Architects

Architects is a British metalcore band from Brighton, England, known for their intense sound, thought-provoking lyrics, and emotional depth. Formed in 2004 by twin brothers Dan (drums) and Tom Searle (guitar), the original lineup also featured vocalist Matt Johnson, guitarist Tim Hillier-Brook, and bassist Tim Lucas. After experimenting with different band names, they finally settled on Architects, a name that would soon become synonymous with modern metalcore.

Their debut album, Nightmares (2006), introduced them to the scene, but it wasn’t until Sam Carter replaced Johnson as the lead vocalist that the band truly found its identity. Albums like Hollow Crown (2009), Daybreaker (2012), and Lost Forever // Lost Together (2014) cemented their reputation, showcasing a blend of technical musicianship, raw emotion, and socially conscious themes.

Tragedy struck in 2016 when Tom Searle, the band’s primary songwriter and a driving creative force, passed away after battling cancer. This loss deeply influenced their eighth album, Holy Hell (2018), which explored grief, resilience, and finding hope in dark times. Their 2021 album, For Those That Wish to Exist, tackled themes of environmental crisis and became their first UK No. 1 album.

Architects continued evolving, pushing their sound further with The Classic Symptoms of a Broken Spirit (2022) and The Sky, The Earth & All Between (2025). Their ability to blend crushing heaviness with profound lyricism has made them one of the most respected bands in the metalcore scene, proving that even in the face of loss, their music—and message—endures.