Architects on grief and climate: Rejecting the idea of no future is key
Architects, a metal band from Britain, has defied the odds by releasing their 11th album, which they consider to be their masterpiece after 20 years in the music industry. The album, titled “The Sky, the Earth & All Between,” showcases massive pop choruses juxtaposed against intense, churning noise, making it one of the most consistently stellar rock albums to come out of Great Britain in recent years. Despite reaching their peak with sold-out arena shows and support from iconic bands like Metallica, the members of Architects, particularly frontman Sam Carter and drummer Dan Searle, struggle with feelings of inadequacy and self-loathing.
From their humble beginnings in Brighton in 2004 as teenagers experimenting with mathcore, Architects have evolved their sound over the years. It took them four albums to gain momentum and find their footing in the music industry. Carter’s intense vocal delivery, often punctuated by guttural roars, became a defining characteristic of the band’s early work. However, the heart and soul of Architects was guitarist and lyricist Tom Searle, who tragically passed away in 2016 after a battle with cancer. His untimely death forced his brother, Dan Searle, to take over songwriting duties and navigate the band’s grief while continuing to create music that resonated with their audience.
The band’s eighth album, “Holy Hell,” was a deeply personal record that delved into themes of loss and mortality, which they had to perform live while still processing their own grief. Carter and Searle admit that the experience was emotionally taxing and that they worried about being pigeonholed as a band defined by tragedy. They emphasize that they have moved forward in their lives and are trying to honor Tom’s memory by living better and more meaningful lives.
After Tom’s passing, Architects embarked on a new chapter with the addition of guitarist Josh Middleton and a renewed focus on addressing environmental issues in their music. Their album “For Those That Wish to Exist” tackled themes of climate change, with singles like “Animals” becoming hits. The band’s evolution towards a more commercial sound paid off, propelling them to new heights of success and recognition in the music industry. Despite facing challenges with subsequent releases, Architects have continued to push themselves creatively and remain committed to delivering high-quality music.
As they look towards the future, Architects remain dedicated to their craft and are unafraid to take risks in pursuit of their artistic vision. The band’s resilience and commitment to growth have solidified their status as one of the most influential metal bands of their generation. With their latest album, “The Sky, the Earth & All Between,” Architects have proven that they are capable of reinventing themselves while staying true to their core values and beliefs.