Reviews list for Architects - Daybreaker (2012)

Finally we get to Architects' amazing mid-2010s trio of albums! Daybreaker breaks a lot of the hardcore monotone by enhancing their earlier heaviness while having some melody. Lost Forever Lost Together makes that direction perfect with its more atmospheric elements. And All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us has emotional darkness suitable for the swansong of late guitarist Tom Searle. RIP...

Architects started off solid with their debut Nightmares, but their quality decreased gradually in the albums that followed, reaching their lowest point in the mainstream Here and Now. After some not-so-speedy accessibility, the band cranks the metallic speed back up, proving the most of the ambitious talents.

"The Bitter End" is an intro-ish track starting with haunting electronics and serene cleans, before the abrasive screams and guitar crunch take over for its second half. From beauty to brutality at ease! Higher up in the riff-wrath is "Alpha Omega", with the guitars screeching through Sam Carter's vocal power in his screams and cleans, the latter covering the chorus in full confidence. "These Colours Don’t Run" also starts eerie in the intro then runs through moshing heaviness and pleasant melody. There's also a violent ending breakdown with guest vocals by Jon Green of Deez Nuts. A true technical highlight! The title-ish track "Daybreak" once again mixes together with aggression and melody in both the music and the vocals.

In the first half of "Truth Be Told", melody soars through while leaving some space for their heavier side, making a sonic blend. Next highlight "Even If You Win, You're Still a Rat" has guest vocals by Bring Me the Horizon vocalist Oli Sykes. It's just 3 minutes of metalcore chaos, just the way I love it! "Outsider Heart" is another h*ll of a crusher, this one featuring Stray from the Path's Drew York. Just like in The Here and Now, the guest vocalists are what level things up a bit. "Behind the Throne" is the only track I would find strange, considering its odd position as a softer track.

"Devil's Island" was originally a bonus track in the reissue for The Here and Now. I think it's good that I skipped out on reviewing that album's reissue tracks, because I appreciate it a lot more in Daybreaker. The heavy "Feather of Lead" further makes sure that the band's heaviness isn't lost after The Here and Now. Quite strong! Lastly, "Unbeliever" is the soft ending track. Not the total best, but better than the previous two albums' closing tracks.

Daybreaker is an album I would revisit anytime. It stands out as one of Architects' best albums alongside their next two albums. This timeless offering should never be ignored. It shall see the broken day!

Favorites: "Alpha Omega", "These Colours Don't Run", "Even If You Win, You're Still a Rat", "Outsider Heart", "Devil's Island", "Feather of Lead"