Animals - Architects (2020) REVIEW

Animals - Architects (2020) REVIEW

After the carefully constructed exploration of grief and loss in Holy Hell (2018), Architects treat us to another smashing slice of new material, with ‘Animals’. The track is an introduction to their forthcoming album ‘For Those That Wish To Exist’, released on February 26th 2021 - highly anticipated for reigning metalcore champions, especially after surprising us with this single.

Sam’s vocals overpower senses whilst being moreish, accompanied by warped guitars which the track heavily focuses on. He snarls ‘We’re just a bunch of fucking animals / But we’re afraid of the outcome’, emphasising the strength in his voice. Alarms sound in the track, giving it an uncomfortable feeling as though time is running out. Enormous riffs and groundbreaking beats combined with the imagery created in the music video (smoke flares, an hourglass, blackened hands and a noose) pictures futility.

‘Animals’ is a welcomed change for the band, the breakdown is just as powerful but it’s certain some won’t enjoy it as much, sounding “lighter” than previous ventures. However, there are some that argued that all of their songs sounded the same bar one or two, so they might enjoy this track. There are more subtle synthesisers in this track, and more electronic elements giving the track more depth.

This new venture for the band is a gateway to a new audience for them, with this track being played on Radio 1 regularly (swearing and all), Architects are set to release anything they wish to. Their fanbase is adoring, leaving no doubt they also love ‘Black Lungs’ (also taken from their forthcoming album) and sounding a touch more familiar.