Metal Underground.com

Trivium was formed in 2000 in Altamonte Springs Florida - Travis Smith, Matt Heafy and two other band mates met at Travis's house to learn and cover "For Whom the Bell Tolls" for his high school's Battle of the Bands competition. Even though they were inexperienced, they quickly formulated a band - the aggression of Trivium was popular among the high school crowd. Shortly after the Battle of the Bands show Trivium performed in a local music contest, Indiefest, taking 2nd place overall. After a couple local party gigs, Trivium's original singer left the band.

It was decided that Matt would take on the lead vocal duties as well as being the lead & rhythm guitarist and a search was underway for a rhythm guitarist. An old band mate of Travis', Brent Young earned the spot. With the new line up, Trivium played several garage gigs, party gigs, small clubs, and high school level competitions, gaining experience and writing more original songs. Soon, Trivium headed into a local studio to record a three-song demo.

Brent eventually moved to bass after Trivium's bassist departed.

Trivium's fan base began to grow, the band began to receive more local buzz and awards. Carrying a full set of originals, Trivium tore up club after club during the summer, opened for national acts - placed 1st for Battle of the Bands in high school and Matt was awarded The Best Metal Guitarist Award for 2002 presented by The Orlando Metal Awards.

Trivium recorded four more originals for their next demo. After this demo was recorded the musical direction of the band changed to something that the band and critics categorize as Melodic Death Metalcore. After one more 7-song demo EP, LifeForce records from Germany signed the band in May of 2003 and the band released 'Ember To Inferno' before adding second guitarist Corey Beaulieu and joining Roadrunner in April 2004.