Released February 10th, 2009 (Century Media Records)

Any band who can successfully and tastefully separate themselves from the suffocating sounds of generic metal has truly made a major accomplishment in the scene today. Today's example - Architects (specifically, their most recent effort - Hollow Crown). A stunning work of heavy metal, Architects take techniques from such metal heavy hitters as Meshuggah, Bring Me the Horizon, and The Dillinger Escape Plan and turn it into their own delicious blend of technical death metal fresh from the UK. Heavy guitar tone along with thick bass and drums combine for one hefty record. Lead singer Sam Carter tops off the crushing sound of the band with angry, powerful screams, and soaring singing sections. With Hollow Crown being the band's third major release, it seems to me that they have certainly found a sound as a group that they can work with, and that sounds absolutely crushing.

Onto the good stuff - the album and music itself. Running at 41:05, this record grabs your attention and demands it all the way to the end. Early Grave opens the album with a real kick to the chest, and a Meshuggah-like chug riff to please even the biggest technical metal fans. The album then continues on for 37 more minutes of eardrum assault. The album is heavy, its full of memorable riffs, breakdowns, and big soaring choruses chock-full of singing and huge guitar tones. What impresses me most is the band's ability to utilize all of its parts to create such a unique sound - and although Architects is a band of refreshing uniqueness, they seem to fit comfortably right into the scene. I had never heard of the band before a friend recommended this album to me, and I couldn't be happier that he did. I'm sure seeing these guys live is a real treat (as long as no one needs a trip to the ER).

Produced by John Mitchell (Enter Shikari, Funeral for a Friend), the overall recording sound is very good - loud and heavy, crushing and angry, and surprisingly very clean, considering how much distortion is used on the instruments and even the vocals at times. Simply, Hollow Crown was well-mixed.

A wonderful start to what will (hopefully) turn out to be a memorable year in metal, Architects set the bar high for 2009.

****/5