Architects are one of Britain's standout metal bands. This isn't a statement for people to argue with, as they've consistently churned out great albums. It wasn't until their 3rd album, 'Hollow Crown' that people started to take Architects seriously. Containing gems like 'Follow The Water' & 'Early Grave', they set themselves on the fast track to metal's big leagues... And then they released 'The Here & Now'... Showing off a much softer edge to the band, lyrics about love and heartbreak were on show. Sam Carter was able to flex his lyric writing muscles, but the album was at the wrong time for the band, as they have since stated that it is one which they do not enjoy, looking back at it. Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed the opus, but it did feel like they were taking a side step instead of a step up. Fortunately, they rectified their 'mistake' by unleashing 'DayBreaker'. A monster of an album which put them back at the forefront of the next metal bands to take over.
We now come to this. March 10th, Architects released 'Lost Forever // Lost Together'. Continuing the heaviness from 'DayBreaker', but leaving behind the political angst displayed throughout, the band have hit a whole new level of musicianship. The speakers have been turned up to 12 let alone 11, and they finally sound comfortable again. Carter's taken more of a back seat in terms of writing lyrics this time around, and has allowed guitarist Tom Searle to come in and help. This gives the album a balance, and allows Carter to show off the best of his voice. The delicate croon and the ferocious scream which has become his trademark.
First single 'Naysayer' is a complete ripper. Everything that makes the band Architects can be seen on this song. Tom's brother Dan, is the drummer for Architects and this song in particular shows off his ability. The songs are led by his beats, and lock in with the riffs in a very intricate way, so much so that they feel like they're feeding off of each other. Throughout the album, Dan's drums are one of the many highlights and his ability is shown on every song. 'Broken Cross' was released a little while ago as the second single, and is a lot heavier than 'Naysayer', but this shows off the ferocity that Architects seem to have found within themselves once again.
The album starts off of at a very high speed, crunching it's way through many different riffs, beats and screams, and what gets me is that they never seem to slow down for long. Even when going slow, they're heavy as hell. 'Red Hypergiant' is an instrumental song which lulls the listener into a false sense of security, as 'C.A.N.C.E.R.' hits you in the face like a mallet. 'Red Hypergiant' also acts as a barrier, in that the first 5 songs are all smash mouth, in your face, metal core tracks, then 'Red Hypergiant' allows a break for just over 2 minutes, before the last 5 songs hit the breakneck speeds once again. Every song on this album has the potential to become a live favourite. No questions need to be asked about that statement. 'Youth Is Wasted On The Young' may be one of the standout songs this band have ever released. Carter bellows about how 'The Past is Dead' and whether there'll be regret at the time of death. Such wide views of the world at the age of 25 are commendable, and the band have always been one to have a rallying cry for their fans. This is the biggest one yet.
Overall, Architects haven't changed the way metal core should be, but they've gone a long way to perfect their own sound, and probably have created the album of their careers. It'll be very interesting where this year takes them. Already confirmed to play Reading & Leeds, I wouldn't be surprised to see them graduate to playing venues like Brixton Academy. Be prepared to watch the band take over the metal world, just like their buddies Bring Me the Horizon have done.
Lost Together // Lost Forever - 9/10
Key Tracks: C.A.N.C.E.R. Youth Is Wasted On The Young, Broken Cross.
No comments:
Post a Comment