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 through the doors, knowing I was about to work with legends like Jinjer and Trivium. Marking the halfway point of the tour, neither band let up for a single inch. The crowd was intense, with bodies flying from wall to wall, tears flowing during songs like Pisces, and waves of nostalgia hitting as classics like Dying in Your Arms filled the room.

Heriot kicked things off with sharp energy and the kind of hunger that perfectly 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 that stood out from the night, making for an absolutely electrifying opening set. Hearing them announce that this was their first time ever performing in America made the moment feel even more special, and seeing just how grateful they were while on stage was truly something to behold.

Next up was Jinjer. The moment one of my favorite female heavy metal icons in the industry, Tatiana Shmaylyuk, hit the stage, I couldn’t help but feel like I had just reached my “I made it” moment. Getting the chance to cover a band I grew up with from the very beginning, one that helped shape my path into the heavy metal scene and my love for the genre, felt unreal. It was incredible to hear favorites like Green Serpent from the new album and Pisces, which had both me and the crowd going absolutely nuts in the mosh pit. Needless to say, I was beyond happy to finally see Jinjer live and capture their moment, at the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana.

When I heard that Jinjer had released a new album this year, I was genuinely blown away by just how powerful and heavy it was. It was also incredible to hear songs like Green Serpent bring a fresh melody and a new feeling to heavy metal music. If you haven’t listened to Jinjer yet, I highly recommend checking them out so that the next time they come around, you can experience firsthand the power that female heavy metal vocalists bring to this ever-evolving 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-hitting metal band? From the moment Trivium opened, the energy surged. The guitars screamed, the drums pounded, and lead vocalist and guitarist Matt Heafy commanded the audience relentlessly. My favorite part of the entire show was how Trivium didn’t just hit hard, they created moments where the crowd could sing along, catch their breath, and then be hit all over again. That dynamic depth is what makes heavy metal so special. It doesn’t have to be only screaming vocals and crushing beats. It can also carry emotion, nostalgia, and that childhood feeling of sitting in the garage with your pops, blasting legends you first heard on the radio. Trivium delivers all of that and more in a 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.