Architects

For Those That Wish To Exist

Written by: MAK on 01/04/2021 14:02:29

It takes something special for a “heavy” band to get to number 1 in the UK album charts and to truly break into the mainstream sound, and that is something Brighton metallers Architects have managed to pull off on their ninth studio release “For Those That Wish To Exist”. This would be the second album following the death of founding member Tom Searle. “Holy Hell” came across as part of the grieving process for Architects to help them move on. The message delivered through “For Those That Wish To Exist” however is a lot more of an outward call for people to help save the planet.

Lyrically the album paints an image of the planet dying if people don’t adjust their habits, with lyrics such as “There’s no doubt that the end is coming / You’re gonna taste the ash, you’re gonna taste the dust / ’Cause this world is dying in our arms,” in “Black lungs”, with further suggestions that people are either just sticking their head in the sand or even worse shooting a hole in the parachute and waiting for things to come crashing down. Architects, who have been outspoken before on causes such as the environment and animal welfare so this is nothing new. Musically, on my initial listen, the earlier parts to this release gave me a throwback to Bring Me The Horizon’s “Sempiternal”, the core elements are similar. Throughout the release this strong use of synth placed on top of pounding, deep riffage. Vocals switch from Sam Carter’s fiercely raw throat tearing shouts to soothing cleans delivered in a way that creates something rather anthemic. Gradually the album evolves into its own, utilizing traits that are recognizable from past Architects material.

One of the noticeable aspects of the release is the use of guest vocals, spread throughout the album. Parkway Drive’s Winston McCall offers his distinctive growling vocals to “Impermanence”, a track that has a strong stadium metal feel, thudding beats and crunchy as hell chords that give it a sinister feel, much like modern Parkway Drive tracks with a catchier chorus. “Little Wonder” features more of a club beat, a bouncier number to feature Royal Blood’s Mike Kerr’s cleans that a lot more subtle in comparison. “Goliath” stands out strong from the immediate, headbang worthy riffs, and Carter’s vicious vocals to match them. Then in comes Biffy Clyro’s Simon Neil with some soft cleans to nicely counteract the harsh shouting, it’s a nice balance. Closing track “Dying Is Absolutely Safe” breaks the mould from the rest of the album as a slow-burner, Sam Carter showcases his softer side with string melodies lingering in the background. A nice touch would be the inclusion of Black Peaks’ Liam Kearley proving guest drum work on the track as the song crescendos out for an epic finish.

That wouldn’t be only softer track. Sandwiched between two bangers, we have “Flight Without Feathers”. It shifts the tone dramatically like a soft interlude, slow drum machine beats, ominously lingering synth hooks and various EDM type melodies, it sounds rather poppy in comparison to the rest of the release. For the most part, the album slays in delivering pit-worthy anthems that can create carnage as well as big inviting singalongs. Stand out tracks such as “An Ordinary Extinction” with influences that aren’t too dissimilar to Crossfaith based on the energetic synth intro. “Animals” pounds hard and has a somewhat industrial feel to it, but “Libertine” stands out most as an all-out powerhouse with proper grooving hooks and an unrelenting tenacity from Carter as he unleashes his rage in the verse, but cools it down for a big sing-along chorus.

Overall it’s a solid release, though perhaps in one go it can feel a bit long. Each song individually is decent enough in capturing your imagination, but at a full length listen, the attention span does start to waver a little. It helps that occasionally you have a track like “Libertine” to pull you right back in. Architects continue to produce the big tracks for their ever-growing fan base, with a few hits that are approachable from the mainstream point of view. You have a couple of tracks that throw in influences that are more explorative for Architects, in places you do get a cinematic feel to the album with plenty of big bangs and teasing crescendos, but that’s just part of evolution and growth, it still sounds very much like an Architects release in the end.

8

Download: Libertine, Goliath, Giving Blood
For the fans of: Bring Me The Horizon, Bury Tomorrow, While She Sleeps
Listen: Facebook

Release date 26.02.2021
Epitaph

Related Items | How we score?
Comments
comments powered by Disqus

Legal

© Copyright MMXXIV Rockfreaks.net.