One of the best live albums of all time. KSE at the heights of their power.
Jman's reviews
I have no idea what’s going on with the ratings for this album, but they’re completely off. So let’s fix that.
"Alive or Just Breathing" is a Mount Rushmore metalcore record—an absolute cornerstone of the genre. This album didn’t just influence metalcore, it helped define it, shaping the sound and emotional blueprint that countless bands still follow today.
The way Killswitch Engage blended crushing heaviness with soaring, heartfelt melody was revolutionary, and no one has ever done it quite the same since. This record inspired an entire generation of bands and listeners alike. A true masterpiece, endlessly influential, and somehow still underrated. It’s long past time this album gets the respect it deserves.
"Alive or Just Breathing" is a Mount Rushmore metalcore record—an absolute cornerstone of the genre. This album didn’t just influence metalcore, it helped define it, shaping the sound and emotional blueprint that countless bands still follow today.
The way Killswitch Engage blended crushing heaviness with soaring, heartfelt melody was revolutionary, and no one has ever done it quite the same since. This record inspired an entire generation of bands and listeners alike. A true masterpiece, endlessly influential, and somehow still underrated. It’s long past time this album gets the respect it deserves.
Hold up and let me glaze my boys up real quick lol
Trivium have been shaping modern metal for over 20 years now, and somehow they’re still leveling up. I still remember hearing "Ascendancy" for the first time and just being completely floored. That album was special — it felt ahead of its time and set a new standard for what modern metal could be. Then "Shogun" came along, and that record was an epic, masterpiece as well. Both of those albums showed how brilliant and ambitious this band was and would be throughout their career.
Fast forward two decades, and they’re still doing it — still putting out music that sounds fresh, heavy, and inspired. Honestly, Trivium doesn’t get nearly enough credit. They’re not just one of the best bands in metal today, they’re one of the best metal acts ever. Period. The fact that they’re dropping music this good 20 years deep into their career says everything about their consistency, passion, and work ethic.
Heafy and the boys have always pushed themselves harder than anyone else. The way Matt worked to get his vocals back exactly where he wanted them just shows how much they care about their craft. He’s right up there with the greats — he’s got that Hetfield-level energy and presence. In my eyes, Trivium have always been this century’s Metallica. The dedication, the longevity, the drive to keep evolving without losing their identity — nobody does it better.
As for this new EP, it's Phenomenal. It feels like the best parts of every Trivium era wrapped into one tight, powerful package. It’s got the energy of "Ascendancy", the depth of "Shogun", and the focus of their newer material. The riffs are insane, the solos rip, the vocals hit hard, and the drums (no matter who the fuck it is lol) never misses.
Listening to this just made me proud — proud of how far they’ve come, proud of how much they’ve given to metal, and proud to call myself a lifelong Trivium fan. These guys have had a massive impact on my life, and they’re still proving why they’re the best metal band of this century.
Trivium have been shaping modern metal for over 20 years now, and somehow they’re still leveling up. I still remember hearing "Ascendancy" for the first time and just being completely floored. That album was special — it felt ahead of its time and set a new standard for what modern metal could be. Then "Shogun" came along, and that record was an epic, masterpiece as well. Both of those albums showed how brilliant and ambitious this band was and would be throughout their career.
Fast forward two decades, and they’re still doing it — still putting out music that sounds fresh, heavy, and inspired. Honestly, Trivium doesn’t get nearly enough credit. They’re not just one of the best bands in metal today, they’re one of the best metal acts ever. Period. The fact that they’re dropping music this good 20 years deep into their career says everything about their consistency, passion, and work ethic.
Heafy and the boys have always pushed themselves harder than anyone else. The way Matt worked to get his vocals back exactly where he wanted them just shows how much they care about their craft. He’s right up there with the greats — he’s got that Hetfield-level energy and presence. In my eyes, Trivium have always been this century’s Metallica. The dedication, the longevity, the drive to keep evolving without losing their identity — nobody does it better.
As for this new EP, it's Phenomenal. It feels like the best parts of every Trivium era wrapped into one tight, powerful package. It’s got the energy of "Ascendancy", the depth of "Shogun", and the focus of their newer material. The riffs are insane, the solos rip, the vocals hit hard, and the drums (no matter who the fuck it is lol) never misses.
Listening to this just made me proud — proud of how far they’ve come, proud of how much they’ve given to metal, and proud to call myself a lifelong Trivium fan. These guys have had a massive impact on my life, and they’re still proving why they’re the best metal band of this century.
Trivium is a very important band when it comes to my love for heavy music. Growing up in the late '90s/early '00s I was into numerous genres and artists. From older bands like Metallica and Motley Crue. To newer bands of the time like Linkin Park and Limp Bizkit. But regardless, I was always a fan of heavier music. The band that opened my eyes to the world of modern metal/metalcore in the '00s was Trivium. And specifically their masterpiece "Ascendancy".
Every time I listen to this album it blows my mind. Doesn't matter if it was the first time or the last time I listened to it. I remember when I first heard it being blown away by the fact that a band somehow was able to mesh a classic thrash style like Metallica with modern, heavy screaming vocals. It felt like the old school thrash sound on steroids. And it was my gateway album to so many amazing bands and albums of the time.
Every song is flawless. The guitar work is masterful. The vocals and lyrics are exceptional. Imo it's the best metal album of the century and one of the best albums of all time.
Every time I listen to this album it blows my mind. Doesn't matter if it was the first time or the last time I listened to it. I remember when I first heard it being blown away by the fact that a band somehow was able to mesh a classic thrash style like Metallica with modern, heavy screaming vocals. It felt like the old school thrash sound on steroids. And it was my gateway album to so many amazing bands and albums of the time.
Every song is flawless. The guitar work is masterful. The vocals and lyrics are exceptional. Imo it's the best metal album of the century and one of the best albums of all time.
Still remember it to this day..My buddy and I were hanging out in my Dad's basement. Just a couple 10 year old kids without a care in the world. My buddy started telling me about this new band that his older brother told him about. "Dude, my brother just showed me this band called Linkin Park! They're awesome! They sound really different and cool! You have to listen to them!" That day changed my life.
I can't thank my buddy enough for introducing me to LP. Listening to this album always takes me back to being a kid. I've listened to this album playing street hockey. Playing NFS Underground on PS2. With my Dad out fishing on the lake. With my Wife the first time she ever listened to it. And now with my kids. LP and this album will always hold a special place in my heart. Matter of fact the winged soldier from the album cover is tattooed on my arm.
This is THE game changer album for me. It introduced me to new styles and bands. And it introduced me to Chester and Shinoda. Absolute legends and artists of the highest degree. Their chemistry will never be matched. And Chester will live on forever through his passionate and masterful music. I miss him every day.
This album will forever be one of my favorites of all time. The BEST debut album of all time. And absolutely one of the greatest albums ever made.
LP & Chester forever 💙
I can't thank my buddy enough for introducing me to LP. Listening to this album always takes me back to being a kid. I've listened to this album playing street hockey. Playing NFS Underground on PS2. With my Dad out fishing on the lake. With my Wife the first time she ever listened to it. And now with my kids. LP and this album will always hold a special place in my heart. Matter of fact the winged soldier from the album cover is tattooed on my arm.
This is THE game changer album for me. It introduced me to new styles and bands. And it introduced me to Chester and Shinoda. Absolute legends and artists of the highest degree. Their chemistry will never be matched. And Chester will live on forever through his passionate and masterful music. I miss him every day.
This album will forever be one of my favorites of all time. The BEST debut album of all time. And absolutely one of the greatest albums ever made.
LP & Chester forever 💙
This is the one that started it all for me. Simply put, the best metal album of all time.
This album is an absolute masterpiece and classic in every sense of the word. I remember first hearing it back in my teens, 20 something years ago, and it completely blowing my mind.
The iconic riffs, solos, vocals and songwriting all came together to create magic. Which Metallica has somehow done on multiple occasions with other 5/5 albums MOP & AJFA. But I believe RTL stands above them all.
🤘🏼⚡️🤘🏼
This album is an absolute masterpiece and classic in every sense of the word. I remember first hearing it back in my teens, 20 something years ago, and it completely blowing my mind.
The iconic riffs, solos, vocals and songwriting all came together to create magic. Which Metallica has somehow done on multiple occasions with other 5/5 albums MOP & AJFA. But I believe RTL stands above them all.
🤘🏼⚡️🤘🏼