Architects return stronger than ever with surprising new single ‘Animal‘ premiered yesterday with no prior announcements. The track ends a somewhat quiet two-year gap since their universally acclaimed last record Holy Hell released in November 2018 via Epitaph Records. Bold and different, the song sees a significant change in Architects’ renowned metalcore sound and symbolically marks the beginning of a new era for the band with their upcoming album For Those That Wish To Exist expected on 26 February next year.
‘Animals‘ premiered with a dark video, directed by drummer Dan Searle himself and perfectly capturing the ominous feel of the track. The band seem to have fully embraced the synth-led sound explored in their previous record, and developed it into a huge arena anthem with strong industrial influences and predominant melodic leads.
The devil is definitely in the details on this one with minor touches such as the reverse singing in the intro and the atmospheric apocalyptic pre-breakdown section adding complexity to the otherwise straightforward verse-chorus structure. Architects deliver a simplistic yet effective composition executed with precision, passion and outstanding production.
After years of producing some of the highest quality modern metalcore and gravitating at the very top of the global heavy scene, Architects successfuly delve into unknown territory with apparent maturity and new-found purpose. The seminal album trilogy Lost Forever // Lost Together (2014), All Our Goods Have Abandones Us (2016) and Holy Hell (2018) covered a time of personal loss and became the emotional reponse to a tragedy that raised the bar for the entire genre but also exhausted its creative opportunities. A change was needed for the band to survive and move forward, and ‘Animals‘ delivers that in spectacular fashion.
Dan Searle is credditted with the production of the track and retains his role as Architects’ relentless driving force. Responsible for the lyrics and vocal engineering, the drummer’s work with frontman Sam Carter delivers one of the finest vocal displays from the band, switching the signature heavy screaming with emotive distorted singing, additional effects and whisper layering.
Josh Middleton of Sylosis returns as a full-time member and co-producer after joining Architects in 2017 following the untimely death of guitarist Tom Searle, and brings his unique take on the lead guitars and keyboards. Individually, each member performs at their absolute best, but the real strenght of ‘Animals‘ lies within the band’s synergy reflecting the experience and confidence of an established arena headliner.
With eight studio records in just sixteen years since their formation in 2004, Architects are no strangers to hard work and have managed to stand proud at the very top of their craft. Continuously expanding their sound and exceeding the expectations, they are yet to land a top 10 album in the UK and ‘Animals’ could be the key for a commercial breakthrough.
Within less than 24 hours since its premiere yesterday, ‘Animals‘ reached #6 in the YouTube viral videos list with almost 350 thousand views on Wesnesday morning. The initial response in social media has been overwhelmingly positive with fans and critics embracing Architect’s fresh material and excited for the new album that is already expected to be among the key moments for heavy music in 2021. As far as the comebacks is concerned, one could have hardly hoped for a more monumental return.
Thank you for all the kind words about Animals. Really taken back by the love we have received today
— Sam Carter (@samarchitects) October 20, 2020
