Matt Heafy: It’s all relative. The most important thing is that since we were all kids, before we even met each other, we all said I want to be in a metal band that plays arenas when I’m older. And on The Crusade cycle we were able to do that co-headlining arena tour with Machine Head, and we did a co-headlining arena tour with Slayer in the U.K. So stuff is going great. As long as there are people coming out to see us, things are going right.
Trivium has always been a very polarizing band. Is that just something that comes with commercial success?
I don’t know what it is. We’re just four normal guys who happen to be able to play in a band and make cool music for cool people around the world. I think it’s the right music for the right people, and we’re living proof that this is all very possible to do for anybody.
You shot a video for “Down From The Sky.” How much input and involvement do you have when it comes to videos?
Everything. With our original set of videos, we always let the label take care of it. But nowadays we know what we want and how we’re doing it. We started doing that on “Becoming The Dragon” (from The Crusade) when we fully funded the video ourselves and worked with a friend of ours and had one camera. After that experience, we knew that we should do what we do, regardless of what anyone else wants. It’s the same concept behind the album. We don’t have someone push us and pull us in weird ways.
You’re in the midst of a co-headlining tour with All That Remains. How is that going?
It’s going great. The shows have been amazing.
How much new material are you playing live?
We’re doing three songs off Shogun, two songs off The Crusade, three songs off Ascendancy, and the Iron Maiden cover.
What’s the biggest misconception people have about you?
I don’t know exactly, but it’s a complete misinterpretation of who I am or what I’m like. I’m just a normal kid, a geeky kid who doesn’t really do anything nuts. I like video games and cartoons and play guitar in a metal band I don’t have superhuman strength, I’m not a druggie rock star cockhead, I’m a normal guy like everyone else.
Who is your current celebrity crush?
I’d have to say Scarlett Johansson.
Who was a key mentor or motivator in your life?
Definitely my dad. He still is. He’s been managing the band since I joined when I was 13. Without his support and his advice we wouldn’t be where we are.
What TV show won’t you miss or always record?
There’s a huge list. Prison Break, Family Guy, South Park, Grey’s Anatomy. Prison Break is a big one for me. I’ve been following it from the beginning. I’m really excited to see Lost. That’s what I do when I’m off tour is watch TV.
When you got your first big paycheck, what was the first thing you spent money on?
I think it was a new wardrobe. We were wearing the same stuff every day when we first started touring. I finally got some new socks and underwear.
