ALBUM REVIEW: the classic symptoms of a broken spirit – Architects

October 21, 2022 Issy Herring

It is safe to say that ARCHITECTS have had quite a crazy few years. 2018 saw their eighth studio album Holy Hell topping the UK Albums chart, not to mention reaching the top 10 in various countries such as the US and Australia, just two years after the tragic death of founding guitarist and songwriter Tom Searle. It was evident at this point that the Brighton-based quintet were going to gain further traction in the UK metalcore scene, with many describing their last record For Those That Wish To Exist as their best album to date. Elevating their position as one of the most promising metalcore bands, it is only right that ARCHITECTS want to carry on this notion for the foreseeable. As a result, the band now release their upcoming 10th studio album the classic symptoms of a broken spirit.

The band clearly wasted no time in developing their next release, with the quintet only just finishing up their last. However, this body of work was produced differently, with the height of the COVID-19 pandemic making the writing and recording process a little more challenging, to say the least. Despite their evidential increase in popularity, it is clear that they have not lost sight of who they are as a band. With that comes some very dark lyrical content, with vocalist Sam Carter expressing his honest and raw experience with mental health in many of the album’s tracks in a manner that is truly inspiring.

The first track is deep fake, which starts off with an iconic ARCHITECTS riff, seemingly an ode to their last release For Those That Wish To Exist with one of the lyrics even being “But the rest of us wish to exist”. The band have really pushed the boat out here musically, with synthesizers being the ideal complement to their classic killer guitar riffs. It seems as though they are also taking a slightly different direction, as this track appears to be inspired by bands such as BRING ME THE HORIZON, with the grit of Carter‘s vocals even sounding like Oli Sykes in the ferociously heavy chorus. What a fantastic start.

Next up is tear gas. The distortion at the beginning really entices you to carry on listening with intent, as another great riff roars through our eardrums. In this track, you can definitely hear further BRING ME THE HORIZON inspiration as well a LINKIN PARK/THREE DAYS GRACE sound that we are completely obsessed with.

spit the bone introduces further electronic instrumentals into the mix. From the first second to the last, we are invested. Everything about this song is just brilliant; the production, the songwriting and of course the musicianship. burn down my house continues with the distorted yet gritty production style which works so well in ARCHITECTS‘ favour. The lyrics are probably some of the most personal so far, with Carter singing in the chorus; “I’m sorry, I’m broke from all the time I spend / Driving myself ’round the bend / Drifting like I’m oil in water / I swear I’m okay.”

living is killing us really ups the ante in an unexpected way, following on from the latter in the best way possible. This is another track where very personal lyrical content and impeccable musicianship combine together so effortlessly – although it probably isn’t quite as impactful as other songs on the release. when we were young treats us to some seriously heavy guitar work, blending smoothly into their typical ARCHITECTS sound for a real treat as Carter‘s unclean vocals elevate this song to greater heights.

Carter uses his compelling higher register to his advantage in doomscrolling. Unfortunately, that is the only positive thing to say about this track. Compared to others heard earlier in the album, this song just doesn’t seem to have much lasting power, sadly. born again pessimist is next, which brings us back to the classic ARCHITECTS sound that we all know and love. The hook within the chorus is just insanely infectious, not to mention the brutal impact of Carter‘s vocal talent just making this song a sure-fire banger.

a new moral low ground continues on with Carter‘s undeniably great unclean vocal screams, showcasing the band’s talent in more ways than one. However, this song is a little sub par overall. all the love in the world is another fairly average track, featuring pretty much no memorability in its entire four minutes and one second in length. The final song is be very afraid. This song is a definite ode to ARCHITECTS‘ earlier sound, with the post-hardcore influences creeping in in spades. It is definitely a surprising and exciting change to hear the band divert back to their heavier roots. However this initial excitement doesn’t last too long, as the track evolves into a fairly average rendition of their past.

After the unbeaten success of their last album, ARCHITECTS knew they had to deliver. Whether or not they did that is down to individual opinion. Whilst there is no denying the band’s sheer talent, the classic symptoms of a broken spirit feels like a very average record overall. There are some musical highlights though, with tracks such as deep fake, tear gas and when we were young taking the limelight. The lyrical content is something to be admired too, providing us with some much needed relatability in these unpredictable modern times. It’s definitely worth a listen, that’s for sure.

Rating: 6/10