Brighton metalcore band Architects have announced the departure of lead guitarist Josh Middleton after six years with the group.
Middleton, also of the band Sylosis, replaced founding guitarist Tom Searle after the untimely death of the musician due to illness in 2016. The split appears to be on friendly terms- the band citing Middleton’s crucial contribution to the group in their hour of stark uncertainty.
Architects announced the exit of Middleton via their Instagram account immediately after finishing their stint of European arena shows with Metallica. The band stated in their message, “it is with a heavy heart that we announce Josh’s time in the band has come to an end. It has gradually become apparent that we need to go our separate ways, but we remain close friends.”
The band go on to highlight Middleton’s contribution, acknowledging that he came into the band at a time of deep uncertainty and sorrow after the death of Tom Searle. Searle, the twin brother of drummer Dan, passed away in 2016 following a lengthy battle with skin cancer. Always having the intention to carry on, Architects began writing material that would form the album Holy Hell with some guitar riffs having been written by Tom.
On 6 September 2017, the group released new single, “Doomsday” which featured Middleton on guitar for the first time. Since the release of Holy Hell, Architects have experienced a shift in sound- embracing more electronic pop elements that have alienated some factions within their fanbase, with latest release The Classic Symptoms of a Broken Spirit. During a recent tour of Australia, a member of the crowd invaded the stage and attempted to attack Middleton before screaming into the microphone his displeasure at the band’s new direction. The incident was understandably upsetting for all members of the band.
Middleton, no stranger to the metal scene prior to joining Architects, is also the lead guitarist and vocalist for extreme metal band Sylosis who he formed in 2000in Reading. After the release of their fourth album Dormant Heart, the band announced a hiatus due to Middleton’s filling in for Architects, although the band continued to remain active. In 2020, Sylosis announced their return and released new album, Cycle of Suffering. The band also announced a touring schedule, supporting bands such as Trivium.
It now remains to be seen what the future holds for both Middleton and Architects with the latter not announcing a replacement as of yet, for Middleton. Architects will begin their summer festival touring cycle in early June- including an appearance at the now sold out Download festival at Donington Park, Derby.
Find tickets for the festival tour here.
Architects European Tour:
Headline Shows:
27/07/2023 – Summer Stage – Port of Burgas, Bulgaria
29/07/2023 – Progresja Summer Stage – Warsaw, Poland
02/08/2023 – Budapest Park – Budapest, Hungary
Festival Shows:
03/06/2023 – Rock im Park – Nuremberg, Germany
04/06/2023 – Rock am Ring – Nurburg, Germany
08/06/2023 – Rock For People – Hradec, Králové, Czech Republic
09/06/2023 – Download Festival – Derby
10/06/2023 – Nova Rock – Burgenland, Austria
15/06/2023 – Hellfest, Clisson, France
16/06/2023 – Copenhell – Copenhagen, Denmark
17/06/2023 – Graspop Metal Meeting – Dessel, Belgium
23/06/2023 – Tons of Rock – Oslo, Norway
24/06/2023 – Vainstream Rockfest – Muenster, Germany
25/06/2023 – Knotfest – Bologna, Italy
30/06/2023 – Provinssi – Seinäjoki, Finland
01/07/2023 – Resurrection Fest – Viveiro, Spain
03/08/2023 – Rockstad Extreme – Rasnov, Romania
19/08/2023 – Elbriot Festival – Hamburg, Germany
