Holy Hell is the eighth studio album by British metalcore band Architects. It was released on 9 November 2018. It is the follow-up to the band's previous album All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us, and is the first recorded without founding member and main songwriter Tom Searle, following his death in August 2016.
Solid delivery from one of the most anticipated metal albums of 2018
Architects 'Holy Hell' is one of the most anticipated albums of 2018 for several reasons. First of all, they are one of the most consistent bands on the face of the Earth right now, always delivering the best metalcore with each release, and backing it up with stellar live shows. Secondly, this is the first album to be released without founding member Tom Searle, who died tragically with melanoma skin cancer in 2016.
That being said, everyone has been curious if they will be able to continue executing their brand of music with exceptional songwriting abilities. The answer is YES! 'Holy Hell' is an awesome album with many memorable songs--some which contained rearrangements of previously written riffs by Tom Searle. Songs such as "Hereafter", "Holy Hell", and "Royal Beggars" are prime examples of why Architects is the premiere Metalcore act in the world. However, the real treat on this album is "The Seventh Circle". Although clocking in at just under two minutes, it's like a hybrid of Metalcore and Thrash Metal and is probably one of my favorite songs EVER by them. Album closer "A Wasted Hymn" is another excellent track with superior vocals and lyrics.
If you were worried about what 'Holy Hell' would sound like without the complete input of Tom Searle, there is no need to be. This is one of their best albums that stands up to anything they've done in the past. If you've not heard this one yet, you're definitely missing out!
Recommended for fans of: Northlane, While She Sleeps, Bury Tomorrow