TRIVIUM’s Original Frontman BRAD LEWTER Reflects On Leaving The Band Way Before They Got Huge

Before Matt Heafy became the unmistakable face of American metal titans Trivium, the band’s original vocalist was Brad Lewter, who held the spot from 1999 to 2000.

A year into the band’s formation, Trivium recruited the then-13-year-old Heafy, whose relentless drive would ultimately shape the group’s trajectory. In a recent interview with Metal Hammer (via Guitar), Lewter shared his memories of the early days and how Heafy‘s determination changed the band’s dynamic.

“Heafy and Travis [Smith] were really determined,” Lewter recalled, referencing the founding drummer. “They’d be woodshedding, where you just sit and go over the same riff over and over again, whereas me and [founding member] Jarred [Bonaparte] had other things away from the music.”

Lewter also reflected on Heafy‘s “laser focus” and perfectionism, as well as the hands-on involvement of Heafy‘s father in managing and promoting the band. “I didn’t know if I wanted to be on that train,” he admitted.

Ultimately, Lewter left Trivium in 2000, a decision he admits came with some later pangs of regret. “There were some regrets about hopping off when I did – seeing them on MTV or touring with Metallica – but it wasn’t for me,” he said. “I’m more of an introvert. I’m an animator, and so I would sit in my comfortable space in a dark room in front of a screen.”

Today, Lewter has carved out a fulfilling career outside music as a professor of animation at Ithaca College. “I am still friends with Heafy and his wife on social media,” he explained, “so I see the updates, and that’s not the kind of life I could sustain.”

And yeah it probably sucks to see your former band go on to be huge, but teaching animation and motion graphics at Ithaca College is a pretty enviable gig, too.

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