There are mortals who play music, and then there’s Matthew Kiichi Heafy.
As the lead singer and guitarist of the band Trivium, Matt is a force to be reckoned with. In his presence, it’s easy to observe that he is an apex mind with a laser-sighted will. When he sets his focus on something, it’s not just learned… it’s absorbed, dissected, and reborn through sheer force of discipline. Whether it’s mastering the intricacies of songwriting, interfacing with the cybernetic hive mind of gamers, training in the hallowed arts of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, or immersing himself in the layered world of whiskey, Matt doesn’t dabble. He devours.
Recently, the Poisoned Ascendancy Tour scorched its mark into Inglewood, CA (April 11, 2025), taking over the YouTube Theater with ritualistic precision. In celebration of the Ascendancy album’s 20th anniversary, Trivium treated fans to a full-throttle run-through of the record that helped forge their legend.
As the house lights dimmed and Metallica’s “Hit the Lights” pulsed through the venue, the crowd buzzed with electric anticipation. This is the signal they’ve been waiting for. The Trivium rite is about to begin.
There is an ancient practice where objects are engulfed in sacred fire, a purifying blaze meant to sharpen the mind and sweep away obstacles. As a cleansing blue light bathed the stage, the band (Corey Beaulieu (guitar), Paolo Gregoletto (bass), and Alex Bent (drums)) took their positions. Matt (shirtless and battle ready) stepped to the center mic, eyes ablaze, and roared, “ARE YOU FUCKING READY?” A tidal wave of energy surged back at him. He responded without missing a beat: “SHOW US WHAT THE FUCK YOU GOT, MY FRIENDS!” And with that, Trivium exploded into “Rain,” unleashing a sonic purge designed to shake loose any lingering darkness.
The music struck like the blows of a sanctified warrior. Each movement is precise, brutal, and righteous. The battle is intent on obliterating both the tangible and the spectral. In perfect symmetry, the crowd completes the sacred circuit. They are fully entranced by the sacred fire and the supernatural forces in the room.
By night’s end, the ritual had reached its crescendo. Energy has been balanced. Chaos expelled. Order restored. What remained was the triumphant resonance of Trivium and their devoted and newly baptized hordes.
Join us in this conversation where we explore the intersections of craft and obsession. Let’s venture to a place where riffs meet rituals, and barrels echo with the same intensity as breakdowns. This isn’t just about spirits in a glass; it’s about the spirit of relentless pursuit.
Early Life and Discovering Whiskey
To trace Matt Heafy’s path into whiskey is to follow the rhythm of his youth. This is where early memories and formative musical influences are deeply intertwined. One of his earliest recollections? Watching his father drink Chivas Regal, the old-school silver and black boxes etched into his memory. While intrigued, Matt stayed focused on building his musical career, choosing moderation from the start.
The soundtrack of those early years ignited something primal and is rooted in the titans: Metallica, Pantera, Testament, Slayer. That inner fire soon pulled him deeper into the chaos and melody of Swedish death metal, where he devoured bands like In Flames, At the Gates, and Dark Tranquility. However, it was German metalcore that truly shaped Trivium’s early sound, especially groups like Heaven Shall Burn and Caliban. Notably, Heaven Shall Burn follows a strict straight edge and vegetarian lifestyle; this is something that fascinated Matt.
“I was interested,” he reflects, “but being half-Japanese through my mother, I knew I couldn’t fully embrace it without even a taste of fish.” Still, the philosophy left a mark. He leaned into a mindset that prioritized health, discipline, and balance. These all turned out to be habits that continue to serve him to this day.
Everything shifted in his early 20s during Trivium’s first UK tour. Matt’s longtime manager, Justin Arcangel, introduced him to the world of whiskey. “I was introduced to things like Macallan and Laphroaig,” Matt shares. “The most interesting one was Laphroaig, because I was told it was like drinking a fireplace. It actually does taste that way!”
That sip sparked a new passion.
“Since then it’s been cool to investigate and experience all of the interesting whiskey I can find. There is the amazing evolution of Japanese whisky, and an incredible depth to the US bourbon scene. Just like I dove into metal and jiu jitsu, there is always an extreme to explore. It has been the same for whiskey.”
Enjoying Whiskey
These days, Matt has been tapping into something powerful: a flow state of mind tied closely to the rush of adrenaline and the satisfaction of dopamine. It all began with a hunger for intensity: chasing the boldest beers, the richest flavors, and whiskeys that pack a sensory punch. That full-bodied experience, where something hits you square in the senses, is what fuels him. It’s the same drive that led him to dive headlong into jiu jitsu.
That total-sensory awakening? It’s not just a thrill, it became a compass. Beneath it all, Matt’s drawn to the vast, interconnected ocean of knowledge that surrounds the things he loves. “You could show me four different bands from Scandinavia,” he says, “and I could tell you where each one is from and what subgenre they are from. I can describe this like a scientist; it’s just something I innately do.”
Whiskey, it turns out, tapped into that same instinct. “I hear experts discuss tasting notes, how to approach a whiskey, and how to find aromas. It makes sense to me that I want to do it with whiskey. This is what has drawn me in. I consider myself a newbie, but it’s been such a fun thing to uncover and learn.”
He lights up at the thought of being a true fan and a deep diver. “There is a Japanese term that has evolved to be less derogatory, otaku, and it means to be a super fan or nerd about something. I consider it to be complimentary and how I view my journey into anything. Metallica got me into metal. Anthony Bourdain got me into food. Brazilian culture got me into jiu jitsu. I consider myself to be on top of anything I get into and go to the extreme. This is where I’m going with whiskey, too.”
So how does he enjoy his whiskey now?
Matt paints the scene: “Right now, as of today, I would say that sitting by the pool with the kids. After the day is done it’s great to find a spot under an umbrella, and with a good glass, it just hits the spot.”
Matt uses music to set the tone, it’s varied but intentional. “When I’m on tour I listen to classical music in the hotel room. Lately, I’m big into instrumental versions of anime music around the house. If I’m enjoying food, I’ll pick music that matches. For example, if it’s Mexican food, it could be the Gypsy Kings. I recently discovered the beauty of a great steak and whiskey together, like some Sinatra or anything you’d hear in an old-school steakhouse.”
Sharing Stories
If you know whiskey, you know the stories are just as important as the pour. With Matt’s years on the road and his unique, all-in approach to life, he has more than a few tales worth savoring. In fact, one memory in particular hits all the senses.
“We did a regional tour in Ireland and hit some of the smaller towns, not just Dublin and Belfast,” he recalls. “It was the Shogun era of the band, so probably around 2009. I had long hair, and it was hot as hell in that venue. Someone sent a bottle up to the stage, and I remember drinking out of the bottle and thinking, ‘this is so rock and roll.’ It was some sort of Jameson expression I’d never seen before. Our music is hard to play, so I don’t normally indulge. In fact, the only other time I did that was in Russia when someone passed up some authentic Russian vodka to the stage. That was a mess!”
Beyond the rockstar flare, that Ireland memory carries deeper meaning. Matt is half-Irish, with family roots in County Cork, so playing those small-town shows (and sharing a local whiskey with the crowd) meant a lot. There was legacy in that bottle.
The mention of whiskey and that part of the world shakes loose another memory. This time in the lochs of Scotland. Trivium played at a venue near Loch Ness, and naturally, a boat tour to hunt for Nessie was on the itinerary. “I remember drinking Macallan on this shoddy old boat out on the loch, learning about what lies beneath in the murky depths.” The venue’s gone now, adding even more magic to the memory. It’s an experience frozen in time with a dram in his hand.
And then there’s the origin tale… the I remember my first beer moment. Matt laughs, “I had my first beer when I was a teenager, it was probably a Natty Light, and I picked a fight with Travis [Smith, Trivium’s original drummer] after about half a can.” That was the last time he let things get away from him. It was a defining moment, one that shaped his long-standing commitment to moderation, even as he chased life’s extremes.
For a guy as intense as Matt, it’s a refreshingly honest glimpse behind the curtain and proof that some of the best whiskey stories aren’t about the drink itself. They’re about the people, the places, and the tiny flashes of chaos that make them unforgettable.
Broadstreet Infamous Bourbon Partnership
In November 2024, Broadstreet Infamous and Matt Heafy announced a multi-year partnership, and it goes far beyond simple brand ambassadorship. This collaboration dives deep, with Matt set to help on many fronts. Also, he’s set to help curate a special collection that reflects his passion for bourbon and the music that fuels his world.
Broadstreet Infamous is no ordinary distillery. The brand was born from an unconventional but inspired path: California hip-hop artist Lorenze Tremonti—known as “LT”—shifted lanes from music to whiskey, ultimately transforming into a master distiller. After years of exploring whiskey as a passion, a life pivot led LT to fully immerse himself in the craft, and Broadstreet Infamous was born.
Infused with the spirit of Georgia moonshine and the heritage of Kentucky bourbon, the Broadstreet lineup includes three core expressions: Legacy Bourbon, Wheated Bourbon, and the bold Prohibition Proof Bourbon. (Stay tuned! Whiskey Network has a review of the latter on the way.)
As anyone familiar with Matt knows, he doesn’t dabble… he dives in deep. Whether it’s his 15-year loyalty to Gibson guitars, or the enduring partnership with his longtime manager, or even his marriage to his high school sweetheart, consistency and commitment are part of his DNA.
So, how did the partnership with Broadstreet Infamous come to life? Matt credits a longtime friend, Shaun Roberts, who had worked on his Twitch content and was also collaborating with Broadstreet Infamous. Knowing Matt’s growing curiosity about whiskey, Shaun passed along a few samples and something clicked. The whiskey, the vision, and the timing: it all aligned.
This isn’t Matt’s first partnership rodeo. He’s previously teamed up with brands like Asus and Logitech, but whiskey brings something more tactile, more soulful. “I’ve always wanted to be involved in something from the ground up,” Matt shares. “And this is a great opportunity with a company in the infancy stage. I was able to meet Lorenze, the Master Distiller, and work closely with the team to see how we can partner to grow it. I want it to have that otaku feel—not just a mass-produced product to turn out maximum sales. I’m happy to be involved with this.”
For Trivium fans hoping to see a signature bottle, the potential is there but Matt is in no rush. True to form, he’s focused on authenticity and intention over hype. He won’t slap his name (or the band’s) on anything unless it reflects his full commitment and carries real meaning.
If his history is any indication, when Matt Heafy goes all in, something exceptional is bound to follow.
Music and Upcoming Tour
Shifting gears into music, Matt Heafy’s current rotation offers a fascinating look beyond the thunder of metal. While his foundation is rooted in rock and heavy music, his present-day soundtrack includes cinematic titans like Danny Elfman, John Williams, Hans Zimmer, James Newton Howard, and Ludwig Göransson. Lately, he’s been immersed in the Tenet score, studying its intricacies on repeat. Add to that acoustic arrangements of Final Fantasy soundtracks and elegant piano renditions of anime scores, and you get a portrait of a creator who thrives on emotional depth and sonic scale. He’s also got a soft spot for Depeche Mode, Queen, and of course, the timeless magic of The Beatles.
This sonic curiosity stems from a new creative pursuit: Matt is currently working with a four-man team developing a futuristic Japanese cyberpunk side-scroller—think Mega Man meets Akira. Inspired by his mentorship in scoring, he’s already dipped into soundtracking with recent work on Deathgasm 2, and now he’s diving full force into this next project. As always, when Matt commits, he commits hard.
But don’t worry, Trivium isn’t slowing down. In Fall 2025, the band storms back onstage with the Ascend Above the Ashes Tour, a North American blitz with special guests Jinjer and support from Heriot. Spanning November and December, this tour promises an unrelenting wave of sonic power, crossing the U.S. and hitting three cities in Canada. It’s a lineup built for power, elevation, and pure musical force.
Matt puts it best, “We couldn’t be more excited to finally bring this monstrous tour to life. Trivium headlining this fall across North America with the unstoppable force of Jinjer and the crushing energy of Heriot.”
The journey continues, louder and bolder than ever. Now it’s soaked with the unmistakable gift of whiskey.
The Mashbill: Whiskey Network Wants to Know Your Recipe
We ask our guests the same five questions to get to know them as a whiskey enthusiast. Are you ready? Here we go!
What was the last whiskey, bourbon, or Scotch in your glass?
It was the Prohibition Proof by Broadstreet Infamous.
Do you prefer to drink your whiskey from a specific type of glass?
Being the newbie that I am, I always like to confer with the closest expert to me as to which glass I should be using. Since I’m in a band on the road, I find myself drinking from a lot of red Solo cups. I’ve developed a nervous tick where I chew the rim.
Do you have a unicorn bottle?
Yes, Yamazaki 18 Japanese Single Malt Mizunara Cask Finish.
This is a hypothetical question: I’m looking for a gift for a friend and the budget is $50-$75. What would you suggest?
I must say it’s the Broadstreet Infamous Prohibition Proof bottle… 100%.
Do you have a favorite toast?
I don’t have one, but I always reference this with my wife. It’s a quote from Seinfeld where Elaine Benes says, “Here’s to those who wish us well, and those who don’t can go to Hell.”
” “Here’s to those who wish us well, and those who don’t can go to Hell.”
– Elaine Benes “
– Matthew Kiichi Heafy
When the lights go down and Trivium takes the stage, Matt Heafy doesn’t just perform: he commands. Every note, every breath, every drop of sweat is testament to a life carved from discipline and fire. He’s not perfect, and that’s the point. He’s earned every ounce of presence through years of grind, relentless curiosity, and a refusal to coast.
From the chaos of pit-splitting anthems to the quiet ritual of a whiskey shared at the end of the day, Heafy’s journey is a symphony of extremes. Music. Gaming. Martial arts. And now, whiskey. Each pursuit, another proving ground. Each one met with full-hearted conviction.
His partnership with Broadstreet Infamous isn’t just branding, it’s a torch lit in the early stages of something bold. Just like stepping on stage night after night, he’s not here to dabble. He’s here to leave his mark.
The stage is set. The pour is just beginning. If history is any indication, Matt Heafy won’t just chase excellence, he’ll distill it from quality ingredients and an eye for craftsmanship.
We’ll be there for the next chapter. You should be too.
To learn more about Trivium, buy their merch, and find tour dates go here.
To learn more about Broadstreet Infamous Bourbon go here.
