Brad Lewter (formerly of Trivium) shares more about him parting ways with the band before their ascension

Brad Lewter was the band’s first vocalist from 1999 to 2000 before Matt Heafy emerged as the recognizable face of American metal titans Trivium, as per MetalInjection. Heafy, who was 13 at the time, joined Trivium a year after the band was formed. Heafy’s unwavering determination would eventually determine the group’s course. Lewter recently talked about his early experiences and how Heafy’s tenacity altered the band’s dynamic in an interview with Metal Hammer (via Guitar).

Heafy and Travis [Smith] were really determined. 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 considered Heafy’s “laser focus” and perfectionism, as well as Heafy’s father’s active participation in the band’s management and promotion.

I didn’t know if I wanted to be on that train.

But regret then kicked in.

There were some regrets about hopping off when I did – seeing them on MTV or touring with Metallica – but it wasn’t for me. 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. I am still friends with Heafy and his wife on social media, so I see the updates, and that’s not the kind of life I could sustain.

Lewter has now established a successful career outside of music as an Ithaca College animation professor.

Upcoming shows by Trivium:

• Thursday, June 4, 2026 – Sölvesborg, Sweden – Sweden Rock Festival 2026
• Friday, June 5, 2026 – Nürburg, Germany – Rock am Ring 2026
• Saturday, June 6, 2026 – Maxéville, France – Heavy Weekend 2026
• Sunday, June 7, 2026 – Nuremberg, Germany – Rock im Park 2026
• Tuesday, June 9, 2026 – Budapest, Hungary – One Night Only in Budapest
• Wednesday, June 10, 2026 – Hradec Králové, Czechia – Rock for People 2026
• Thursday, June 11, 2026 – Nickelsdorf, Austria – Nova Rock 2026
• Saturday, June 13, 2026 – Castle Donington, United Kingdom – Download Festival 2026
• Monday, June 15, 2026 – Esch‑sur‑Alzette, Luxembourg – Rockhal (w/ Gatecreeper, Frontside, Heriot)
• Tuesday, June 16, 2026 – Pratteln, Switzerland – Konzertfabrik Z7 & Mini Z7 (w/ Gatecreeper, Frontside, Heriot)
• Wednesday, June 17, 2026 – Milan, Italy – San Siro Stadium
• Friday, June 19, 2026 – Dessel, Belgium – Graspop Metal Meeting 2026
• Sunday, June 21, 2026 – Warsaw, Poland – Progresja (w/ Gatecreeper, Frontside, Heriot)
• Monday, June 22, 2026 – Gdańsk, Poland – B90 (w/ Gatecreeper, Frontside, Heriot)
• Wednesday, June 24, 2026 – Oslo, Norway – Tons of Rock 2026
• Thursday, June 25, 2026 – Ysselsteyn, Netherlands – Jera On Air 2026
• Friday, June 26, 2026 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Copenhell Festival 2026
• Saturday, June 27, 2026 – Helsinki, Finland – Tuska Festival 2026
• Tuesday, June 30, 2026 – Istanbul, Turkey – Uniq Open Air
• Friday, July 3, 2026 – Viveiro, Spain – Resurrection Fest 2026
• Sunday, July 5, 2026 – Cartagena, Spain – Rock Imperium Festival 2026