In the heart of Brooklyn, New York, the air crackled with anticipation as fans new and old, young and seasoned, gathered at the Brooklyn Paramount, eager to witness the live performance of the renowned European metalcore band, Architects. As the lights dimmed and the stage came to life, a surge of energy swept through the crowd, setting the scene for an unforgettable night of hardcore music, endless surfing bodies, and relentless mosh pits.
Architects is a British metalcore band renowned for their distinctive sound, poignant lyrics, and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of the genre. Formed in Brighton, East Sussex, in 2004, the band has undergone several lineup changes but has consistently maintained a core group of members dedicated to their craft. The band was formed by twin brothers Tom Searle (guitar) and Dan Searle (drums), along with guitarist Tom Hillier-Brook, bassist Tim Lucas, and vocalist Matt Johnson. Initially, their sound learned more towards melodic metalcore with elements of hardcore punk.
At the helm of Architects' latest approach to modern metalcore is lead vocalist Sam Carter, whose dynamic vocal range and emotive delivery bring depth and intensity to the band's music. His lyrics often explore themes of existentialism, environmentalism, and social justice, reflecting a keen awareness of the world around him.
The band's sonic identity is defined by a potent blend of crushing breakdowns, melodic hooks, and intricate guitar work. Guitarists Tom Searle (until his untimely passing in 2016 from cancer) and Adam Christianson weave together complex riffs and soaring leads, creating a rich tapestry of sound that is both punishing and cathartic.
Backing them up is bassist Ali Dean and drummer Dan Searle, whose tight rhythm section provides a solid foundation for the band's explosive compositions. Together, the members of Architects form a cohesive unit that is greater than the sum of its parts, each contributing their own unique talents to the collective sound.
Over the years, Architects has released a string of critically acclaimed albums, each one showcasing their evolution as musicians and songwriters. From their early days of aggressive, hardcore-influenced metalcore to their more recent forays into progressive and experimental territory, the band has never been content to rest on their laurels, constantly striving to challenge themselves and their audience.
This past April marked a seismic moment for metalcore aficionados worldwide as the British powerhouse dropped their latest single, "Curse." Produced by the talented Jordan Fish, the track wastes no time in announcing its arrival, propelled by a guttural scream from frontman Sam Carter that grabs listeners by the throat.
"Curse" is a sonic onslaught, brimming with blast beats, colossal guitar riffs, and Carter's formidable vocal range. His delivery seamlessly transitions between aggressive verses and a hauntingly melodic chorus, showcasing the band's versatility and mastery of their craft. However, it's the pummeling bridge that truly sets "Curse" apart, as Architects delve deep into their roots to deliver one of their most devastating breakdowns to date. It's a moment of catharsis that leaves listeners breathless, as the band unleashes a relentless barrage of sound that threatens to engulf everything in its path.
The release of "Curse" comes hot on the heels of the band's previous single, "Seeing Red," which dropped in December to widespread acclaim. Praised as an "anthem powerhouse" by Idobi, "Seeing Red" has quickly become a fan favorite, amassing over 23 million global streams since its release. The track's success is further underscored by its impressive performance, reaching #6 in the UK, #8 in Australia and Belgium, and #13 in the U.S. on Spotify's Viral 50 charts.
"Seeing Red" marked Architects' triumphant return following their acclaimed 2022 album, SLEEPS SOCIETY, which soared to the top of the UK Rock & Metal Albums charts. With "Curse," the band continues to build upon this momentum, solidifying their status as one of the most formidable forces in modern metalcore.
Beyond their musical output, Architects is also known for their activism and advocacy on issues such as climate change and mental health. They have used their platform to raise awareness and support various charitable causes, embodying the spirit of compassion and empathy that permeates their music.
In a genre often defined by aggression and nihilism, Architects stands apart as a beacon of sincerity and and integrity. With their passionate performances, thought-provoking lyrics, and unwavering commitment to their craft, they have earned a devoted following and cemented their place as one of the most influential bands in modern metalcore.
Setting the stage for Architects' evening in Brooklyn was fellow British metalcore veterans, While She Sleeps. Formed in 2006 in Sheffield, England, the band consists of vocalist Lawrence "Loz" Taylor, guitarists Sean Long and Mat Welsh, bassist Aaran McKenzie, and drummer Adam Savage. Known for their powerful blend of melodic hooks, blistering riffs, and intense vocal delivery, While She Sleeps has carved out a formidable reputation in the metalcore scene. The band's sound is characterized by its dynamic range, seamlessly transitioning between ferocious breakdowns and soaring melodies. Lyrically, While She Sleeps tackles a range of topics, from personal struggles and mental health to societal issues and political commentary. Their lyrics are often introspective and thought-provoking, resonating with fans on a deeply emotional level.
As the lights dimmed and the opening chords rang out, the venue became enveloped in a wall of sound, courtesy of guitarists Sean Long and Mat Welsh, and bassist Aaran McKenzie, whose intricate riffs and thunderous basslines set the tone for the evening. As the set progressed, the energy only continued to build, reaching a crescendo during fan-favorite anthems like "TO THE FLOWERS" and "Silence Speaks." The crowd became a sea of bodies, swirling and thrashing in time with the music, as if caught in the grip of a collective catharsis. By the time the final notes of the set faded away, the audience was left breathless, exhilarated, and hungry for more; Luckily, the night was only just beginning.
In a whirlwind of raw energy and unbridled passion, Of Mice & Men descended upon the Brooklyn Paramount next to instill the night would be etched into the memories of metalheads for years to come. From the moment the lights dimmed and the first thunderous chords reverberated through the venue, it had become clear this was no ordinary concert - it was a full-blown sonic assault.
Frontman Aaron Pauley engulfed the stage with a presence that was equal parts commanding and captivating. His vocals, ranging from guttural screams to soaring melodies, cut through the air like a knife, drawing the audience into the heart of each song's emotion. Whether he was belting out anthems of defiance or crooning hauntingly melodic verses, Pauley's performance was nothing short of mesmerizing. Backing him up were guitarists Alan Ashby and Phil Manasala, whose blistering riffs and intricate solos ignited the crowd into a frenzy of headbanging and moshing that resulted in an audience member breaking their knee mid-way through the first song. The chemistry between the band members was palpable, each musician feeding off the energy of the others to create a seamless wave of sound that soaked the venue in metalcore madness. Whether they were tearing through fan favorites like "Would You Still Be There?" and "Second & Sebring" or unleashing new tracks from their latest album, the energy never waned, driving the crowd further into a frenzy of euphoria.
In a night that will undoubtedly be etched into the annals of metal history, Architects brought their explosive energy and uncompromising intensity to the Brooklyn Paramount for a performance that left jaws on the floor and hearts pounding in chests. From the moment the strobes pounced from face to face and the first chords of "Seeing Red" reverberated through the event, it was obvious this was not just a concert - it was a seismic event.
Frontman Sam Carter commands the stage with an impassioned presence, his raw vocals conveying a range of emotions from anguish to defiance. His passionate delivery, coupled with the band's relentless energy, ignites a fire within the crowd, fueling the mosh pits and inciting sign-alongs.
Establishing the soundscapes was guitarist Adam Christianson, whose ferocious riffs and technical wizardry set the stage ablaze with fiery intensity. The intricate melodies and thunderous breakdowns served as the perfect backdrop for Carter's vocals, creating a sonic landscape that was as mesmerizing as it was invigorating.
But perhaps the true stars of the show were bassist Alex Dean and drummer Dan Searle, whose rhythm section provided the backbone for the band's relentless assault. Their tight grooves and earsplitting beats drove the music forward with a relentless energy that was impossible to ignore, leaving the crowd in a state of frenzied euphoria.
Of course, no Architects show would be complete without a few surprises thrown into the mix. Towards the end of the set, the band treated fans to a spine-tingling rendition of "Doomsday," sending chills through the souls everyone in attendance. The song's anthemic chorus and soaring guitar solos served a poignant reminder of the band's ability to craft moments of pure magic out of chaos. To express their love for Architects, Brooklyn broke out into what might've been the largest mosh pit the Brooklyn Paramount has seen since reopening in March of 2024, spanning across half the width of the theater.
As the final chords of "Animals" echoed through the venue, the crowd was left exhausted but exhilarated, their voices hoarse from screaming along to every word. For those lucky enough to bear witness to Architects' monumental performance at the Brooklyn Paramount, it was more than just a concert - it was an uplifting experience, a testament to the power of music to inspire, uplift, and unite.
In a world filled with uncertainty and chaos, Architects stand as a beacon of hope and defiance, and their live performance at the Brooklyn Paramount in New York was a testament to their enduring legacy as one of metalcore's most formidable bands. As the lights came up and the echoes of their music faded into the night, the audience was left with a sense of awe and gratitude, knowing that they had just witnessed something truly special.
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