Architects (UK): Daybreaker

It's a shame that this album came out around the same time as the debut by Rise to Remain. I say that because both albums have the same feel, even something of the same sound. I'm sure some readers will probably find the comparison to be not entirely fair, especially since Architects has been at it for a while, but as I listened to these two albums back to back, I found plenty of similarities. I'm not going to draw out the comparison here; interested parties may read my review of Rise to Remain's album. My point, though, is that this style of heavy metal tends toward sameness rather than variety, a point that I find rather sad, given that there is a great deal of musical talent on both records. My problem with this album was that it was only engaging up to a point. I listened to it a few times prior to thinking out this review, but as I did so I wasn't terribly drawn to any one track. Having said that, I should say that the album is consistently heavy, aggressive, and well-performed; it just didn't draw me out as a listener.

I'm not a big fan of this particular style of heavy metal--metalcore-but my ear is slowly adjusting to it with each new release I review. To me, this style of music does well with lyrical themes and ideas that give rise to a complex variety of possible responses. Most of the songs blend harsh and clean vocals in a patterned way, something that I think could lend itself to questioning difficult problems in life. Some things are, after all, simultaneously frustrating and enjoyable. Take, for example, the fact that Architects is trying, with this album, to think musically about the state of the world, its problems, its politics, its corruption. Because there are often no easy answers in politics, metalcore's blend of hard and soft sounds can provide a means of thinking through the rapid changes taking place around the world without passing easy judgment on them. Long term fans of the band will quickly notice the stronger political edge to this album than with other albums. Instead of turning their anger to more personal topics, Architects is now thinking about the world and how they (and their global fans) fit into it. The result is a largely strong album, but one, as I mentioned above, that isn't always deeply engaging. Track Listing:

1. The Bitter End
2. Alpha Omega
3. These Colours Don't Run
4. Daybreak
5. Truth, Be Told
6. Even if You Win, You're Still a Rat
7. Outsider Heart
8. Behind the Throne
9 Devil's Island
10. Feather of Lead
11. Unbeliever

Added: July 10th 2012
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 1911
Language: english

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