Architects - For Those That Wish to Exist

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After a storm unleashed in the early years of 2000’s, Metalcore became an eroded genre. It happened because there were too many bands playing the same genre, and as usual, many of them lack a personality, what gave the fans the idea of hearing the same band again and again. But some names are still giving the genre a hope of survival due their high level works. And the English quintet ARCHITECTS is one of these names, because the unexpected can be expected on “For Those That Wish to Exist”, their latest release.

They have a classical approach on Metalcore, with contrasts between accessible melodic parts with abrasive greasy moments. But their personality allows the band to create modern nasty ambiences without tearing apart the melodic and commercially accessible appeal of the songs. And this aspect is really important, giving the band a particular energy that hooks the listeners (because the quintet evades extremely technical moments, giving priority to accessibility, especially on programming and keyboards parts). And the album is really very good.

The guitarist Josh and the drummer Dan are the producers of “For Those That Wish to Exist”, with the mixing being done by Zakk Cervini (the same Grammy Awards nominated producer who did works with names as BLINK 182, CLUTCH, BRING ME THE HORIZON, and others). Then, the best to say to short things is the sonority of the album is really perfect, but with a difference from the usual: the instrumental tunes are not extremely greasy, what make the songs sound clean and defined (but aggressive as well). And some guests are presented on the album: Winston McCall of PARKWAY DRIVE on “Impermanence”, Mike Kerr of ROYAL BLOOD on “Little Wonder”, and Simon Neil of BIFFY CLYRO on “Goliath”.

The bone stomping weight of “Black Lungs” (fine guitars and melodies), the fine contrasts between guitars and keyboards on “Giving Blood”, the traditional appeal of Metalcore on “Discourse is Dead” (these melodies are amazing, and it’s one of the most accessible songs of the album), the fundamental traces of Industrial Metal and New Metal shown on “An Ordinary Extinction”, the tribal rhythm of “Impermanence” (the contrasts between screams and clean voices on the vocals are very good), the tender and introspective parts of “Flight Without Feathers” (maybe it’s a touch of Progressive Rock that can be heard on the melodies), and the massive weight with melodic accessibility of “Libertine” are the best ones. But as the songs don’t last more than five minutes, the entire album isn’t heard to be heard.

For what is heard on “For Those That Wish to Exist”, it’s not a surprise to see that the name of ARCHITECTS is extremely respected into Metalcore scene. And if the reader isn’t a radical, this album was made for you.

Songwriting: 9
Musicianship: 9
Memorability: 9
Production: 10