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. hakametal
    Feb 27, 2021
    9
    One word: polarizing.

    This album is the equivalent to BMTH's Sempiteral or even more so Amo, you're either gonna be on board with the direction they're going in or you're gonna hold on to what the band made in the past. For me, I absolutely love it. If you're expecting All Our God's Have Abandoned Us, this is absolutely not it and you're going to be disappointed. However, if you're open    One word: polarizing.

    This album is the equivalent to BMTH's Sempiteral or even more so Amo, you're either gonna be on board with the direction they're going in or you're gonna hold on to what the band made in the past. For me, I absolutely love it. If you're expecting All Our God's Have Abandoned Us, this is absolutely not it and you're going to be disappointed. However, if you're open to a more melodic, electronica influenced album with all of the emotion still there, then give this album your attention.    … Expand
  2. Qwertyuiopasdfz
    Feb 27, 2021
    8
    It's a good album, they've tackled something pretty ambitious and not always got it right. There are probably few too many songs, but when it's good it's really good.
  3. musicfan03
    Feb 26, 2021
    8
    For Those That Wish To Exist is a welcome step forward for Architects, a band that managed to constantly release consistent albums granted to leave a mark on the modern metal scene. FTTWTE means a new sound filled with sonic surprises all throughout without erasing what made the band beloved, THEIR MESSAGE.
    The album captures an important statement about the climate change our planet is    For Those That Wish To Exist is a welcome step forward for Architects, a band that managed to constantly release consistent albums granted to leave a mark on the modern metal scene. FTTWTE means a new sound filled with sonic surprises all throughout without erasing what made the band beloved, THEIR MESSAGE.
    The album captures an important statement about the climate change our planet is undergoing and the fate of humankind, everything accompanied by at times blasting guitar riffs, explosive drums and incredible vocals, but also, sometimes slower songs meant to play on your consciousness and feelings step into the fold. The lyrics written by Dan Searle often provide a cathartic feat to the run and help potentate the experience. The production sounds polished, balanced and clear, enhancing the auditory journey.
    All in all, For Those That Wish To Exist is a new musical approach for the metalcore titans, that turned out very well-executed and a leap of faith proved worth taking. From me, it's got a strong 8.    … Expand
  4. tomwalters
    Feb 26, 2021
    9
    Despite people calling it a ‘simple evolution of their sound’ and ‘generic’, this album does have something for everyone, and my god is it good. Bands write for themselves, and it shows on this album, it’s a natural evolution of their sound, not a forced one, which some might apply to their album Holy Hell after losing Tom, trying to recreate the sound that made them famous. What thisDespite people calling it a ‘simple evolution of their sound’ and ‘generic’, this album does have something for everyone, and my god is it good. Bands write for themselves, and it shows on this album, it’s a natural evolution of their sound, not a forced one, which some might apply to their album Holy Hell after losing Tom, trying to recreate the sound that made them famous. What this album is, is a new but amazing sound that will only extend that fan base further, and no, this isn’t a band falling to the ‘pop rock curse’, far from it if anything. Every track is catchy, with great meaningful lyrics and entertaining instrumentals and synths, with some impressive featuring singers as well, not to mention the heavier parts on certain sections of the album. Not everything has to have breakdowns every song, and this album certainly challenges that and in arenas, this album will slap. Tracks like Impermanence, Black Lungs, and Discourse Is Dead are your heavier tracks with that older sound seeping through, whereas tracks like Little Wonder, Meteor and Giving Blood are your more anthemic songs, but still just as punchy, overall it makes a pretty coherent listen that describes the climate crisis with some great poetic lyrics. If you are considering listening to this album, do it, it’s a great experience and deserves your attention for the 58 or so minutes that it runs for, because it will certainly capture it straight away with how well crafted it is.… Expand
  5. Venusaur
    Mar 3, 2021
    7
    Unsurprisingly this is quite a controversial album as it does see Architects dip their toes into a more pop-rock sound. Personally I wasn't against that transition, and the album definitively still has its heavier metalcore moments. My issue is a couple of the songs lack depth. While songs like "An Ordinary Extinction" and "Animals" showcase that Architects can successfully embrace a newUnsurprisingly this is quite a controversial album as it does see Architects dip their toes into a more pop-rock sound. Personally I wasn't against that transition, and the album definitively still has its heavier metalcore moments. My issue is a couple of the songs lack depth. While songs like "An Ordinary Extinction" and "Animals" showcase that Architects can successfully embrace a new radio-friendly sound without losing their edge, songs like "Flight without Feathers" and "Little Wonder" are just too simplistic and feel unnecessary on an album with an hour long runtime. "Discourse is dead", "Goliath" and "Impermanence" are three great tunes with the signature architects heaviness; the guest vocals from Simon Neil and Winston McCall go a long way in bolstering their respective songs, Neil in particular sounds awesome.

    Overall it's a good record with a lot of good pop-rock/metalcore songs, I just hope that they trim the fat on their next album.    … Expand
  6. adrenilinmatt
    Mar 21, 2021
    10
    Gotta love the people who clearly have only listened to architects last 2 albums and then think they have the knowledge of the band to call this latest effort “not architects” It’s called a back catalogue people. Listen to more than just holy hell and maybe you’ll see why this new album is ESSENTIAL architects. There’s maybe one or two songs I’d skip on this album. From a 15 track album.Gotta love the people who clearly have only listened to architects last 2 albums and then think they have the knowledge of the band to call this latest effort “not architects” It’s called a back catalogue people. Listen to more than just holy hell and maybe you’ll see why this new album is ESSENTIAL architects. There’s maybe one or two songs I’d skip on this album. From a 15 track album. More than I can say for ANY other bands release from the last year or two. But yeah, you architects experts out there listened to holy hell, so you know better. Sad lives you lead.… Expand
  7. cbrewerton
    Mar 2, 2021
    9
    Let me start off by saying that Holy Hell is my favorite metal album of all time, and I do not know if anyone, including Architects, can produce anything better. This album, however goes in a slightly different direction for the band musically. At first, I listened with my "Holy Hell Goggles" on and was disappointed. Then, I listened to it again, trying to see it simply for what it was andLet me start off by saying that Holy Hell is my favorite metal album of all time, and I do not know if anyone, including Architects, can produce anything better. This album, however goes in a slightly different direction for the band musically. At first, I listened with my "Holy Hell Goggles" on and was disappointed. Then, I listened to it again, trying to see it simply for what it was and I fell in love with this. Its more radio-friendly at times, but no matter how soft, heavy or cliché a song seems at first, the emotion is still there. Architects is great at forcing the listener to feel as well as listen and this album is no exception. Great work… Expand
  8. RMicky
    Mar 4, 2021
    10
    This album was amazing, I'm a new fan of Architects, and their softening up their sound makes them a much easier listen for me and many others while still keeping their metalcore roots. Album of the year in my opinion. The best songs being Dead Butterflies, An Ordinary Extinction, Animals, Goliath, and Dying is Absolutely Safe.
  9. KaptainKirk
    Mar 7, 2021
    10
    This album is a masterpiece. Each song compliments the next, creating a flow through the album. It has deep cuts and powerful lyrics that leave the listener craving the next song. Sam sings cleans and screams and absolutely nails both. The riffs, drums and vocals all work together in an extraordinary way, with backing strings to create an album you cannot miss.
  10. rywe19
    Feb 28, 2021
    9
    Architects, a metal outfit that has propelled the mathy, metalcore sound in its respective genre, takes the surprising turn to hard rock, although not deviating too far off the deep end. Many similar-sounding songs turn up in the form of Impermanence, Discourse is Dead, and Goliath, Other ones go in a hard rock sound, like Giving Blood, Little Wonder, and Meteor, and a couple of them areArchitects, a metal outfit that has propelled the mathy, metalcore sound in its respective genre, takes the surprising turn to hard rock, although not deviating too far off the deep end. Many similar-sounding songs turn up in the form of Impermanence, Discourse is Dead, and Goliath, Other ones go in a hard rock sound, like Giving Blood, Little Wonder, and Meteor, and a couple of them are completely out of the ordinary, like Dying is Absolutely Safe and Flight Without Feathers.

    But one thing that ties all of these songs together is the ambience and production, which completely make this record worth the 58-minute runtime. The lyricism is also another strong suit of the band. Themes about the end of the world, how we're continuously killing our planet, and how our leaders are doing nothing to fix anything are explored through the 15 tracks and Dan Searle essentialy gives his views through the voice of Sam Carter. "We'll all be hanging our heroes, praying for someone to save us" "We are the rust worshipping the rain" are some of the ideas expressed in the record.

    Give it a try and try to be open-minded about the sound change if you're a longtime fan of the band. I really think you'll get something out of it.    … Expand
  11. Rodenco
    Jan 2, 2022
    8
    This album may be the beginning of a new era in the band, and quite an interesting one I might add...
    The sound and texture experimentation that Architects has done in this album is certainly a really interesting one. The reinforcement of the orchestra emphasises the epicness that Architects were already heading to in “Holy Hell”, and it sure gives goosebumps in a lot of tracks. I love    This album may be the beginning of a new era in the band, and quite an interesting one I might add...
    The sound and texture experimentation that Architects has done in this album is certainly a really interesting one. The reinforcement of the orchestra emphasises the epicness that Architects were already heading to in “Holy Hell”, and it sure gives goosebumps in a lot of tracks. I love hearing Sam’s voice in clean singing (quite improved since Daybreaker) although in some tracks it becomes kind of a hit or miss.
    Lyrically this alum features some of my favourite lyrics from Sam. The emphasis on philosophical themes is a really nice progression from “Holy Hell”, returning even to religion or touching a little on climate change and the fate of humanity.
    That being said, it becomes obvious in most of the songs how new these concepts are for the band. Some songs suffer from overproduction or become overwhelming at some moments, making the whole mix bland or weird.

    Overall, a really good album and I cannot wait so listen to the next evolution of the Architects sound    … Expand
  12. DOOMER_2K2
    Mar 4, 2021
    7
    It's different but it has a good couple of bangers on it. A solid seven from me.
  13. MetaWitness
    Mar 12, 2021
    7
    What Is The Message of the Album:
    What we see here is an individual who once was politically charged and an activist who is now tired and weary of fighting. Between the inevitable destruction of climate change and the hostile divisiveness of politics, he is left hopeless. This seems to be a clarion call to others that feel the same, like he is trying to find strength in those who are also    What Is The Message of the Album:
    What we see here is an individual who once was politically charged and an activist who is now tired and weary of fighting. Between the inevitable destruction of climate change and the hostile divisiveness of politics, he is left hopeless. This seems to be a clarion call to others that feel the same, like he is trying to find strength in those who are also weary of this disheartening social environment. This isn't so much a wake up call, it's more like an observation of the social ills we are all experiencing, and he is acknowledging the weariness of it all.

    What I Liked About The Album:
    This album is a culmination of where Architects has been heading for awhile and it is welcomed. It is a nice listen and kept me captivated throughout.

    What I Disliked About The Album:
    The melodic aspect throughout the album in many places seems forced, trying to appeal to a more radio friendly audience. The lyrics of some of the songs are too abstract, it does not reveal enough for the listener to go on.

    Favorite Songs:
    - "Dead Butterflies"
    - "Black Lungs"
    - "Discourse Is Dead"
    - "Flight Without Feathers"

    Least Favorite Songs:
    - "Demi God"
    - "An Ordinary Extinction"
    - "Animals"    … Expand
  14. ReckT
    Mar 21, 2021
    8
    No, no es mejor que holy hell, se asemeja en algunos aspectos al ultimo disco de BMTH logrando una muy buena calidad con algunos altibajos pero siendo en esencia un notable disco que no será para todo el mundo
  15. Tjblaskowics
    Apr 25, 2021
    10
    I absolutely love this album, it perfectly illustrates talent and unity shared between talented musicians,every segment is crafted with, a cacophony of catchy hooks, choruses, it seems it has everything from metal to edm sounds, I have a great appreciation for music that isn't predictable and keeps you guessing whilst being very enjoyable, it hits every mark, scratches every itch, it's notI absolutely love this album, it perfectly illustrates talent and unity shared between talented musicians,every segment is crafted with, a cacophony of catchy hooks, choruses, it seems it has everything from metal to edm sounds, I have a great appreciation for music that isn't predictable and keeps you guessing whilst being very enjoyable, it hits every mark, scratches every itch, it's not too heavy and it's by noe means too soft, just a very cool album different, even veers on poppy a little bit, then again that seems to be prevalent these days in many genres and not for just "pop" music as there really isn't genre these days, All of these things said, 5000 characters aren't enough to discribe this soft assault on the senses whilst still being so utterly enjoyable, after all isn't that music was created for?… Expand
  16. a_man_is_no_1
    Oct 3, 2021
    10
    Perfect metal core album, great instruments especially the drums and bass, sam voice always very crisp.
    The tracks that features mike kerr from royal blood and simon neil from biffy clyro is must hear, alongside with its single "animals".
  17. Grumite
    Jan 18, 2022
    10
    Top to bottom, For Those That Wish to Exist is one of the best albums I’ve ever heard in my 15+ years of enjoying Rock/Metal/Metalcore music. Technical instrumentation, deep thought provoking lyrics, and such an organically original sound. Vocalist Sam Carter has an abrasive and aggressive tone that transcends to a beautifully soft whimsical sound on a selection of songs. Guitarists JoshTop to bottom, For Those That Wish to Exist is one of the best albums I’ve ever heard in my 15+ years of enjoying Rock/Metal/Metalcore music. Technical instrumentation, deep thought provoking lyrics, and such an organically original sound. Vocalist Sam Carter has an abrasive and aggressive tone that transcends to a beautifully soft whimsical sound on a selection of songs. Guitarists Josh Middleton and Adam Christianson have their tools of sound tuned low for a room filling deep tone, while Drummer Dan Searle drives the album from front to back. Searle’s technical and hard hitting drumming style is in my opinion what puts this album above most all others in the “Pandemic Era”. A truly flawless and masterful use of the kit. Tracks such as Black Lungs, Discourse is Dead, and Impermanence rip your head off in the best way possible, while other entries such as Dead Butterflies and Flight Without Feathers put your mind in a trance of musical bliss. At 58 minutes, this is a long album by today’s standards. That is something I enjoy, as it gives the listener more content to remember and hold onto. I do not have enough great things to say about this record, and I cannot wait to hear what this band has in store for listeners next!… Expand

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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