Recently I reviewed Architects’ second album entitled Ruin, which was sent over in order to promote their signing with Century Media Records. Shortly after, I witnessed the band live for the first time at the Altamont Never Say Die Tour, which was a very pleasant experience. Now they drop their third album in my lap, way to keep the momentum going guys! Let’s see what these British men have concocted on Hollow Crown.

 

The mostly mid-paced mathcore this five-piece plays hasn’t changed too much compared to the previous material. The music just sounds more cohesive and packed together, while the production level has been raised a few notches as well. The band operates in the regions of hardcore, metalcore, hints of emocore and rhythmic stuff, which makes it easy to label this band mathcore. Think of bands like The Red Chord, The End and War From A Harlots Mouth. Especially the emo parts sound better than before, they don’t take away too much power and the typical emo vocals aren’t too annoying. Still, I rather hear these guys pissed off as hell.

 

Overall, the monotonous vocals I mentioned in the previous review have gained some more dynamics, yet I hope for them to be come even more versatile. For the rest I’d say that Hollow Crown is a must listen for every more progressive metalcore kid and mathcore fans alike. Let’s hope that Architects will be able to stay on this rising path, for their material sounds ever more promising.