February 4, 2025, was a night that Stuttgart’s Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle won’t soon forget. As part of the "Poisoned Ascendancy Tour", heavyweights Bullet for My Valentine and Trivium joined forces to celebrate the 20th anniversaries of their groundbreaking albums, The Poison and Ascendancy. This co-headlining tour wasn’t just a concert—it was a journey through two decades of metal history, paying homage to the records that helped define a generation. With support from rising Swedish metal stars Orbit Culture, the night offered an unforgettable blend of nostalgia, discovery, and sheer metal power.
For me, the evening was a dream come true. The chance to see Trivium and Bullet for My Valentine live for the very first time was very special to me. These were the bands that soundtracked my teenage years, and experiencing their music in this celebratory context was nothing short of magical.
The Poisoned Ascendency Tour: A Celebration of Legacy
The "Poisoned Ascendancy Tour" was a unique celebration of two iconic albums that helped shape the modern metalcore movement. Bullet for My Valentine’s The Poison, released in 2005, remains a cornerstone of the genre, blending raw emotion with razor-sharp riffs and anthemic choruses. Meanwhile, Trivium’s Ascendancy, also released in 2005, redefined metalcore with its technical prowess and lyrical depth.
This tour brought these two albums to life once again, allowing fans to relive the magic while introducing a new generation to the music that changed the scene. With both bands performing these legendary records in full, it was a celebration not just of their legacies, but of the fans who have supported them over the years.
Orbit Culture: The Rising Stars of Modern Metal
Swedish powerhouse Orbit Culture opened the night with a performance that left the audience stunned. Their unique blend of extreme metal, groove, and melody made them the perfect choice to kick off such an epic lineup. Tracks like "Descent" and "Vultures of North" showcased their ability to balance raw aggression with haunting atmospheres, captivating everyone in the room.
For me, the highlight of the night came even before the music started. I had the incredible opportunity to meet Richard Hansson, Orbit Culture’s guitarist. As an artist, I created a special poster artwork as a gift for the band—a tribute to their music and the inspiration they’ve given me. Handing it to Richard and seeing his reaction—genuine excitement and gratitude—was a moment I’ll never forget.
We even snapped a photo together, capturing what was truly a full-circle moment for me. It’s rare to connect so directly with the artists who inspire you, and this interaction made an already amazing night even more special.
Trivium: A Masterclass in Ascendancy
Next to take the stage was Trivium, celebrating the 20th anniversary of their career-defining album Ascendancy. This was my first time seeing them live, and they exceeded every expectation I had.
From the explosive opening of "Pull Harder on the Strings of Your Martyr" to fan-favorites like "A Gunshot to the Head of Trepidation" and "Like Light to the Flies," the band delivered a set that was both technically flawless and emotionally charged.
Matt Heafy, as always, was an incredible frontman, seamlessly switching between melodic vocals and powerful screams while commanding the stage with confidence and charisma. The interplay between Heafy and lead guitarist Corey Beaulieu was mesmerizing, with their intricate riffs and harmonized solos reminding everyone why Ascendancy is considered a modern classic.
For me, Trivium’s set was more than a performance—it was a journey back to my teenage years, when this album played on repeat and every riff felt like a revelation.
Bullet for My Valentine: Reliving The Poison
The headliners of the night, Bullet for My Valentine, delivered a performance that was equal parts nostalgic and electrifying. Performing The Poison in its entirety, the band took the audience on an emotional rollercoaster, revisiting the songs that helped define the metalcore genre.
From the iconic opening of "Her Voice Resides" to the heart-wrenching "Tears Don’t Fall," every song hit with the same intensity it had 20 years ago. Deep cuts like "Hit the Floor" and "Room 409" were met with just as much enthusiasm as the singles, proving the enduring power of The Poison as a whole.
Matt Tuck’s vocals were as sharp as ever, and the band’s energy on stage was infectious. This wasn’t just a performance—it was a celebration of the album that started it all for them. For fans like me, who grew up listening to The Poison, this was a chance to relive some of the most formative moments of our musical journeys.
The Atmosphere and Personal Reflections
The Schleyerhalle was alive with energy that night, filled with fans from all walks of life united by their love of metal. The acoustics of the venue were perfect, amplifying every riff and drumbeat to its fullest effect.
For me, the night was more than just a concert. Meeting Richard from Orbit Culture, sharing my art with him, and experiencing the music of Trivium and Bullet for My Valentine live for the first time were all deeply personal highlights. Orbit Culture, in particular, has become my new favorite band, and their performance only solidified that connection.
At the same time, hearing The Poison and Ascendancy live was a trip down memory lane, reminding me of late nights with headphones on, discovering metal for the first time. This concert wasn’t just about the music—it was about the memories, the connections, and the shared passion that makes metal such a powerful force.
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