It seems like Architects (UK) hit a high point with 2009's Hollow Crown. It mixed math-metal with a more melodic side of metal-core. It was intense, the opening track alone was enough to damage some eardrums in a good way and at the same time it was progressive and different from the rest of the metal-core scene. Lyrically it was fairly deep and thought provoking, stylistically it was diverse and technical. Their next album The Here And Now slowed things down and felt a bit weaker because of it. Their last album Daybreaker they tried to bring back the technical prowess of Hollow Crown and it was harder, more core than metal, but a lot of the songs blurred together and just didn't stick. Not that either were bad albums, they were different styles for the band and were alright just they didn't reach the same heights as Hollow Crown.
With this album they may have actually nailed it again. It's not as in your face with it's intensity but it's a return to their much heavier technical sound. The opening song Grave Digger kicks things off with some deep lyrics and some technically impressive breakdowns. This is one of their most diverse and poignant albums thus far. Lyrically it's the best I've heard from them, it's more existential than what most other bands are putting out there. They certainly haven't fallen into the trend of generic and shallow lyrics that could be interchanged between bands.
If there's anything wrong with this album it's that it leans a bit too heavy on the breakdowns. While most of the technical guitar work helps offset the breakdowns, at times it can be a bit overwhelming. It's one thing that holds this album back reaching greatness. While the guitar work and drumming are more progressive and intricate than the last two albums the over use of breakdowns over shadows it at times. Another weakness is the over use of a genre 'staple' of the expression "Blegh". While that expression especially in hardcore/metalcore can be used to accentuate a breakdown of heavy part, they use it on almost every single song. It really just feels misplaced and over used at most times.
The good thing is that all this album has to offer over powers it's shortcomings. It may not be as technical and heavy as Hollow Crown but it certainly comes close. I would even say it exceeds it in a lot of ways. It's a much more accessible album without being too shallow. It's a must listen to for any Architects fan and especially for anyone looking for something with a bit more class and style than your typical metalcore release.
If there's anything wrong with this album it's that it leans a bit too heavy on the breakdowns. While most of the technical guitar work helps offset the breakdowns, at times it can be a bit overwhelming. It's one thing that holds this album back reaching greatness. While the guitar work and drumming are more progressive and intricate than the last two albums the over use of breakdowns over shadows it at times. Another weakness is the over use of a genre 'staple' of the expression "Blegh". While that expression especially in hardcore/metalcore can be used to accentuate a breakdown of heavy part, they use it on almost every single song. It really just feels misplaced and over used at most times.
The good thing is that all this album has to offer over powers it's shortcomings. It may not be as technical and heavy as Hollow Crown but it certainly comes close. I would even say it exceeds it in a lot of ways. It's a much more accessible album without being too shallow. It's a must listen to for any Architects fan and especially for anyone looking for something with a bit more class and style than your typical metalcore release.