A recently uploaded pro-shot video of Trivium performing at the 2025 Bloodstock Open Air festival has triggered significant backlash from the metal community. The 17-song set, filmed on August 8, 2025, and released online on February 20, is drawing heat not for the musical performance itself, but for the lack of close-ups of former drummer Alex Bent in the final edit.
Fans quickly noticed that Bent was almost entirely excluded from close-up camera angles. Furthermore, he was reportedly left out of the official lineup credits provided by the festival. Frustrated viewers flooded YouTube, Reddit, and social media platforms to call out what they perceive as a deliberate slight against the drummer.
Some of the direct criticisms leveled at the edit include:
“You guys editing out the drummer of every clip is diabolical and this is coming from someone who watches every single Bloodstock upload. Super disappointing!”
“@Bloodstockfestivals, in the ‘Trivium is’ section you left off Alex Bent, the drummer at the time of the concert recording. Not giving Alex Bent credit and leaving him out is wrong and offensive to Trivium fans.”
“bloodstock even went through the bother to mention matt, Paulo and Corey, fully left out Alex, #bullieees”
“Yo why the disrespect for Alex? He played the show it makes no sense to cut him out… super disrespectful to someone who put so much in”
“Jfc you guys and the drummers. Give Bent the respect he deserves.”
This controversy arrives shortly after Trivium officially parted ways with Bent and announced Alex Rüdinger as his replacement behind the kit. Despite the lineup change, Bent has made it clear that he is viewing this transition as an exciting new chapter rather than a step back.
In a recent conversation with “Metal Drummers United,” Bent reflected on his tenure with the band and expressed deep gratitude for the fanbase:
“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.”
He also firmly shut down any rumors that his departure meant he was stepping away from the music industry:
“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… 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.”
“There’s nothing locked in stone… 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.'”
From the band’s perspective, the separation was entirely peaceful. Trivium guitarist Corey Beaulieu recently spoke with “Wall of Sound” to clarify that the decision was mutual and devoid of drama.
“It just kind of happened, and it was kind of a surprise. I don’t think anyone was really expecting it,” Beaulieu explained.
“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.”
