Album Review: Architects - Holy Hell

“Holy hell!” may be something heard emanating from the lips of people experiencing this brute of a record.

Why? Because it’s breathtakingly intense, and it barely lets up for the entirety of its 40-plus minutes in length. From the moment the stringy opening strains of Death Is Not Defeat fade and the song proper explodes into life, right through to the closing moments of the moodier (but still relentless) slow-burn of A Wasted Hymn - and probably best typified by second track and recent single Hereafter, which bristles, veritably drips with said intensity.

Much of it is carried by the voice and delivery of frontman Sam Carter, who sings like his very life depends upon it as he belts out emotionally wrenching lyrics. His commitment to the cause is unrelenting and unquestionable. Musically, compared with many of their proggy metal compatriots, things are relatively simple in terms of groove, structure and musicianship, and this allows that intensity to breathe.

If there is one slight criticism of Holy Hell it's that it may be a little too much - it becomes a bit of a draining listening experience towards its latter stages. You may need to give your ears and your psyche a breather before you listen again.

However, if you can hack the pace this album’s rewards are great. Holy Hell is a monster.