Following his recent departure from modern metal heavyweights Trivium, drummer Alex Bent is making one thing abundantly clear: he is not retiring, he is not slowing down, and he is ready to get back in the van. In a spirited new interview with “Metal Drummers United,” the percussionist addressed his exit from the Florida-based band and outlined his hunger for the next chapter of his career.
Reflecting on his tenure with Trivium—a band historically known for a “Spinal Tap“-esque rotation of drummers before finding stability with Bent—he expressed deep gratitude for the fanbase that embraced him.
“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,” Bent said (as transcribed by Blabbermouth). “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.”
Bent emphasized that music remains his singular focus, a mindset he has held since his youth despite skepticism from authority figures.
“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.”
When asked about his immediate plans, Bent dispelled any rumors that he left the band to take a break from the grueling touring lifestyle. On the contrary, he is actively seeking new opportunities.
“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,” he clarified. “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.'”
The separation appears to be devoid of drama. Speaking to “Drummer’s Review” last month, Bent described the split as a simple divergence of paths.
“You know what?! It’s one of those things where it’s, like, ‘You guys are gonna go your way. I’m gonna go my way.’ And we’re just keeping it all positive, man,” he stated at the time. “I wish them the best, and it seems like they wish me the best. And you move on to different chapters in life, and that’s really it.”
Trivium has since recruited Alex Rüdinger (formerly of Whitechapel) to man the kit for their fall 2025 North American tour.
