Architects - 'Daybreaker' review

Let me start this review by saying one thing; I like Architects. A lot. 'Hollow Crown' is one of my favourite albums and contrary to what you might hear elsewhere, 'The Here and Now' is a great record too. But we're not here to talk about them, we're here to talk about Architects' latest release: 'Daybreaker'.

Everything about 'Daybreaker' is massive. Massive riffs, massive vocals, massive production and most importantly, massive songs. It's one of those records that clicks from the very first listen, vocal and guitar parts alike will be running around your head seconds after you've stopped listening. It makes repeat listens all the more sweeter, you anticipate the biggest moments in all of the songs, most notably the now infamous shout of 'you fucking pigs' on the second single 'These Colours Don't Run'. It's moments like this that separate 'Daybreaker' from other metal albums out there. However, for me, these big moments don't happen often enough and some of the songs feel somewhat lacking in the "didyoujusthearthat?" department. That being said, every song does stand on it's own as a solid track at the very least which is a very notable accomplishment indeed.

The place where this record excels the most is the vocal area. Sam Carter gets better and better with every album and 'Daybreaker' is stuffed to the brim with superb vocal performances that you can't help but sing or shout along to (even if you don't quite do the songs justice). But, and this is a big but, it's not just the vocals which make this album great. The guitars and drums are frankly splendid and compliment each other excellently on many occasions; making great songs really fucking great and making the listener wish they'd thought of that riff or that fill on regular occasions; most notably on the tracks 'Alpha Omega', 'Devil's Island' and 'Father of Lead'. The technicality and sheer musicianship on this record are first rate and make for awe-inspiring listening.

This is undoubtedly Architects' most accomplished release although perhaps not the best (if that makes sense) it is a consistent and enthralling album but is still somewhat overshadowed by the masterpiece that is 'Hollow Crown'. Although, you can't blame them for that, every band has their perfect record and if 'Hollow Crown' hadn't been recorded then this would defintiely be the album that would make you fall in love with Architects. 8.5/10

Brotherhood of the Lake - 'Desperation is the English Way Vol.1' review

Following up Brotherhood of the Lake's excellent mini album 'Iron Sails' is this, their debut LP, 'Desperation is the English Way Vol.1'. Brotherhood of the Lake are one of the most promising in the UK Hardcore scene and this record encapsulates that fact. Pounding drums, crushing guitars and truly savage vocals all come together in the form of an album which is captivatingly violent from start to finish. You will find yourself banging your head along on many occasions and feeling an urge to simply jump around with limbs swinging to some of the highlights such as 'The Desperation', 'World To Me' and 'It's Meant To Hurt'.

Without even listening to the album you know it's going to be a bleak and dark record. From the artwork to the song titles; it's clear to see that Brotherhood of the Lake are a pretty austere group of guys, however, this certainly isn't a bad thing, the tracks serve as something of a release for anyone in that mindset I find, and you never really feel as if everything is as truly dreadful as the songs try and suggest. Whilst that could be conceived as a criticism, I feel as though that adds to the album and it enables the listener to make up their own mind on what the band are trying to convey.

My only true gripe with this album is that it isn't long enough. I could easily listen to another five or six tracks if they were added. Nevertheless, this criticism is a bit flippant because this is a trend amongst most hardcore bands and so is something that a person comes to expect, furthermore, whatever the album lacks in length it makes up for in sheer quality of songs. In addition to this, initially some of the songs can sound relatively similar, yet, with repeat listens you appreciate the uniqueness that some tracks have against others. For instance; 'Black Knives' features an unsettling acoustic intro and clean vocals before it breaks into a breakneck paced hardcore track. Overall, a great album which gets better and better with every listen. 8/10