I think it's understandable in Metallica's situation because they've solidified their name in the business. Trivium is no doubt doing the same, but they've only released two albums, their third on the way, and their debut didn't even get much buzz with the mainstream audience. I think it's a matter of people feeling mislead, not that they're rude, or that they're changing, but the fact that they admit to representing themselves in a false light, if that makes any sense. I know that's why I now lost a bit of respect for the band. It's about the music, but to me, a band shouldn't be signed as something they're not, or have no passion to take pride in. I would think (even if a band disliked that aspect), they would give praise to a key element in their success, and yes, in reality, we shouldn't justify the way we treat bands by their members (let's admit it, rock artists are some of the most egotistical and annoying people to deal with), but that doesn't give them the right to the way they've been acting towards this "change." I'm sure my ranting is coming off like I'm anti-Trivium now, but to be honest, I'm going to support Trivium whether I like The Crusade or not. I don't know why, but whether I continue to listen to them or not, they have a bright future ahead of them, and deserve it to an extent. What upsets me is a band that feels so passionately for their idols (Metallica), it's pretty two-faced if the members can't grasp the concept of the generation(s) that (will) look up to them. I'm not saying revert to please the fans, I'm not saying anything like that. I'm just saying this is the first time I've ever come across a band that admitted to not only recording an album of stuff they did not want to record to begin with (which still doesn't make sense to me to an extent), but to also say the style "sucks" and they have an underlining (or obvious?) hate/dislike for it. But like I said, Metallica solidified themselves a spot to the point where change, or being an ass was simply "O.K."... I don't think Trivium has the rights yet to be that way, though. I can see if this is their say, fifth album, but this being basically their sophomore album in terms of mainstream attention, I don't think they have much of a right to act as they are. They could have approached this much differently. I could go into the whole psychological thing, but meh. It's all about having proper etiquette, especially when it comes to change, and I just don't believe Trivium has handled this properly/professionally thus far, DESPITE what their album might say about their future.
I completely agree with you. I don't think any less of Trivium because of this, but i have seen them live twice, first time was in September last year. That gig, i have to say, will probably stick in my mind as my best gig ever. Crowd was big, but not huge, so it was a pretty close gig, because they were still setting up their fanbase. It seriously felt like they were there for us. Like they apricieated us being there. Then gig number 2 in March this year. It was completely different. Trivium, Particualy Matt Heafy, seemed really REALLY arrogant, like we were there to worship them because they're so amazing. It was still a good gig, but compared to number one, atmousphere at number 2 was nonexistant. They played really well, plus did some AMAZING solos, but it was nowhere near as good, because they acted like they were gods. I lost respect for Matt Heafy then. It's like they just sucked up to everyone, plus made their music so that everyone would like it, then when they got big turned into complete assholes. I like their music as much as ever, plus i'm glad about not screaming as much on Crusade, because to be honest, i can't get through Ascendancy these days without getting bored of vocals. They are an amazing band. one of my favourites. they just need to realise just because you have one hit album, it does not make you 'next Metallica/Iron maiden/Pantera/whoever else they compare themselves to'.
The quote is true, a video of it was posted online. Since I can't give you all a direct link I'll give you the link to blabbermouth and you can take it from there: Interview with Corey The impression I got from that is that all they wanna do is be gloryhunters.