Trivium Melt Buffalo’s First Snowstorm on the Ascend Above the Ashes Tour

Buffalo’s Riverworks roared to life as Trivium’s Ascend Above the Ashes tour turned a snowy night into a storm of riffs and energy. With Jinjer’s dynamic intensity and Heriot’s raw heaviness setting the tone, Trivium proved once again why they remain one of modern metal’s commanding live forces. A powerful kickoff that left the crowd charged long after the final note.

Buffalo’s Riverworks became a sanctuary for metal fans on a snowy November night as Trivium brought their Ascend Above the Ashes tour to town. Despite the first lake effect storm of the season, a devoted crowd packed into the venue, ready for a night of heavy riffs and blistering precision. With support from Jinjer and Heriot, the lineup drew a wide range of listeners, from metalcore newcomers to long-time veterans of the scene.

Opening the evening, the UK’s Heriot wasted no time in setting the tone. Marking their first-ever tour appearance in the United States, the band carried themselves with confidence well beyond their years. Their sound was raw and unpolished, full of grit and intensity that hit even harder for its lack of gloss. The sludgy four piece powered through a 30 minute set that balanced tracks from Devoured by the Mouth of Hell with a brand new song, their dual vocal attack giving each moment extra depth. Guitarist and vocalist Debbie Gough’s movements across the stage carried hints of nu metal influence, while bassist Jake Packer’s presence reinforced the band’s low end drive. Completing the ensemble were guitarist Erhan Alman, laying down thick, churning riffs that added weight to every song, and drummer Julian Gage, whose relentless, thunderous beats drove the music forward with an unyielding force. Despite the wintry mix outside, the crowd’s reception was warm, suggesting that Heriot left the stage with a few new fans.

Next up, Ukrainian powerhouse Jinjer took the stage, and from the very first chord, it was clear why they’ve become one of modern metal’s most electrifying live draws. Touring in support of their latest album Duél, the quartet hit the crowd like a tidal wave, opening with the commanding title track that immediately set the tone for a night of precision, power, and unrelenting energy. Fans erupted as the band tore through Hedonist, Someone’s Daughter, and the ever-popular Pisces, each song punctuated by cheers, fist-pumping, and chants echoing through the venue.

Frontwoman Tatiana Shmayluk was a force of nature. She moved across the stage with effortless magnetism, her voice shifting from guttural, earth-shaking growls to crystalline, soaring melodies without missing a beat. Every note seemed to cut through the air, drawing the audience in and holding them captive. Shmayluk’s intensity matched only by the crowd’s rapt attention. Between songs, the engagement with the audience was electric; waves of applause and cheers creating a loop of adrenaline that carried the set forward.

As Shmayluk delivered her high energy performance, the rest of the band kept a more measured approach, their chemistry clearly evident and reinforcing Jinjer’s strong musicianship. Bassist Eugene Abdukhanov and drummer Vlad Ulasevich locked in grooves that were both precise and powerful, while guitarist Roman Ibramkhalilov alternated between tight, driving riffs and soaring leads that added texture and depth to each track.

The energy in the room was palpable. The lights shifted with the music, shadows and strobes accentuating the drama of each song, while the audience moved as one, swept up in the intensity of the performance. Every crescendo, every breakdown, and every melodic passage landed with precision, leaving no doubt that Jinjer thrives on the stage as much as in the studio. By the time the final notes rang out, the crowd was buzzing, exhilarated, and fully aware they had witnessed a performance that was at once technically flawless, emotionally charged, and impossible to forget. Jinjer didn’t just play, they commanded, they conquered, and they reminded everyone why they are a global metal force to be reckoned with.

By the time Trivium took the stage, anticipation had reached a fever pitch. Celebrating over two decades of musical dominance, the Florida quartet stormed through a setlist that blended their classic material with highlights from their new Struck Dead EP. From the opening surge of In Waves to the closing fury of The Sin and the Sentence, the band delivered a performance that balanced technical mastery with raw passion. Matt Heafy drove the set with focused intensity, moving seamlessly from abrasive screams to clean, resonant melodies, all while maintaining firm control of the crowd through a balanced mix of humor and confidence.

The debut of drummer Alex Rudinger was a standout element of the night. His precision and power locked perfectly with bassist Paolo Gregoletto’s foundation, creating a tight rhythmic backbone that carried the show. Guitarist Corey Beaulieu’s sharp leads and harmonies added extra firepower, giving longtime fans the kind of guitar interplay they’ve come to expect from Trivium. The sound mix was dialed in perfectly, with clean guitars, full bass, and vocals that cut through just right.

Visually, the band made full use of the Riverworks stage setup. Strobe lights and vivid color shifts punctuated the heaviest moments, while the inflatable Monte the Monster towering behind them added an unexpected but entertaining visual flourish. The far from mild crowd, made sure every chorus of Until the World Goes Cold, Bury Me With My Screams, and The Heart From Your Hate became a communal shout along.

Trivium’s Ascend Above the Ashes performance in Buffalo was more than a standout strike; it was a bold declaration of what’s to still to come. After nearly 30 years, the band continues to evolve without losing the spirit that built their legacy. The chemistry with Rudinger already feels natural, and the mix of old and new songs kept the energy steady from start to finish. Even as snow fell outside, the heat inside Riverworks made it a night worth remembering, despite the inclement weather.

Trivium gallery:

Trivium setlist:

• In Waves
• Like Light to the Flies
• Strife
• Into The Mouth of Hell We March
• Throes of Perdition
• Until the World Goes Cold
• Bury Me With My Screams
  • Gunshot to the Head of Trepidation
  • Struck Dead
  • Dying In Your Arms
  • Pull Harder on the Strings of Your Martyr
  • The Heart From Your Hate
  • Down From the Sky
  • The Sin and the Sentence

Jinjer gallery:

Jinjer setlist:

• Duel
• Green Serpent
• Fast Draw
• Hedonist
• Teacher, Teacher!
• Perennial
• Rogue
• Someone’s Daughter
• Pisces

Heriot gallery:

Heriot setlist:

• Foul Void
• Demure
• Commander of Pain
• Mourn
• At the Fortress Gate