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Holy Hell
by
  • Record Label:
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Holy Hell Image
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 8 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 139 Ratings

  • Summary: The eighth full-length release for the British metalcore band is its first without Tom Searle, who passed away in August 2016.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Kerrang!
    Nov 9, 2018
    100
    An album that's by turns gut-wrenching, hauntingly desolate and emotionally devastating. [3 Nov 2018, p.57]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    Nov 9, 2018
    100
    Even aside from the tragedy that frames its arrival, though, it stands up as Architects’ very best album. ... Architects have emerged more powerful than ever--building on Tom’s legacy, rather than riding on its coattails. It’s a wonder to behold.
  3. The Guardian
    Nov 9, 2018
    80
    The songs’ difficult birth has given them a bracing, anthemic, heartfelt and occasionally even eerily dreamlike quality. Architects aren’t a band for anyone with sensitive hearing, but it’s hard not to be moved by this loud, cathartic howl.
  4. AllMusic
    Nov 9, 2018
    80
    Holy Hell is both a teardown and a rebuild, and while it isn't always an easy listen, there is some hard-won catharsis to be found in its attempt to distill the messiness of grief into four-minute blasts of sonic demolition.
  5. Clash Music
    Nov 9, 2018
    80
    Holy Hell succeeds in pushing Architects’ sound further than ever before. The grooves dig deeper, while the instrumentation is techier.
  6. Q Magazine
    Nov 20, 2018
    80
    It's as an articulation of grief that this record speaks most powerfully. [Jan 2019, p.106]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Sputnikmusic
    Nov 12, 2018
    70
    Architects have never shied away from clarion calls to action, but this is the band at their most inspiring and effectual, filling in the empty space left behind after a monumental loss. It is an epitaph that nonetheless suggests a bright future ahead.

See all 8 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. ReyalsfoSwodahs
    Nov 14, 2018
    10
    A brutally honest return to form. Though Tom Searle is no longer with us, his music and impact carry on in what has no doubt become the bestA brutally honest return to form. Though Tom Searle is no longer with us, his music and impact carry on in what has no doubt become the best metalcore band in the scene: Architects.… Expand
  2. bsmith199731
    Nov 10, 2018
    10
    Arguably their best album to date, it is a level of sonic transcendence that only Architects could provide. To manage to temper loss andArguably their best album to date, it is a level of sonic transcendence that only Architects could provide. To manage to temper loss and suffering into something that is just so well put together is a fitting tribute to Tom. It'd be hard to name a weakest track on the album, but on a level of personal taste it is probably Damnation. Strongest to choose is even harder, Death Is Not Defeat, Mortal After All and Holy Hell are all worthy contenders, but the best two must be A Wasted Hymn and Doomsday.

    Architects have surpassed themselves yet again and Sam Carter has confirmed his place among the elite vocalists of the metal world. You can almost touch the malice and hurt in his voice. Get ready for the tour in the new year, as it is not one you will forgive yourself for missing.    … Expand
  4. haej
    Jan 25, 2019
    10
    While some bands evolve in rather flimsy manner, often changing their style completely in an attempt "to find something new", ArchitectsWhile some bands evolve in rather flimsy manner, often changing their style completely in an attempt "to find something new", Architects proves once again that the genre of metalcore is not dead. Losing Tom could put a stop to the whole band, but this pain was instead used to fuel the entirety of this record. Memorable riffs, emotional singing and most importantly constant and never-stopping head banging.

    If a band "changes their sound" we can all hope they follow Architects. Without a doubt, an album of the century.    … Expand
  5. KimasV
    Nov 26, 2019
    10
    One of the best metalcore,that i ever heard,perfect vocal,nice lyrics and this guitar.....
  6. JoseofCatarina
    Oct 7, 2020
    10
    When this album was released, I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. It was my very first time hearing Architects and I was instantly hookedWhen this album was released, I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. It was my very first time hearing Architects and I was instantly hooked by the instrumentals, and the vocals. The instrumentals are a symphony of down tuned instruments that infuse elements of both Metalcore and Djent, and even from more progressive genre's of metal. This album stands out by instrumentals alone, but that isn't where Holy Hell shines. This album shines in the vocal, lyric and messaging departments. The pained delivery of these powerful vocals that convey a sound of hurting, longing, and desperation breathe so much life into extremely heartfelt and meaningful lyrics. This album attempts to delivers a certain messaging that couldn't be delivered by any other means, and it succeeds. This messaging of depression, anxiety, and addiction can be so cathartic at times, and as cliche'd as it sounds, it could even be life saving.

    I waited a long time since hearing this album to see how it would age before reviewing it, and not only did it age extremely well, but it would go on to be an extremely influential work of art that to this day, is still being ripped off by many bands. A true masterpiece, and a must listen for metal lovers of all genres.    … Expand
  7. MetalMayhem_STL
    Nov 9, 2018
    9
    While It's difficult to follow up All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us, they certainly gave it their best. The filler in the album is limited, withWhile It's difficult to follow up All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us, they certainly gave it their best. The filler in the album is limited, with the weakest track being the title track. Punishing and melodic riffs cover the album, while Sam Carter continues to prove he is one of the best metal-core has to offer. A haunting tribute to Tom, and a staple of the modern metal-core sound.… Expand
  8. Andremax
    Nov 29, 2018
    8
    Holy Hell isn't really an Art Rock album, but it has a lot of refinement to be a Metalcore's stuff.

See all 17 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best Album of 2018
75
#75 Most Discussed Album of 2018

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