Holy Hell (Architects album)
Eighth studio album by Architects, following Tom Searle's death.
Holy Hell is the eighth studio album by English metalcore band Architects, released on 9 November 2018 through UNFD and Epitaph Records. It is the first record without founding member and main songwriter Tom Searle, following his death from skin cancer in August 2016. The album was produced by Dan Searle and Josh Middleton.
Quick Facts
- Artist
- Architects
- Released
- 9 November 2018
- Recorded
- 2017–2018
- Studio
- Middle Farm Studios
- Newton Abbot
- Devon
- UK
- Genre
- Metalcore; progressive metalcore
- Length
- 42:41
- Label
- Epitaph; UNFD
- Producer
- Dan Searle; Josh Middleton
Facts from the source article.
Track listing
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Death Is Not Defeat | 3:45 |
| 2 | Hereafter | 4:15 |
| 3 | Mortal After All | 3:39 |
| 4 | Holy Hell | 4:13 |
| 5 | Damnation | 4:08 |
| 6 | Royal Beggars | 4:01 |
| 7 | Modern Misery | 4:13 |
| 8 | Dying to Heal | 3:50 |
| 9 | The Seventh Circle | 1:48 |
| 10 | Doomsday | 4:08 |
| 11 | A Wasted Hymn | 4:34 |
| Total length | 42:41 | |
Track listing from the source article.
Background
The death of guitarist Tom Searle in August 2016, following a three-year fight with skin cancer, deeply shook the rest of Architects. Lead singer Sam Carter recalled that during the last show of a European tour at London’s Brixton Academy, he wondered if it might be his final time performing. In September 2017, the band put out the single “Doomsday,” a song Tom had begun working on while making their previous album, All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us. It hadn’t made that record but was later included as the tenth track on Holy Hell. A piano-based reprise of the song followed in July 2018. Buoyed by the single’s success, Architects booked a one-off, sold-out headline show at Alexandra Palace, a 10,000-capacity venue in London, with While She Sleeps and Counterparts supporting. It became the biggest headlining gig of their career. Because of the strong ties between the band and Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party, there was talk of having Corbyn address the crowd before the set, similar to his appearance at Glastonbury, but the party ultimately decided against it. Drummer Dan Searle, Tom’s brother, spoke to the audience, expressing gratitude for their ongoing support.
Release and promotion
On September 10, 2018, Architects posted teaser clips online that used instrumental versions of "Doomsday" and "Memento Mori," but these were removed later that day. The band then unveiled the lead single "Hereafter" alongside the album art, release date, and track list. Dan Hillier created the cover artwork. The second single "Royal Beggars" came out on October 3, followed by "Modern Misery" on October 28. To promote the album, the band announced a tour beginning in December 2018 in Russia and Ukraine, with UK and mainland European dates scheduled for January and February 2019. Polaris and Beartooth were set to support. After tickets went on sale, a second show at Manchester's O2 Victoria Warehouse was added within days.
Critical reception
Holy Hell was met with near-universal praise from critics. On Metacritic, it earned a score of 90 out of 100 from eight reviews, a rating that signifies universal acclaim. Dave Stewart of Punktastic highlighted the album's meticulous craftsmanship and emotional weight, calling it a commendable and powerful achievement given the band's recent tragedy. Zach Redrup of Dead Press! awarded a perfect 10, noting the increased use of electronics and atmosphere compared to earlier work. Wall of Sound also gave a perfect 10, describing the album as magnificent for both concluding guitarist Tom Searle's legacy and launching the band's future. AllMusic gave four out of five stars, calling the record a "teardown and a rebuild" that finds catharsis in grief through intense, four-minute songs. Kerrang! awarded a perfect score, deeming it "gut-wrenching, hauntingly desolate and emotionally devastating." The album was nominated for a Kerrang! Award for Best Album, ultimately losing to Ghost's Prequelle.
More in UNFD Albums
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced