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