Trivium’s seventh album is packed with references to the cold, but the band’s all-out assault could melt the harshest winter. The tracks from “Silence in the Snow” displays Trivium’s song craft in the hardcore metal genre.

       For long-time fans, this is definitely not the return of the “Shogun” style epics that you’ve been waiting for. This album is composed by a creative range of compositional techniques used to sculpt the songs.  

        The interweaving vocals during the verse of “The Ghost That’s Haunting You” creates a whole new sound-scape that is a band-first. Matt Heafy proudly displays his vocal talent and incorporates some word painting during the chorus of “Breathe into the Flames” which allows a vast improvement over past efforts and is one of the album’s best songs. After a mellow beginning, it kicks in with fast riffs, memorable, melodies and clever guitar solo before ending with a quiet acoustic section.

        Heafy is a howling madman on nearly every song, but not so mad that his operatic leads aren’t so acutely dialed in. They’ve even taken inspirations in the title track “Snofall” that incorporates elements from bands like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. “Rise Above the Tides” emphasizes Haeafy’s melodic vocals which leaves room for guitarist, Corey Beaulieu’s searing shredfest. Easily an equal star in this intense, maniacal, gorgeously theatrical gallop across a frostbitten plain. 

         As with all Trivium albums, “Silence in the Snow” is bound to polarize simply because it’s different than their previous efforts. It features some of the best songwriting the band has done in quite a while. The band’s concentration on the total being greater than the sum of the parts has really paid off.

      The riffs are unique, the lyrics are creative and compliment the songs, and the contrasting use of texture is unexplored territory as far as metal goes. They’ve blended numerous styles into an album that gives a nod to their influences while maintaining their own identity.

        As for me, I am amongst the core Trivium fanbase that feels odd about their new approach and questions why they decided to change their tone in this album. But I am willing to give it a try as I listen to it more. Despite its faults, this is one of their best albums no matter how they change. I still do enjoy the album throughout most of the songs, but the different atmosphere they set will take some getting used to.