Review and Gallery by: Jaime “Chino” Flor
The South Side Ballroom in Dallas, Tx on April 15, 2025 hosted another sold out event in celebration of the 20th year anniversary of two iconic albums that have revolutionized the music scene and changed the lives of so many listeners. Live Nation presented The Poisoned Ascendancy Tour with Bullet For My Valentine and Trivium featuring August Burns Red and Sylosis last Tuesday. Bullet For My Valentine’s The Poison and Trivium’s Ascendancy both released in 2005 from different parts of the world. Both albums stapled each band’s name in music history and the heavy metal/metalcore music scene. Tracks from both albums continue to run on my daily playlist shuffles. Nostalgia, heavy rifts, roaring beats, circle pits, and endless screams are written all over the tour.
Sylosis has been in the metal scene since 2000 formed in Reading, Berkshire. The band has released six studio albums, a live album, and two EPs since. They open the night strong. Hits like “Deadwood”, “Empty Prophets”, and “Worship Decay” get the early on-goers headbanging and screaming lyrics with Josh Middleton. A short but effective setlist. They know how to ramp the energy up.
August Burns Red is a fun and dynamic band to watch. Formed in Lancaster, PA in 2003, they have 10 studio albums under their belts. Their chemistry on stage is undeniable. Their music is glorious metalcore progression. “White Washed”, “Bloodletter”, and “Vengeance” are a few favorite hits on their setlist they performed for the crowd. Circle pits and crowd surfers have now amassed. Pit security knew they had their work cut out for them.
Trivium was formed 1999 in Orlando, Florida. They have created 10 studio albums with Ascendancy being their second release in 2005. They played the album in it’s entirety. Matt Heafy was relating each song to present scenarios to show everyone a glimpse of his genius when he wrote the songs and created the album. It was a spectacular show. Non-stop exchange of energy from the performers and the crowd. A testament to Trivium’s success and Ascendancy’s legacy.
Bullet For My Valentine or BFMV was formed in Bridgend, Wales in 1998. The Poison was their first of 7 studio album release. The album was very positively accepted and quickly stapled the band’s name in both Europe and North America. The entirety of the album was played. Fans were crying, screaming, headbanging, crowd surfing, and feeling all the emotions intended. The band and this album has touched so many lives since their inception. I remember the first day I listened to “Tears Don’t Fall” and instantly became a BFMV fan. Their performance is one for the ages. Fans have told me how much this show meant to them. And how conceptualizing this tour and allowing them to experience the greatness of both albums is simply unforgettable. It was truly an epic show.
The tour is on going until May 18, 2025. This is a must-watch show for fans. It’s hard to put into words and do the experience any justice. Follow the tour HERE and grab your tickets quick! There is a reason this show sells out. You will not regret it nor will you ever forget it.
