. "Grim Apparition" is the song name. This band is so small that most, if not all of their official uploads have under 500 views on youtube. Hope you like them!

[@timv2955]

I believe that song was the last song on the album, which was a masterpiece, so being an album end, that may explain the fade out 🤷🏻

[@vargvikernes2416]

react to Kardashev - Beyond Sun and Moon [Official Playthrough] plz its metal

[@Megaman8880]

Trivium is an old fav of mine. Been a fan since I was in highschool some time around 2008 or so. This video was fun. Let's hear some Earthside - Contemplation of the Beautiful next! :P

[@lukewilson7769]

Let it be known - Matt Heafy is 22 here... ffs.

[@TheSamuraiApocalypse]

Coming from one musician/composer to another I think if an artist is clearly capable of making good musical decisions throughout a song then their decision to fade out at the end is respectable. In cases like this it is in no way an indication of poor craftsmanship or taste. It's simply personal preference. I'm not trying to put words in your mouth or wrap up your side of the discussion, but after putting that much work into a piece of music I would appreciate being given the benefit of the doubt. That being said I completely respect your opinions, because you clearly have good taste and a high understanding of music.

[@CriticalReactions]

Definitely a preference, as you said. There might be times where I find the fade out to be a good decision (and learning about the context of this song -- both the lyrics and where it sits on the album) and I might say it works here with that knowledge of the context.

[@mezztube33]

EAsily one of their best songs in my opinion! I would like seeing you react to August Burns Red - Everlasting Ending. Its a lot going on in that song but i think you might like it :D Or Coordinates, its a bit easier to follow :D

[@MegaTechpc]

ABR are insanely talented instrument-wise but I have never been able to get into them because they are another scream-only band with no singing. My preference is for bands like Trivium or Killswitch where there is a perfect 50/50 split between screams and singing. In Flames is another one of my favorites but I didn’t really get into their early discography (which are considered by the IF diehards as the “best” of the band) for same reason. Once Anders started singing (and getting so much better at it over time) I really started to love them up until current-day. Give me the scream/sing ratio that I want and I’m happy…

[@DavidBriganti421]

Where Dragons Dwell by GOJIRA to me, is an effective use of a fade out. Highly recommend

[@imast5112]

You should check out their song “The sin and the sentence”

[@kevinabalos]

Please do a reaction on Toe, a Japanese prog band.

[@jonathanhenderson9422]

This is one of the many metalcore bands I got into in the early/mid-00s. Liked them a lot back then, and I've kept up listening to their albums, but they're not a band I spin regularly. I guess the impression I always come away from with them is that they're consistently good but rarely great. There's too few "wow" moments/songs.

[@Madbutcher305]

Would be really cool to see a reaction to ...If the Dead Can Speak by Lost Soul

[@chincevideos923]

*SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL - DEMOLISHER * ^^^^ while it is a popular one for youtube, its definitely not a sound that is super familiar in your channel. id love to see your take on it -fuck this essay below - all that is trivium related- above is a suggestion thats not trivium even though this is like their 4th full album, i think they were still just barley into their 20's while writing this, and the band was enduring ALOT of tension between the members. which i think might explain some of the odd writing decisions you went over. i agree with all your points, this being a childhood fav of mine: the fade out KILLLLS it completely. Your right in emphasizing the way they end to tie it all together sooo good but then instead of a nice finisher to bring it further, they just fade on the riff.... Even a slight variation on a melodic section or really ANYTHING would have been better. I agree with your thoughts on the baritone in these styles of music, your point on him specifically having a 'warmer' touch when he went up a bit i think nailed it perfectly. On this album in particular the lead singers voice was starting to go, and the lows that pop out seem to feel sooo good to me. But before and after this album it didnt really 'hit' for me. I think that could explain alot of the 'tenancies' you noticed even within the perspective of writing. between tension in the band and the lead singers vocals, it was a bad time. but man there was some gold that came out of it. They have gone through ALOT of changes through the years and each album kind of has a different sound to it. Trivium probably wont be a bad idea for more videos, especially considering they are kind of 'amateur' so you bringing up everything being riff based etc etc, you will always have something to talk about. They have 'cleaned up' alot of their sound in their newer stuff, and their new drummer is probably the most consistent drummer i have seen in this style of music. I think you might enjoy their newer stuff, at the least you will have lots to talk about. Sorry for the essay of 'random thoughts', always glad to see your videos. Keep up the good work man edit: i feel like i owe you a suggestion after that... might have to sit on that for a bit. ill think of one considering what i know about your taste etc etc although for now ill leave you with an even older song that used to be probably their most popular for ages. Pull Harder on the Strings of your Martyr. Its heavier and from memory i think its more riff-based writing, i would be honestly most interested in your take of that song. and maybe on 'why' it ended up being popular? there are some obvious assumptions as-to why but you might have more insight *ACTUAL song suggestion* (same ablum) Torn between scylla and Charbdis. This song you can actually hear some of the bass parts, even though in general its still low in the mix :( they have a sick bassist too, he gets more attention in their newer stuff

[@juhosuomi2551]

Hi, I'd like to hear your thoughts on The Ocean - Jurassic (their new single from upcoming album)

[@zachanley2114]

Porcupine Tree - Hatesong or Deadwing. Between the Buried and Me - The Proverbial Bellow (instrumental mastery by each member here) and last but not least The Dear Hunter - The Moon or All Is As All Should Be Keep up the good work :)

[@CriticalReactions]

All three of those bands are stuff that I need to get back to.

[@-Claykz-]

MuiVirT

[@thewhorocks515]

The heading in the video preview is the same as the John Zorn one.

[@CriticalReactions]

Thanks for the heads-up. It's been a hectic weekend for me and if this is the only oversight I make then I'll be fortunate 😅

[@thewhorocks515]

@@CriticalReactions Yeah don't sweat it, just figured you'd want to be aware. We are very lucky this weekend to be getting so many videos!

[@thewhorocks515]

One might even say the error is "trivial"

[@prometeo9891]

Please, do a Karnivool review! New day or Roquefort (with empire horns). You will love it.

[@CriticalReactions]

Karnivool is in the polls and could be coming up during the week of Aug 3rd.

[@Aurumai]

Check out Red Air by Virgil Donati I swear, you'll love it.

[@luismelendez2659]

I'd be cool if you did Haken - Invasion from their new album

[@CriticalReactions]

Lots of people are asking for it. I really should try out something from their new one.

[@bazzman666]

Please check out Letters From The Colony - Galax!!! Cheers! :)

[@mamallama7708]

Yea, that's fine 🤨hahaha, Love me some Trivium 🤟😆!

[@normantompkins1252]

Symphony x-the divine wings of tragedy

[@moccles]

I've long moved on from Trivium, but I still think Shogun is a great metal album. Really good choice.

[@patan93]

Orbit Culture - Nensha

[@PZMaTTy]

Six by Chimaira!!

[@marklewis5033]

Don't like baritone singers? Try Type 0 Negative lol

[@memorabiliatemporarium2747]

Shogun is the last good Trivium album. Do not fight me.

[@LiesThatBind]

The Sin and the Sentence, Shogun and Ascendency are top 3 Trivium albums so I respectfully disagree with your assessment.

[@sebastianbissonnette9241]

I'm going to respectfully disagree with you as I think "What The Dead Men Say" is their best album

[@duograph_]

You really need to listen to their two most recent albums then!

[@bennymountain1]

They're all good, Shogun is just on another level for the band.