The Classic Symptoms Of A Broken Spirit

Architects return with The Classic Symptoms of a Broken Spirit, their tenth studio album, offering an electrifying mix of ferocity, innovation, and unfiltered emotion. Released on 21 October 2022 through Epitaph Records, this record marks the final contribution of lead guitarist Josh Middleton before his departure in May 2023. Produced by band members Dan Searle and Josh Middleton, the album builds on their signature metalcore sound, but with a renewed sense of urgency and a willingness to explore uncharted sonic territory.

The album’s lead-up was marked by a series of high-energy singles. “When We Were Young,” dropped on 20 April 2022, set the tone with its charged, fast-paced riffs and a stirring video. Follow-up singles “Tear Gas” and “Deep Fake” further teased the album’s bold direction, culminating in the ferocious “A New Moral Low Ground” just a week before the release. These tracks demonstrate a band willing to push boundaries, drawing from their past successes while simultaneously seeking new musical horizons.

Critics have embraced the album, praising its drive and ambition. Clash describes it as “sharp and evolutionary.” The album, they note, may not be as refined as past efforts, but its boldness makes it an exciting entry in the band’s discography. Distorted Sound offers a more measured take, stating that while the album might not reach the heights of Holy Hell (2018), its highlights—such as “Deep Fake” and “When We Were Young”—ensure its worth as an essential listen.

Louder Sound highlights the album’s ability to balance catchy floor-fillers with the grit and aggression fans expect from Architects. While some purists might miss the band’s earlier, more intricate metalcore roots, The Classic Symptoms of a Broken Spirit delivers a visceral punch, showcasing a band comfortable with change and experimentation. NME’s Andy Price sums up the album as a “fiery and relentless dish,” marking it as a defining chapter in the band’s journey through modern metalcore.

Meanwhile, The Line of Best Fit notes the band’s ongoing experimentation, positioning them at the forefront of metalcore’s evolution. The album’s mix of aggression and melodic hooks will undoubtedly have rivals looking to Architects for guidance on the future of the genre.

At the highest end of the spectrum, Wall of Sound gives The Classic Symptoms of a Broken Spirit a near-perfect score of 9/10, labelling it “venomous” and “dense,” and praising the band for their ability to be both catchy and intricate in equal measure. The album’s complexity and ferocity make it not just a continuation of the band’s legacy but a bold statement about where they are headed next.

With The Classic Symptoms of a Broken Spirit, Architects prove they are not afraid to evolve. While it may not surpass the breakthrough of Holy Hell, it’s a testament to a band who know exactly where they’re going—and aren’t afraid to drag us along for the ride. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to their sound, this album is a force to be reckoned with.