Album Review: Architects - Daybreaker

On the band's previous outing, The Here And Now, it appeared that they had mellowed somewhat and were taking a downward turn onto more friendly shores. Daybreaker shoots that notion right out of existence; the 11 tracks on this release are mind-blazingly aggressive and rhythmically charged with thunderous drumming and damn fast guitar riffs. Opening with slow-paced The Bitter End, which eventually progresses into a deep metal groove, it's track two, Alpha Omega, that really gets this album started. Complete with contrasting vocals and a brutal verse and melody-driven chorus, it sets the groundwork for this album's highlight track, These Colours Don't Run, which feature some truly biting lyrical content and when combined with the accompanying video, it's obvious the band aren't fans of the USA's involvement/preoccupation with war.

Daybreak maintains the album's energetic pace, whilst Truth Be Told is slightly more laid-back. Even If You Win, You're Still A Rat is Architects at their tightest with some subtle rhythm changes, and features Oli Sykes from Bring Me The Horizon on a guest vocal spot. Outsider Heart has a dominating guitar riff that is mind-melting. Behind The Throne leaves the anger behind and casts a rare inward eye for Architects and comments on the fragility of our planet and our heads of government.

Daybreaker would be one of the band's better releases. It sees the band as a tight, cohesive unit working as one, and the band has the maturity now to follow their hearts and write and record music that is passionate and undeniably brutal.