Album Review: Architects – For Those That Wish To Exist

Since forming in Brighton in 2004 Architects have evolved from their techy beginnings into a more cohesive metalcore outfit. Their ninth album finds them forging new ground, a move which may alienate some fans but is sure to gain them many more.

“Do You Dream Of Armageddon?” is the brief opener that employs a discordant timbre with which to unsettle the listener. It becomes immediately apparent that this album isn’t going to be an easy listen; the apocalyptic lyricism and sonic shifts demand your full attention. For Those That Wish To Exist is not background music, rather it demands your undivided engagement but the effort you expend will be rewarded manifoldly. Swinging like a huge wrecking ball “Black Lungs” follows; it’s bold and brash and features numerous sonic shifts that are quite startling. This record veers wildly between loud and quiet sections, each acting as a foil and highlighting the other, and it’s one of many juxtapositions that makes this album such an intriguing listen.

If you like what we do, consider joining us on Patreon for as little as £1 per month!

The production duties on For Those That Wish To Exist were handled by drummer Dan Searle and guitarist Josh Middleton and they’ve provided an even handed, clear mix. It’s always a risk when a band take control of the reins as there’s no external voice to provide a touch of distance but the flip side is a focused, singular vision. Architects know exactly where they’re going and this album propels them there at breakneck speed. The anger with which the band seethed on their earlier releases is still evident, only tempered by wiser heads: the aggression is more controlled and delivered at optimum points which often makes the silence that separates the songs all the more deafening.

There’s some interesting guest slots peppering the record and their contributions really enhance proceedings, it’s not just a band inviting their friends along for the ride. Winston McCall (Parkway Drive) brings his rough hewn vocals to “Impermanence” and renders it infinitely heavier and the tension of opposites is evident again in the different vocal ranges. Likewise both Mark Kerr (Royal Blood) and Simon Neil (Biffy Clyro) bring their unique flavours with the latter nurturing “Goliath” to life and turning it into a stomping monster. Garnered with a wide, expansive production this long player creates a feeling of floating in deep space and no more so than on closer “Dying Is Absolutely Safe”, a song that leaves the listener dwarfed beneath its monolithic brilliance.

Don’t fancy Patreon? Buy us a one-off beverage!

Not quite a concept album, but For Those That Wish To Exist is held together by a lyrical thread. It finds Architects exploring new territory and, it might be a bold statement for late February, I’m marking this as one of 2021’s key releases.

For Those That Wish To Exist is released by Epitaph on 26th February 2021

Check out all the bands we review in 2021 on our Spotify and YouTube playlists!

Architects: official | facebook | twitter | instagram | spotifyyoutube

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

1 Comment
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments