Review Summary: A nice take on the typical metalcore formula, executed in a way that separates Architects from any other band.
I still wonder how the Brighton based band Architects, manage to stand out amidst the plethora of other bands in the suffocating crowd of metal/hardcore outfits taking sounds from the low end chugging of Meshuggah, to the howling vocals from Converge, to the high pitched technical guitar work from The Dillinger Escape Plan. It might have something to do with the fact that the band was able to craft a unique sound by taking influences from all of the bands listed.
With 'Hollow Crown', Architects have taken the typical metalcore formula drawn out by the bands mentioned above, and welded it into an uncompromising slab of technical metal. Ranging from the fierce 'We're All Alone', with it's technical guitar work and heavy beatdowns, to 'Follow The Water' and it's hard hitting instrumentals and epic ending, Architects have taken all the best points from previous offering 'Ruin', and polished them up to make a fierce, yet winning formula. The album also features the extensive use of Sam Carters impressive vocal ability that seemed to be only half existent for their previous effort, 'Ruin.'
What I found to be especially impressive is the albums guitar work. Guitarists, Tom Searle and Tim Hillier-Brook seem to feed off of each other and unleash a devastating combination of tapping and technicality, with a hint of melody that will leave the listener wondering what the *** just happened. Dan Searle is a very capable drummer as he manages to implement fills and interesting double bass work, without entering the routine of typical metalcore drumming. Along with him is Ali Dino on bass, who holds everything together nicely but never really leaves his comfort zone.
The albums highlight is the tremendous vocal work. Sam switches things up with not only screams but hardcore yells and incredibly emotional clean singing. His vocals really shine is tracks like 'Dead March' and 'Dethroned.'
The negatives are hard to find but one that I noticed is that, I will be drumming to a certain song and find myself playing a totally different song off the album. This goes to show that some of the songs have a few similarities and may sound like they “bleed into each other” upon first listen. Despite these few negative aspects, the album is solid.
Among a genre full of sound alike acts, Architects stand out for a reason. Every song comes straight from the heart and they achieve a unique sound that has been absent in the genre for so long. Ever since the loss of Johnny Truant, the UK metalcore scene has searched for a replacement. Architects could be that replacement.
