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For Those That Wish to Exist Image
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 80 Ratings

  • Summary: The ninth full-length release for the British metalcore band features guest appearances from Mike Kerr, Winston McCall, and Simon Neil.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 10
  2. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Feb 25, 2021
    100
    Through all this existential and unremitting bleakness, the music is vital and vibrant, using a broader palette and brighter colours than they’ve ever used before.
  2. Feb 24, 2021
    90
    Soaring vocals and clean-cut production allow for an easy listen where listeners can grasp the feelings of the collective. This new release was needed, not just for the fans who have been dying to hear new music, but needed for the music community in general. The current climate is dark, moody, uncertain with the pandemic in mind, but this new album brings joy and happiness in a time where it is needed most.
  3. 80
    Thematically and sonically, For Those That Wish to Exist feels limitless.
  4. Feb 24, 2021
    70
    Other than a few lapses, the hooks, synths and classical instruments effectively recontextualize Architects' musicianship. For Those That Wish to Exist proves these guys can successfully diversify their sound.
  5. 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]
  6. 70
    Are there a few weaker moments here and there? Sure. ... But it’s impossible to be bored as you move from the filthy heaviness of "Giving Blood" to the punchy, melodic "Meteor", all the way through to the gorgeous choral rapture on "Dying Is Absolutely Safe".
  7. 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.

See all 10 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 29
  2. Negative: 5 out of 29
  1. 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.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 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
  2. 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 callGotta 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
  3. 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
    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.
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  4. 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
    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"
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  5. 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"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)
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  6. 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
  7. May 13, 2021
    0
    Architects has been my favorite band for almost a decade now, for a multitude of reasons. They've successfully mixed musical technicality,Architects has been my favorite band for almost a decade now, for a multitude of reasons. They've successfully mixed musical technicality, ridiculously heavy breakdowns, beautiful melodies, and lyrics that truly convey the emotion that inspired them. All of this is enough to make one of the greatest metal bands of all time, without even mentioning Sam's unparalleled vocals, the entire band's fantastic stances on environmental and political issues, and the tragic story of loss, grief, and triumph behind their latest and greatest albums.

    I say all of this to assure the reader that this isn't a bitter, hateful review coming from a place of contempt, because I really wish I had something nice to say about this album. Unfortunately, from start to finish, FTWWTE is a collection of uninspired, painfully generic riffs and melodies that are utterly indistinguishable from radio/arena rock outfits. Sam's unique and irreplaceable vocals are, for some reason, pushed aside for whiny, whisper-like choruses and the occasional semi-aggressive yell; the intricate guitar work has been replaced by simple chug rhythms and power chords; the drums have been simplified to Rammstein-like kick-snare-kick-snare repetitions (e.g. Animals) and thoughtless pop-rock anthem beats; and the list goes on.

    I have given this album multiple play-throughs and found that there is genuinely nothing redeemable about any song on it. It's truly heartbreaking to watch one of the greatest bands of all time suddenly decide to "reinvent" themselves into something so generic and forgettable. A lot of fans are quick to jump to the defense of a band changing their sound by calling it "evolving" or something along those lines. Well, evolution doesn't imply progression or improvement; it's just a process of change in response to environmental pressures. So hopefully this review pushes these guys to "evolve" yet again - this time toward something which utilizes all of the high-level talent that this album almost gleefully buries.
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