A Classic Heavy Metal Night with Trivium & Jinjer

Friday night’s show in Indiana was one for the books. Ten-year-old me was freaking out walking in the door knowing I was getting to work with the legends in Jinjer and Trivium. This marked the halfway point of this tour, and these bands did not let up an inch. The crowd was intense, bodies were thrown from wall to wall, tears were flowing from songs like “Pisces” from Jinjer, and nostalgia hit from classic songs like “Dying in Your Arms” from Trivium.

Heriot kicked things off, bringing sharp energy and a hunger that fits their status as the rising act on this tour. “Foul Void,” “Siege Lord,” “Demure,” “Commander at Bay,” “Mourn,” and “At the Fortress Gate” were just some of the songs I remember from this night — and what an electrifying opener. For the first time, them announcing that this was their first time ever in America was truly something special, and seeing how grateful they were while performing was truly something to behold.

Next up was Jinjer. When one of my favorite heavy metal female icons in this industry, Tatiana Shmaylyuk, hit the stage, I couldn’t help but feel like I just had my “I made it moment.” Getting to cover a band I grew up with since the beginning and who helped forge my path into the heavy metal scene and discovering heavy metal music was unreal. It was great to hear favorites like “Green Serpent” off the new album and “Pisces,” which had me and the crowd going nuts in the mosh pit. Needless to say, I was truly so happy to finally see Jinjer live and capture their moment in Gary, Indiana at the Hard Rock Casino.

When I heard Jinjer released a new album this year, I was truly starstruck to hear how powerful and heavy the new album was. It was also incredible to hear songs like “Green Serpent” change the whole melody and feeling in heavy metal music. If you haven’t heard of Jinjer, please go check them out so the next time they come around you can experience firsthand the power female heavy metal vocalists bring to this ever-changing industry.

Now we are onto the Main event of the evening and legends that don’t need an introduction!! TRIVIUM!!!!! 

What’s not to love about this classic heavy-hitter heavy metal band? From the moment they opened, the energy surged: the guitars screamed, the drums pounded, and lead vocalist/guitarist Matt Heafy engaged the audience relentlessly. My favorite part of this whole show was when Trivium didn’t just hit hard, they crafted moments where the crowd could sing along, breathe, then be smashed again, giving that diverse depth in which heavy metal doesn’t have to be just screaming and heavy beats, but can bring the fans emotions and that sense of nostalgia and childhood, sitting in the garage with your pops jamming out to legends you heard on the radio. Trivium delivers just that and more in live performance.

I was hoping for two songs going in, and both were played. That really made the highlight of my night. When the silence roared over the crowd and you could hear a pin drop in the venue, Trivium’s Matt Heafy sang the opening chorus to “The Heart From Your Hate.” The whole crowd, including myself, absolutely lost it. The roars, the screams, and the childhood memories came racing, and I couldn’t help but jump around while in the photo pit. The next song I couldn’t wait to hear was “Until the World Goes Cold,” which had bodies flying and tears flowing.

With all my final thoughts, last night’s show in Gary, Indiana was more than just another tour stop. It was a powerful convergence of two highly skilled, emotionally charged metal acts. Jinjer brought their unique blend of groove, technicality, and vocal drama, delivering a set that was both tight and deeply expressive. Trivium, as headliners, proved once again why they’re a mainstay in heavy music. Their mix of classic hits, new material, and showmanship resonated deeply with the audience. If you haven’t checked out the legends Jinjer and Trivium, I truly recommend it. It’s a classic hardcore metal show for the ages.