The Poisoned Ascendancy Tour is celebrating the 20th anniversary of Trivium’s Ascendancy and Bullet For My Valentine’s The Poison iconic albums, playing them in their entirety.
The first band of the evening was Bleed From Within, a Scottish metalcore band from Glasgow, formed in 2005. The band’s current lineup consists of lead vocalist Scott Kennedy, drummer Ali Richardson, bassist Davie Provan, lead guitarist Craig Gowans, and rhythm guitarist, clean vocalist Steven Jones. The band has released seven studio albums and three EPs, with their latest Zenith released in 2025 through Nuclear Blast.
As soon as they started the opening song ” God Complex” the crowd went crazy. Their energy was relentless, with tracks like “Levitate” and “I Am Damnation” whipping the pit into a frenzy. Guitarists Craig Gowans and Steven Jones dazzled with tight harmonies and blistering solos, while drummer Ali Richardson drove each song forward like a freight train.
Kennedy mentioned to the crowd that today was drummer Ali’s birthday and told the fans to wish him a happy birthday.
Bleed From Within didn’t just perform—they dominated, leaving a trail of sore necks and satisfied fans. If you weren’t a believer before, you left as one. A masterclass in modern metalcore.
The next band of the evening was August Burns Red. An American metalcore band from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, formed in 2003. The band’s lineup of guitarists John Benjamin “JB” Brubaker and Brent Rambler, drummer Matt Greiner, lead vocalist Jake Luhrs and bassist Dustin Davidson has remained consistent since 2006. The band was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2016 for Best Metal Performance for the song “Identity” from its 2015 release Found in Far Away Places, and again in 2018 for “Invisible Enemy” from Phantom Anthem (2017). The band has released ten studio albums to date; their latest, Death Below, was released in 2023.
From the first crushing chords of “Chop Suey,” a System of A Down cover song, the Pennsylvania metalcore giants held nothing back, unleashing a barrage of technical riffs, punishing breakdowns, and sheer sonic fury.
Front man Jake Luhrs delivered a powerhouse performance, his vocals a perfect blend of grit and emotion, while his stage presence kept the crowd fully locked in. Guitarists JB Brubaker and Brent Rambler showcased flawless musicianship, weaving intricate melodies and crushing rhythms that elevated songs like “Defender ,” “Vengeance,” and “Exhumed” to jaw-dropping heights.
What truly defined the night was the band’s precision. Every tempo shift, every syncopated hit, every atmospheric interlude was executed with surgical accuracy, making their live sound nearly album-perfect. The energy in the venue was electric—fans screamed every word, fists and feet flying through every breakdown.
August Burns Red didn’t just perform—they orchestrated chaos, leaving no doubt why they’re still one of the most respected and innovative acts in the metalcore scene. A stunning, emotionally-charged show from start to finish.
The first of the two headliners was Trivium, an American heavy metal band from Orlando, Florida, formed in 1999. The band comprises vocalist and guitarist Matt Heafy, guitarist Corey Beaulieu, bassist Paolo Gregoletto, and drummer Alex Bent.
The band’s debut album Ember to Inferno was their only album released through Lifeforce Records in 2003. In 2004, they were signed to Roadrunner Records where they have stayed ever since. The band has released ten studio albums and over twenty singles to date. Their tenth studio album, In the Court of the Dragon, was released in 2021. The band has sold over one million albums worldwide and was nominated for a Grammy for the song “Betrayer” at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards in 2019 for Best Metal Performance.
Trivium tore through their set with the power and precision of a band at the peak of their game. From the moment they launched into “In the Court of the Dragon,” it was clear the Florida metal giants weren’t here to just play—they came to dominate.
Frontman Matt Heafy’s vocals effortlessly shifted from searing screams to soaring melodies, while his guitar work alongside Corey Beaulieu created a relentless wall of sound. Alex Bent’s drumming was a thunderous backbone, and Paolo Gregoletto’s basslines grounded the chaos with groove and grit.
Heafy’s kids were in the crowd for the first time ever seeing them perform live.
The setlist was a perfect blend of new anthems and fan favorites, with songs like “Rain,” “Ascendancy,” and “Drum Solo” sending the crowd into a frenzy. The energy never dipped—Trivium’s stage presence was commanding, their chemistry tight, and their connection with the audience undeniable. During “A Gunshot to the Head of Trepidation,” they brought out Scott Kennedy from Bleed From Within to help with the lyrics.
Before the song “Departure,” Heafy was trying to tell the crowd to get out their flashlights out on their phones but instead referenced an adult toy by mistake. The crowd laughed it off and he continued the show. He instantly apologized and hoped that the crowd would forgive him for the mistake. He also made a formal apology the next day.
With blistering solos, precision-crafted breakdowns, and a passion that radiated from every note, Trivium proved once again why they remain one of modern metal’s most essential forces. This wasn’t just a concert—it was a masterclass in heavy metal performance.
Bullet for My Valentine didn’t just perform—they brought a storm, delivering a set that was both nostalgic and forward-driving. It was a night of crushing riffs, emotional hooks, and pure metal energy that left no one standing still.
The final of the two headliners was Bullet for My Valentine, often abbreviated as BFMV, they are a Welsh heavy metal band from Bridgend, formed in 1998. The band is currently composed of Matthew Tuck (vocals, rhythm guitar), Michael Paget (lead guitar), Jason Bowld (drums) and Jamie Mathias (bass). Former members include Michael Thomas, Jason James and Nick Crandle; the latter were on bass.
Bullet for My Valentine’s debut album The Poison was released in October 2005 in the United Kingdom and on 14 February 2006 in the United States to coincide with Valentine’s Day, in a nod to the band’s name. The album entered the U.S. Billboard 200 at number 128.
They delivered a high-octane performance that reminded everyone why they’re still one of the leading names in modern metal. Opening with the explosive “Her Voice Resides,” the Welsh powerhouse wasted no time igniting the crowd into a sea of movement, fists, and adrenaline.
Frontman Matt Tuck’s vocals were razor-sharp, seamlessly balancing screams and clean choruses, while Michael “Padge” Paget’s guitar solos were nothing short of shredding brilliance. Backed by the thunderous rhythm section of Jamie Mathias and Jason Bowld, the band hit with full force, sounding as tight and powerful as ever.
Fans were treated to a career-spanning setlist, with anthems like “Tears Don’t Fall,” “All These Things I Hate (Revolve Around You),” and “ 10 Years Today” sending the room into full sing-along mode. The classics kept the energy at a fever pitch throughout the night.
Bullet For My Valentine
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Trivium
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August Burns Red
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