Architects

Architects are a British metal band from Brighton, formed in 2004 by the twin brothers Dan Searle and Tom Searle. The group’s early line-up also includes guitarist Tim Hillier-Brook, bassist Tim Lucas and vocalist Matt Johnson. Their sound begins in mathcore and metalcore, with alternative metal also part of their classification, and it is shaped by the influence of the Dillinger Escape Plan. Their early work is described as coarse, chaotic and rhythmically complex.

Early releases and line-up changes

Tim Lucas is soon replaced by Alex Dean, and Matt Johnson leaves after the debut album Nightmares. Sam Carter replaces him on vocals and appears on the band’s second album, Ruin. After a split EP with Dead Swans in 2008, Architects sign to Century Media Records and release Hollow Crown in 2009. That is followed by The Here and Now in 2011.

Shift in sound and later albums

With Daybreaker in 2012, Architects move back towards their earlier style, combining melody with technical heaviness. The album also marks a lyrical shift, with the band adopting more politicised writing in contrast to the violent and sometimes comic tone of earlier material. By this point Tim Hillier-Brook leaves the group and is later replaced by Adam Christianson.

In 2013, Architects leave Century Media and join Epitaph Records. They self-release the documentary One Hundred Days: The Story of Architects Almost World Tour and go on to release Lost Forever // Lost Together in 2014. The album receives broad critical acclaim. All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us follows in 2016.

Tom Searle and later membership

After the release of All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us, Tom Searle dies after living with skin cancer for three years. In 2017 the band releases “Doomsday”, described as the last song he works on before his death, and announces Josh Middleton of Sylosis as lead guitarist. Middleton appears on Holy Hell, released in 2018 and the first Architects album written without Tom Searle.

Ethos and activity

All members of Architects are vegan, and the band supports the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. Sam Carter is one of its British ambassadors. The group remains active from Brighton, England, and its line-up has also included Ali Dean, Casey Lagos, Morgan Sinclair and Sean Delander.