Matt Heafy of Trivium shared insights during a recent appearance on The Garza Podcast about his journey into metal music, highlighting three bands that significantly influenced his passion for the genre.

At the end of the podcast, Chris Garza asked Heafy to name three influential bands. Heafy elaborated by categorizing his selections into three stages that reflect his understanding and evolution in heavy music.

“Let’s consider the three stages, from metal to death metal to metalcore,” he explained.

What 3 Albums Did Matt Heafy Pick as Being Influences?

“I would say Metallica’s Black Album because it was the first Metallica album I ever heard … Black Album introduced me to Metallica, but if I had to choose a favorite of all time, I’d probably select Master [of Puppets].”

Heafy mentioned that he began with the Black Album and explored the rest of Metallica’s discography from there.

The Trivium frontman then chose In Flames as another influence. While deciding on an album, he noted, “I know Whoracle was the first one I ever heard, Jester Race is my favorite, but I’d say Reroute to Remain because that was when I realized, ‘Oh wow, I can scream and sing in the same band.'”

To complete his list of influential albums, he mentioned Heaven Shall Burn’s Whatever It May Take.

“That was the first time I ever heard and saw what metalcore could be while still sounding very metal and lyrically addressing something that is socially significant,” Heafy stated. “That’s what I’ve always appreciated about certain metalcore bands, hardcore bands, and punk bands—they tackle sociopolitical or societal themes.

Trivium’s Matt Heafy Joins The Garza Podcast

Trivium in 2026

Trivium resumed recording in 2025 with the release of the Struck Dead EP. The band will be touring this fall with In Flames, one of the groups that Heafy cited as an influence. They have a series of Australian dates in early October before starting their North American tour on November 5 in St. Petersburg, Florida.

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For all Trivium tour dates and ticketing information, be sure to visit the band’s website.

See other major rock and metal bands touring in 2026 in the gallery below.