For Those That Wish to Exist
by Architects
  • Record Label: Epitaph
  • Release Date: Feb 26, 2021
User Score
6.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 80 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 80
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 80
  3. Negative: 15 out of 80
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  1. DjentMatsson
    Feb 28, 2021
    5
    The biggest problem I have with this album is the artificial effects or filters placed on the vocals. At best they reduce the natural power and intensity of Sam’s voice, at worst they become distracting and take me out of the song completely. One of the things I most loved about Architects before was their emotional vocals and here it feels much harder to engage with them.

    There are    The biggest problem I have with this album is the artificial effects or filters placed on the vocals. At best they reduce the natural power and intensity of Sam’s voice, at worst they become distracting and take me out of the song completely. One of the things I most loved about Architects before was their emotional vocals and here it feels much harder to engage with them.

    There are some great riffs, verses and choruses on this album but the songwriting feels like it has taken multiple steps backwards from their earlier albums. Ideas are repeated throughout the songs and often aren’t developed or given additional layers to keep the songs engaging. Filler sections where nothing much happens seem to be common as well, this leads to most of the songs feeling inconsistent quality-wise or losing energy midway through.

    Special mention to Winston from Parkway Drive who delivers the most awesomely brutal introduction to a breakdown that I have ever heard in Impermanence. Shame that the breakdown itself was a bit basic and didn't go anywhere.    … Expand
  2. Giacomo9
    Feb 27, 2021
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Album troppo lungo, brani e ritornelli facilmente dimenticabili e sound davvero mixato in modo indecente… Expand
  3. Melce
    Feb 26, 2021
    5
    Quotation from Teal's review over at Sputnik:

    It’s hard to blame Architects for wanting to switch up their approach to music. The band has been delivering nasty guitar riffs, manic screaming, and crushing breakdowns for just shy of twenty years. With that being said, For Those That Wish to Exist disregards the idea of a subtle transition to a gentler sound and instead delivers fifteen    Quotation from Teal's review over at Sputnik:

    It’s hard to blame Architects for wanting to switch up their approach to music. The band has been delivering nasty guitar riffs, manic screaming, and crushing breakdowns for just shy of twenty years. With that being said, For Those That Wish to Exist disregards the idea of a subtle transition to a gentler sound and instead delivers fifteen songs daringly showcasing a more refined, restrained, and undoubtedly radio-friendly version of the band. Now the burden lies on the band’s fans to decide for themselves if experimentation featured here is genuine artistic expression, a premeditated shift for commercial viability, or a combination of both. Regardless, listeners of SiriusXM Octane are going to eat this up – and I think that’s the point.    … Expand
  4. dkajch
    Feb 26, 2021
    4
    Idk about this one tbh. While there's some songs on here that I enjoy a lot, a good majority of the album is just mediocre dime a dozen bring me the horizon-esque arena rock that just doesn't do it for me. What reviewers see in this album I have no idea
  5. dcg-vr
    Feb 27, 2021
    6
    "For Those That Wish to Exist" is a natural evolution for Architects, both musically, lyrically, and thematically. The first half of the record is undeniably some of their best works so far, demonstrating exceptional artistic prowess and a coherent picture of where the new evolution is heading towards. "Black Lungs", "Giving Blood", "Discourse Is Dead", "An Ordinary Extinction" and"For Those That Wish to Exist" is a natural evolution for Architects, both musically, lyrically, and thematically. The first half of the record is undeniably some of their best works so far, demonstrating exceptional artistic prowess and a coherent picture of where the new evolution is heading towards. "Black Lungs", "Giving Blood", "Discourse Is Dead", "An Ordinary Extinction" and "Impermanence" masterfully blend heavy guitar riffs, beautiful clean vocals, powerful screams, thunderous drumming, electronic sounds, and catchy melodies together. These tracks are perfect treats for a wide range of rock fans, from soft/pop rock to hard rock to metalcore. Metalheads have an opportunity to expand their musical experiences, while non-metal listeners have perfect gateway music to heavier genres. Meanwhile, "Dead Butterflies" is an elegant experimentation of clean vocals, slow ballad melodies, and orchestral background music. The track is very refreshing within the expansive catalog of Architects and it offers a clear vision of how the band might move forward with their deviation from metalcore. The first half of "For Those That Wish to Exist" deserves a 10/10 as it matches the quality and inventiveness of the band's previous works.

    However, the second half makes this album a very polarizing listening experience for me. From "Flight Without Feathers", the new direction of the band starts its downfall with uninspiring melody and mediocre instrumental background. "Demigod", "Meteor", "Goliath", and "Animals" are indistinguishable at times because of the generic songwriting that is uncharacteristic of Architects. These songs are ambitious endeavors to explore softer, more refined and more radio-friendly sounds, similar to predecessors Bring Me The Horizon, yet they fall short and do not leave any memorable impressions. The last track, "Dying Is Absolutely Safe", is the savior of the second half - a beautiful acoustic song that encapsulates the somber and apocalyptic undertone of the album. This album closer, like "Dead Butterflies", is a testament to the potentials of Architects's new direction and vision that can take advantage of cleaner vocals, softer melodies, and stripped-down instruments to the fullest.

    Despite the overall polarizing sound, Architects continue to be competent and insightful lyricists, tackling relevant contemporary issues like climate change and sociopolitical discourse with biblical references and imaginative metaphors. Thematically, the album fits perfectly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, environmental deterioration, and political instability in the past year.

    Taken altogether, whether you are a longtime Architects fan, a metalhead, a skeptic of post-2015 Bring Me The Horizon-esque sound, or a non-rock fan, this album worths a listen. The diverse experimentation of the record means that it has something to offer to any type of listener, so give it a try to see how this album matches with your music expectations and preferences. Regardless of what reviews you have read so far, listen and give your own verdict :)

    Highlights: Dead Butterflies, Impermanence, Discourse Is Dead, An Ordinary Extinction, Black Lungs
    Rating: 6.5/10 (round down to 6 because of the mixed reviews)    … Expand
  6. drkswm
    Mar 16, 2021
    5
    Trying to walk in the path of BMTH to fame but without any substance. A lot of the lyrics border on cringe while recycling generic lines. Tom Searle was the genius behind the Architects and will always be missed. I hope this "mainstream metalcore" ceases to exist.
  7. Peachboiii
    Aug 26, 2022
    5
    This mediocrity at its best and its something one would expect by bands like Nickelback or FFDP. Pretty damn near being unforgettable dad rock. Lacking soul and feels overall pretty generic. Sad to see this is coming from Architects.

Awards & Rankings

46
#46 Most Discussed Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Classic Rock Magazine
    Mar 2, 2021
    70
    The Brighton metalcore band turn their attention both outwards and inwards: ferocious, barely contained rage directed towards global dysfunction and the looming, ever-increasing threats to mankind and the notion of personal responsibility, taking control of destiny. [Apr 2021, p.86]
  2. The Guardian
    Feb 26, 2021
    60
    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.
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  3. Sputnikmusic
    Feb 26, 2021
    60
    Essentially, this is an album aimed at everyone – which could explain why it’s so long and inconsistent – and while For Those That Wish to Exist is far from perfect, I do feel everyone can take some good things away from it.
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