FOR many, Trivium’s Corey Beaulieu is the epitome of a heavy metal deity. Able to wield his guitar with heavenly precision, and commanding a procession of devoted followers wherever he goes, it’s little wonder he’s a poster boy for the 2011 Defenders Of The Faith tour.

“I think metal is a faith of sorts,” said Beaulieu when asked to explain the name behind this month’s mammoth five-band tour.

During the course of seven dates, thousands of UK die-hards will make the pilgrimage to see a show headlined by Trivium and featuring the combined talents of metal heavyweights In Flames, Ghost, Insense and Rise To Remain.

“Usually, when metal fans get into that music or a specific band they stick with it for most of their lives,” added Beaulieu. “They’re very loyal, very passionate and believe in the music. In that respect, it’s like a faith.

“As a band, we really get to enjoy the feeling you get from that passion, and we have a lot of fun doing this as a career. Metal heads are really into the bands they follow and it’s no different where Trivium fans are concerned.”

If true faith is measured in terms of blind devotion then Beaulieu is more than capable of backing up his assertion that many metal fans do much more than wear their hearts on their sleeves.

“People I’ve met even have our signatures tattooed on their bodies, and that’s really cool,” he added. “Metal fans are the most die-hard music fans in the world and, as a musician, it’s extremely rewarding to experience that loyalty and love.”