Trivium and longtime drummer Alex Bent recently went their separate ways. Trivium has since recruited Alex Rüdinger, while Bent is plotting out his own new path.
In a new interview with Metal Drummers United, Bent reflected on his departure from the Florida metal band and made it clear that this chapter is not an ending, but a reset. Looking back on his time in Trivium and how he feels moving forward, Bent said: “I remember when I first joined [Trivium], it was, like, ‘Gosh, another drummer? Really?’
“But people that I met ended up becoming friends for life. So I appreciate every single fan that’s come out to the shows, that, even to this day, books lessons with me or wants a signed stick or wants to do [interviews] like this, man. I really appreciate it, man.
“And just know I’m not going anywhere, man. I’m never planning on stopping. I don’t have a backup plan. That’s how I’ve always been since high school. I remember counselors would be, like, ‘Well, what are you gonna do? You can’t just bank on this music thing.’ And I’m, like, ‘Nope. That’s exactly what I’m gonna do.’ So I’m not going anywhere, man. So anybody that supports me, I love you. I appreciate you guys, and I’m looking forward to the future, whatever that will be.”
Bent also addressed speculation that his departure might signal a slowdown — something he flatly rejected: “There’s nothing locked in stone. I don’t have anything… I’m happy with where I’m at, but I want to get back on the road, for sure. So, yeah, I think a lot of people are under the assumption that I’m trying to slow down or something, and that’s not the case at all.
“I feel like I’m just getting started. So I would love to just continue working with the bands. I’m a free agent, and that’s the first time I’ve been a free agent in almost 10 years. So I’m, like, bring it on, man. Studio work, touring, whatever, teaching. I wanna do this. So, that’s pretty much what I’m doing, man. I’m just, like, ‘Hey, I’m open. Let’s go. Let’s do this.'”
Trivium guitarist Corey Beaulieu stressed that it was a completely amicable break-up, and the truly did wish all the best for Bent, despite the surprise of the situation: “It just kind of happened, and it was kind of a surprise. I don’t think anyone was really expecting it,” Beaulieu admitted to Wall of Sound in Australia.
“But it is what it is. When it all kind of went down, we all wished each other the best. There’s no hard feelings. It was just kind of one of those things where it’s, like, life changes paths. And it’s all positive. We made three amazing records together. The [upcoming] EP is amazing, which it will be his last thing. He started working on the [next full] record with us, so hopefully when that’s finished and done, he’ll feel a part of that.”
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