TRIVIUM has tapped Chicago native Paul Wandtke as the band's new touring drummer.

Wandtke made his live debut with TRIVIUM earlier today (Saturday, December 5) at Knotfest in Toluca, Mexico.

Brian Heafy, the father of TRIVIUM frontman Matt Heafy, wrote on Instagram: "I had the pleasure meeting Paul Wandtke (TRIVIUM drummer) at the TRIVIUM in-store signing event and we had him over for Thanksgiving dinner! Paul and I also hung out for a bit at the TRIVIUM beer-tasting event.

"I know Matthew, Corey [Beaulieu, guitar], and Paolo [Gregoletto, bass] are excited about what Paul brings to the team. Incredible timing, vigorous work ethic and loves to practice. A player's player, from what I have seen. Hopefully everything works out positively.

"Many of you know I've been in the TRIVIUM camp (1999-2010) for quite a awhile and I've seen three drummers come and go, like the rest of you. During my time, one of the weakest links in the group has always been the drumming. All solid people, but not quite up to the standards [Matt, Corey and Paolo] place upon themselves. We wish them all well, never personal."