Coverage by James Benson

The Red Hat Amphitheater in Raleigh was ground zero for a metalcore revival on May 18, 2025, as the Poisoned Ascendancy Tour stormed into town with a lineup tailor-made for fans of heavy riffs and emotional catharsis. With Bleed From Within, August Burns Red, Bullet for My Valentine, and Trivium on the bill, the night was nothing short of a masterclass in modern metal.

The evening kicked off with Scotland’s Bleed From Within, who wasted no time igniting the crowd. The band thundered through a short but intense set that included “The End of All We Know” and “I Am Damnation,” showing off a blend of groove, aggression, and melodic sensibility that hit like a freight train. Vocalist Scott Kennedy had the crowd’s attention from the first scream, and by the end of their set, they’d clearly won over even those unfamiliar with their catalog.

Next up, August Burns Red elevated the intensity. Launching their set with a blistering cover of System of a Down’s“Chop Suey!” they immediately had the amphitheater in a frenzy. From the punishing breakdowns of “Invisible Enemy” to the emotional climaxes in “Marianas Trench,” the band showcased their signature mix of complexity and chaos. Jake Luhrs commanded the crowd like a preacher at a metal mass, urging fans into circle pits and walls of death. Guitarists JB Brubaker and Brent Rambler’s interplay was dazzling, reminding everyone that ABR remains one of the most technically proficient bands in the scene.

Bullet for My Valentine stepped onto the stage to massive cheers and delivered a nostalgic full-album performance of their 2005 breakthrough The Poison. It was a dream come true for fans who’ve held onto these songs for two decades. “4 Words (To Choke Upon),” “Suffocating Under Words of Sorrow,” and of course, the massive singalong “Tears Don’t Fall,” hit with the same emotional weight as they did when first released. Matt Tuck’s vocals were crisp, and the dual-guitar harmonies with Michael Paget were as tight and expressive as ever. It was a sentimental, triumphant moment that proved this record still holds power and relevance.

Trivium took the closing spot and delivered a truly victorious set, performing their pivotal 2005 album Ascendancy in full. Opening with the thunderous “Rain,” the band immediately plunged into a relentless pace that barely let up. “A Gunshot to the Head of Trepidation,” “Dying in Your Arms,” and “Like Light to the Flies” showcased not only the strength of the material but also the band’s evolution. Matt Heafy was a commanding presence throughout, effortlessly switching between clean vocals and harsh growls, while Corey Beaulieu’s guitar solos lit up the Raleigh skyline.

There was a sense of celebration as fans screamed every lyric back at the stage, fists raised high under the night sky. The production was tight, the lights were timed to every snare hit and chugged riff, and the crowd never lost momentum. It wasn’t just a performance; it was a shared experience between band and audience—something rare and magical.

The Poisoned Ascendancy Tour lived up to its billing and then some. For longtime fans, it was a night of deep emotional resonance, bringing back the records that shaped a generation. For younger fans, it was a history lesson wrapped in sweat and steel. Bleed From Within’s raw potential, August Burns Red’s seasoned skill, Bullet’s nostalgic fire, and Trivium’s grand finale made May 18th a defining night for metalcore in 2025.

This wasn’t just a concert. It was a celebration of legacy, growth, and the enduring spirit of heavy music. Raleigh won’t forget it any time soon.