The Essential Architects
Imaginary greatest hits album, track listing in order. |
| 1 | Architects
Early Grave
HOLLOW CROWN-The song combines heaviness and technicality, the things the
band used to be known for. The vocal performance is outstanding and the
booming instrumentals make for a mental live performance. Somehow, vocalist
Sam Carter was able to implement clean vocals near the end, overtop of
instrumentals that I thought could only call for harsh vocals. One of the best
songs the band has ever written. |
| 2 |
You Don't Walk Away From Dismemberment
NIGHTMARES-The song is one of the bands lesser known ones but certainly one
of their best. Old vocalist Matt Johnson displayed a more traditional metalcore
vocal style but that didn't take away from the emotion poured out in every line.
The song is very technical but features a rare guitar solo at the end, which
brings a hint of melody and "epic-ness" to the song. |
| 3 | Hunt Them Down
RUIN-The song immediately kicks off with pounding double bass pedal, crushing
guitar work and a harsh scream from Sam. 'Hunt Them Down' features some
well timed gang vocals and breakdowns that are so hidden that you barely
notice them. Sure to get the crowd moving. |
| 4 | Dethroned
HOLLOW CROWN-"Another cold dark night left alone!" Those are the first lyrics
we hear as the song hits your headphones like a car crash. The song features
some bass drops that fit well in maintaining the songs heaviness. The ending
features very well done clean vocals overtop of an interesting double bass
pattern. |
| 5 | We're All Alone
HOLLOW CROWN-The song is like a technical/hardcore song. One of the most
interesting songs the band has ever written. The clean vocals at the end are
very hard to follow due to the extremely technical instrumental work. Would
probably be one of the first songs I would show someone that was looking into
the band; as it does a good job defining their sound. |
| 6 | To The Death
NIGHTMARES-'To The Death' was re-done with new vocalist Sam Carter in 2008
but I think the original version is the best. The guitar work gives the listener a
sense of urgency and anxiety. The drumming and bass work is tightly executed
and spot on with everything else. Amidst the chaos, the song adds in some
melody at 1:16. The breakdown at the songs conclusion is also sure to crush
your ear-drums. |
| 7 | In The Desert
NIGHTMARES-This was one of the few songs to feature Matt's clean vocals. They
are a good way to change things up and keep the listener interested. "And if
you?ve got the time, baby I?ve got the money, And I?d give anything to see her
smile again."
And I?d do anything for one last smile |
| 8 | Follow The Water
HOLLOW CROWN-No 'Architects' list would be complete without 'Follow The
Water.' The song is a pinnacle of the bands live performance and is well known
to inflict violent mosh pit's, stemming from the line "Get Me Out Alive!" The
instrumental work at the start has a certain groove to it that is reminiscent of
Meshuggah. |
| 9 | The Darkest Tomb
NIGHTMARES-Another technical song off of their debut. Fantastic vocal
performance and instrumental performance from every member in the band. |
| 10 | Buried At Sea
RUIN-Recently, the band begun performing this song at some of their live shows
and for good reason, it is one of the most popular songs off of 'Ruin.' The drum
work destroys you and somehow manages to create a sense of chaos yet
maintain organization. |
| 11 | You'll Find Safety
RUIN-The song features one of the few clean vocal sections off of 'Ruin' and is
sure to make the listeners hair stand on end. The lyrics are hopeful and (dare I
say) up-beat, compared to most of the bands lyrics, which is a nice change. |
| 12 | Always
RUIN-Another song that could be used to describe the bands sound. The song
brings both brutality and melody to the table. |
| 13 | North Lane
RUIN-The song features arguably the best vocal performance off of 'Ruin.' The
lyrics are also very well written with the first line "I don't feel homesick, i'm just
so sick of home." Also has a short, but fantastic clean vocal section. |
| 14 | In Elegance
HOLLOW CROWN-The song features probably the most emotion on the whole
album. Sam's tortured screams and cleanly sung vocals at the chorus and
bridge were a necessary break from the albums brutality. |
| 15 | Dead March
HOLLOW CROWN-The song lyrics come off as angsty but sincere. The song
follows the story of a stalker, or so Sam says. Regardless, it is a tight showing by
the band and the clean section adds a different atmosphere to the album. |
| 16 | Low
RUIN-Tight instruments. Great lyrics. Gives you chills nearing the songs
concluion: "Can You Hear Me Screaming?" |
| 17 | Numbers Count For Nothing
HOLLOW CROWN-The lyrics for this song seem to show that Sam Carter is torn
between what he believes will happen when you die. Nearing the end, there is a
nice clean guitar followed by crushing yet melodic vocal work. |
| 18 | Broken Clocks
SPLIT-The song comes from the split album with 'Dead Swans.' It has a
different tuning than any other Architects song and sounds like a different band
as a whole. |
| 19 | Left With A Last Minute
HOLLOW CROWN-Outstanding vocal work. Ends with more of Sam's tortured
screaming "I close my eyes and I still fucking see you there!" |
| 20 | Hollow Crown
HOLLOW CROWN-Ends the album and ends this list. It's the only "ballad" the
band has ever done and it is very emotional and sincere. If you're feeling sad,
need to think or just need a good late night listen, this song should be just what
you're looking for. |
|
