| For Those That Wish to Exist | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 26 February 2021 | |||
| Recorded | 2019–2020 | |||
| Studio |
| |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 58:21 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Producer |
| |||
| Architects studio album chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from For Those That Wish to Exist | ||||
| ||||
For Those That Wish to Exist is the ninth studio album by British metalcore band Architects. It was released on 26 February 2021 through Epitaph Records. The album was produced by Dan Searle and Josh Middleton. [2] [3]
The genres of the album has been described as metalcore [4] [5] and alternative metal, [4] while exploring elements of other genres such as industrial metal, [4] [6] [5] [7] electronic, [4] [5] orchestral, [4] [5] post-rock, [8] and EDM. [7] Specific tracks were noted to have one-off genre influence as well: The track "Black Lungs" was described as nu metal. [4] "Flight Without Feathers" was described as having elements of electropop due to its use of keyboard and sampled beats. [4] Some publications noted that the album had abandoned their metalcore sound. [6] The lyrical content examines the part humans are all playing in the world's slow destruction, and tackles the biggest questions facing the future of our planet. Such concerns have long been prevalent in the music of a band, who have continually championed and shared their platform with causes such as Sea Shepherd, are outspoken critics of activities like fox hunting, and who focus on sustainability in everything from their touring to merch production. The record reportedly "hangs in a limbo between energizing positivity that it is not too late to correct our collective course, and a paralyzing negativity of defeatism; where hope and despondency are bed-fellows triggered daily by the simple act of existence. A reflection of human condition, the line "For Those That Wish to Exist" calls for all of the humanity to rise to challenge established models and strive for a collective betterment." [9]
In an official press release, the band explained that the record was inspired by global uncertainty in 2020 and looming threats to the future of mankind. [3] Drummer and songwriter Dan Searle explaining and summarizing the record:
"This album was me looking at our inability to change to a way of life that would sustain the human race and save the planet. [...] I wanted to look in the mirror and ask ourselves the question of what are we going to do, as opposed to trying to point the finger at politicians. Change has to start on a personal level. The world has developed a culture of wanting someone else to deal with it, when we need to take our own responsibility. It has to start there." [3]
On 20 October 2020, the band released the first single "Animals" along with an accompanying music video. A day after, the band revealed the tracklist, album's official artwork and announced that the album is set for release on 26 February 2021. [2] [9] On 22 October, the band announced that to promote the album, they will play a special livestream show from the Royal Albert Hall in London on 21 November, with the show set to screened around the world via the streaming service Veeps. [10] [11]
During the livestream, the band debuted two new songs from the album. According to Wall of Sound, "Discourse Is Dead" was the heavier, metalcore-inspired track while "Dead Butterflies" had more of an atmospheric, stadium rock sound behind it. They also debuted their latest single "Animals" live for the first time. [12] On 2 December, the band released the second single "Black Lungs" and its corresponding music video. [13] On 20 January 2021, one month before the album release, the band released the third single "Dead Butterflies" alongside an accompanying music video of their livestream show at the Royal Albert Hall where the song debuted. [14] On 8 February, the band released the fourth single, "Meteor". [15]
| Aggregate scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AnyDecentMusic? | 7.7/10 [16] |
| Metacritic | 80/100 [17] |
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| Clash | 9/10 [18] |
| Dead Press! |  [8] |
| Distorted Sound | 9/10 [19] |
| DIY |  [20] |
| Exclaim! | 7/10 [4] |
| The Guardian |  [21] |
| Kerrang! | [6] |
| The Line of Best Fit | 7/10 [5] |
| NME | [22] |
| Wall of Sound | 9/10 [7] |
For Those That Wish to Exist received generally positive reviews from critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album has an average score of 80 out of 100, which indicates "generally favorable reviews" based on 10 reviews. [17] Aggregator AnyDecentMusic? gave the album 7.7 out of 10, based on their assessment of the critical consensus. [16] Clash was positive towards the release stating, "This new release was needed, not just for the fans who have been dying to hear new music, but needed for the music community in general. The current climate is dark, moody, uncertain with the pandemic in mind, but this new album brings joy and happiness in a time where it is needed most." [18] Damon Taylor from Dead Press! rated the album positively calling it: "Ambitious in its scope and armed with an abundance of riffs and hooks, Architects successfully transition into their new chapter whilst not losing their identity." [8] Distorted Sound scored the album 9 out of 10 and said: "For Those That Wish to Exist is a brave new world for Architects, a new chapter for a band who are releasing themselves from the shackles and embracing every nook and cranny of the musical spectrum. It's a phenomenal effort and one which shows that there is still plenty of gas left in the tank. The future is here and Architects stand on the precipice of becoming the one of the biggest bands on the planet. And boy, do they more than deserve it." [19] DIY was also positive towards the release, calling it "...a neat summation of the contradiction at the core of Architects' recent career; the bleaker things get, the stronger they emerge." [20] Exclaim! gave it 7 out of 10 and said: "For Those That Wish to Exist proves these guys can successfully diversify their sound." [4]
The Guardian gave the album 3 out of 5 and stated: "For Those Who Wish to Exist proves Architects' ability to oscillate between thoughtful, interesting, finely wrought compositions and gleefully hulking exercises in metal obviousness is still intact. The fact it often feels stultifying regardless proves turning climate anxiety into gratifying entertainment is a very difficult art to master." [21] Paul Travers of Kerrang! considered the release to be "...a long and constantly shifting album. It also sounds like it could be a crucial one in Architects' ongoing evolution." [6] Sophia Simon-Bashall of The Line of Best Fit stated that "It's an album that has something to appeal to any ears, without compromising the true Architects' signature – you just have to be open to it." [5] Dannii Leivers of NME was positive towards the release and stated that "For Those That Wish to Exist isn't exactly the kind of sonic reinvention one-time scene mates Bring Me the Horizon pulled off with 2019's Amo , but it pushes Architects into unexplored territory and a bold new future where even bigger venues and audiences surely await." [22] Wall of Sound gave the album almost a perfect score 9/10 and saying: "To me, the purpose of For Those That Wish to Exist is for the listener to sit on what's being sung/screamed at them and for it to sink in over time. Sure, you're not going to get up and become a planet warrior overnight, but I feel by listening to this album over and over again, you'll subliminally be listening to what Architects are educating us about through their heavy, soothing and beautifully crafted music. From there, you can take your life into your own hands and play your part… but you better hurry up." [7] Loudwire called it one of the best metal albums of 2021. [23]
| Publication | Country | Accolade | Rank | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kerrang! | UK | The 50 best albums of 2021 | 3 | [24] |
| Loudwire | US | The 45 Best Rock + Metal Albums of 2021 | 9 | [25] |
| Metal Hammer | UK | The top 10 metalcore albums of 2021 | 3 | [26] |
| Revolver | US | 25 Best Albums of 2021 | 12 | [27] |
| Loudwire | US | The 35 Best Metal Songs of 2021 ("Dead Butterflies") | 7 | [28] |
Once released, the album debuted at number one in Australia and in the United Kingdom. [29] [30] For Those That Wish to Exist debuted and peaked at number 1 in their home country, gifting them their first top ten on the UK Albums Chart as well their first UK chart topper. It sold 12,542 copies in its first week, outselling Maxïmo Park's Nature Always Wins by 550 sales. [31] [32]
All lyrics are written by Dan Searle; all music is composed by Architects
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Do You Dream of Armageddon?" | 1:38 |
| 2. | "Black Lungs" | 3:51 |
| 3. | "Giving Blood" | 3:32 |
| 4. | "Discourse Is Dead" | 3:46 |
| 5. | "Dead Butterflies" | 4:02 |
| 6. | "An Ordinary Extinction" | 4:07 |
| 7. | "Impermanence" (featuring Winston McCall of Parkway Drive) | 4:02 |
| 8. | "Flight Without Feathers" | 3:48 |
| 9. | "Little Wonder" (featuring Mike Kerr of Royal Blood) | 3:47 |
| 10. | "Animals" | 4:04 |
| 11. | "Libertine" | 4:01 |
| 12. | "Goliath" (featuring Simon Neil of Biffy Clyro) | 4:17 |
| 13. | "Demi God" | 4:26 |
| 14. | "Meteor" | 4:01 |
| 15. | "Dying Is Absolutely Safe" (featuring Liam Kearley of Black Peaks) | 4:59 |
| Total length: | 58:21 [34] | |
Credits adapted from AllMusic. [1]
Architects
Additional musicians
|
Additional personnel
|
| Chart (2021) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Albums (ARIA) [36] | 1 |
| Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria) [37] | 5 |
| Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders) [38] | 16 |
| Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia) [39] | 32 |
| Canadian Albums (Billboard) [40] | 57 |
| Czech Albums (ČNS IFPI) [41] | 74 |
| Dutch Albums (Album Top 100) [42] | 39 |
| Finnish Albums (Suomen virallinen lista) [43] | 14 |
| German Albums (Offizielle Top 100) [44] | 3 |
| Scottish Albums (OCC) [45] | 3 |
| Swedish Hard Rock Albums (Sverigetopplistan) [46] | 9 |
| Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade) [47] | 7 |
| UK Albums (OCC) [48] | 1 |
| UK Independent Albums (OCC) [49] | 2 |
| UK Rock & Metal Albums (OCC) [50] | 1 |
| US Billboard 200 [51] | 80 |
| US Independent Albums (Billboard) [52] | 11 |
| US Top Hard Rock Albums (Billboard) [53] | 4 |
| US Top Rock Albums (Billboard) [54] | 11 |
Metalcore is a fusion genre combining elements of extreme metal and hardcore punk, that originated in the late 1980s. Metalcore is noted for its use of breakdowns, which are slow, intense passages conducive to moshing, while other defining instrumentation includes heavy guitar riffs often utilizing percussive pedal tones and double bass drumming. Vocalists in the genre typically perform screaming, more popular bands often combine this with the use of standard singing, usually during the bridge or chorus of a song. However, the death growl is also a popular technique within the genre.
Avenged Sevenfold is an American heavy metal band from Huntington Beach, California, formed in 1999. The band's current lineup consists of vocalist M. Shadows, rhythm guitarist Zacky Vengeance, lead guitarist Synyster Gates, bassist Johnny Christ, and drummer Brooks Wackerman.
Bring Me the Horizon are a British rock band, formed in Sheffield in 2004. The group currently consists of lead vocalist Oli Sykes, drummer Matt Nicholls, guitarist Lee Malia and bassist Matt Kean. They are signed to RCA Records globally and Columbia Records exclusively in the United States.
Architects are a British metalcore band from Brighton, East Sussex, formed in 2004 by twin brothers Dan and Tom Searle. The band now consists of Dan Searle on drums, Sam Carter on vocals, Alex Dean on bass, and Adam Christianson on guitar. They have been signed to Epitaph Records since 2013.
Asking Alexandria are an English rock band formed in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and now based in York, North Yorkshire, consisting of guitarist Cameron Liddell, drummer James Cassells, vocalist Danny Worsnop, and bassist Sam Bettley.
I Prevail is an American rock band formed in Southfield, Michigan, in 2013. They released their debut EP Heart vs. Mind (2014) and rose to popularity from releasing a metal cover of Taylor Swift's "Blank Space" as a single, which eventually was certified platinum in the US. The band has since released three studio albums: Lifelines (2016), Trauma (2019), and True Power (2022). The band found success with their original material as well, with the singles "Breaking Down" and "Hurricane" performing well on rock radio, the single "Bow Down" being nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2019, and Trauma being nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album the same year.
That's the Spirit is the fifth studio album by British rock band Bring Me the Horizon. The album was released on 11 September 2015, and marks a departure from the group's metalcore roots, in favour of a less aggressive alternative rock and metal style.
The Stage is the seventh studio album by American heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold. It was released on October 28, 2016, through Capitol Records, their only release through the label. It is the first Avenged Sevenfold album to feature drummer Brooks Wackerman, who joined the band in late 2014 but was not revealed as Arin Ilejay's official replacement until Ilejay's departure in 2015, because the band wanted to "make sure that it was a correct fit".
Reverence is the sixth studio album by Australian metalcore band Parkway Drive. It was released on 4 May 2018 through Resist and Epitaph Records. The album was produced by George Hadji-Christou. Critics noted that the album marked a step towards a more melodic, accessible heavy metal sound, with more prominent use of clean singing while the songs tackle themes such as religion and death. The album won the 2018 ARIA Award for Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album, the band's second win in the category, the first being Deep Blue.
You're Welcome is the seventh studio album by American rock band A Day to Remember. It was released on March 5, 2021, and is the band's first release under major label Fueled by Ramen after spending six years as an independent band after leaving and the eventual lawsuit against former label Victory Records. The album is also the first new release by the band in five years, marking the longest gap between two albums in their entire career. The album's producers include Colin Brittain, vocalist Jeremy McKinnon, Mike Green, Will Putney, and Dan Book. It was preceded by five singles: "Degenerates", "Resentment", "Mindreader", "Brick Wall", and "Everything We Need". It is also the final album to feature founding bassist Josh Woodard before his departure in October 2021.
A Different Shade of Blue is the second studio album by American metalcore band Knocked Loose. It was released through Pure Noise Records on August 23, 2019, and produced by Will Putney. It was the last album to feature rhythm guitarist Cole Crutchfield before his departure in 2020.
Underneath is the fourth studio album by American hardcore punk band Code Orange, released on March 13, 2020 through Roadrunner Records. It is their first album to be produced by Nick Raskulinecz. The album was also produced by Jami Morgan and Will Yip. It was preceded by three singles: "Underneath", "Swallowing the Rabbit Whole", and "Sulfur Surrounding". The album continues the band's metalcore and hardcore punk sound with a heavier emphasis on industrial and electronic elements. The album received critical acclaim with critics praising the use of glitches, electronics, and overall production.
The Ghost Inside is the fifth album by American metalcore band The Ghost Inside. The album was released on June 5, 2020, through Epitaph Records. It is the band's first release since they were involved in a serious tour bus crash in 2015, and is also the first to feature rhythm guitarist Chris Davis, who joined the band in 2016 after serving as a touring member, and the first to feature Zach Johnson on lead guitar.
"Animals" is a song by British metalcore band Architects. Produced by the band's drummer Dan Searle and lead guitarist Josh Middleton, it is featured on the group's 2021 ninth studio album For Those That Wish to Exist. The track was released as the lead single from the album on 20 October 2020. It was written by Dan Searle alongside the rest of the band, and was produced by Searle and Josh Middleton.
Below is the fourth studio album by American rock band Beartooth. The album was released on June 25, 2021, through Red Bull Records. It was produced by Caleb Shomo and Oshie Bichar. A deluxe edition of Below was released on March 18, 2022, with an additional 20 tracks.
In the Court of the Dragon is the tenth studio album by American heavy metal band Trivium. It was released on October 8, 2021, through Roadrunner Records and was produced by Josh Wilbur.
"Dead Butterflies" is a song by British metalcore band Architects. Produced by the band's drummer Dan Searle and lead guitarist Josh Middleton, it is featured on the group's 2021 ninth studio album For Those That Wish to Exist. The track was released as the third single from the album on 20 January 2021. It was written by Dan Searle alongside the rest of the band, and was produced by Searle and Josh Middleton. It peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart in October 2021.
Radical is the ninth and final studio album by American metalcore band Every Time I Die. It was released on October 22, 2021, and was the band's first studio album in 5 years, since 2016's Low Teens, as well as their only release to feature drummer Clayton "Goose" Holyoak. Radical was named album of the year in 2021 by Kerrang!
Employed to Serve is a British heavy metal band from Woking, England.
The Classic Symptoms of a Broken Spirit is the tenth studio album by British metalcore band Architects. It was released on 21 October 2022 through Epitaph Records. The album was produced by Dan Searle and Josh Middleton. This is the last album to feature lead guitarist Josh Middleton before his departure from the band in May 2023.
