Architect

As most people already know, there are far too many Metalcore bands out there today. That being said however, Architect is one of those Metalcore bands worth listening to. Well… they’re more Grindcore actually. This has got to be one of the biggest Anti-America bands I have ever heard in my life; at least is seems so. As the band has listed on their myspace: “Remember – Never worship a leader. If you worship a leader then you no longer have the ability to recognize when you have been deceived.” Makes a hell of a lot of sense, eh!? This five piece resistance consists of Keith Allen (vocals), James Bailey (guitar), Thomas Calandra (bass), Anthony Michel (drums), and Timothy Seib (guitar). As a side note, on the cover of the album, the band states that Shaun Purcell played drums on this recording.

First up on the album would be “The Awakening,” which is indeed a very nice title for the opening track of an album. The song starts off really slow, with the occasional yell heard from a distance, until all the instruments kick in at once shattering nearby windows. Keith’s vocals fit perfectly in with the Grindcore-esque sound that band is looking for; brutal, ear piercing, and utterly awesome! The guitar riffs are remarkable, resembling somewhat those of The Red Chord or even A Life Once Lost.

On the album, there are three interludes; “11,” “13,” and “33.” The reasoning for them being named after numbers is probably because the numbers are the amount of seconds in each interlude before they lead into other tracks… duh!

The best track on the album (in my opinion) has probably got to be, “Collapse The War Engine,” which is eighth on the album. The brutality kicks off right from the beginning. No slow, boring intro for this one. Keith’s vocals fit in perfectly with the musical direction of the band; as previously mentioned. His roughness only ascends when accompanied with the unruly riffs dished out by Jay and Seib.

On the whole, I’d have to say this has got to be one of the best albums that Metal Blade Records have dished out. I’m not meaning lately… I mean overall! I’d have to give this masterpiece a 9.9/10. The only reason I’m taking .1 off is because it wasn’t long enough guys! Me want more metal madness!  [ END ]

Track Listing:

01. The Awakening
02. Sic Semper Tyrannis
03. 11
04. Trepanning For Oil
05. 13
06. Hell of the Upsidedown Sinners
07. The End of It
08. Collapse of the War Engine
09. 33
10. Broke Dick Dog
11. The Giving Tree

Run Time: 30:58