Holy Hell
by Architects
  • Record Label: Epitaph
  • Release Date: Nov 9, 2018
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
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  1. Kerrang!
    Nov 9, 2018
    100
    An album that's by turns gut-wrenching, hauntingly desolate and emotionally devastating. [3 Nov 2018, p.57]
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  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. Q Magazine
    Nov 20, 2018
    80
    It's as an articulation of grief that this record speaks most powerfully. [Jan 2019, p.106]
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  5. DIY Magazine
    Nov 9, 2018
    80
    It’s powerfully honest and refreshingly unfiltered, beautifully crafted and distinctive. Most importantly of all it carries the legacy of Tom Searle, and of the remaining Architects members, forward.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.

Awards & Rankings

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

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 139 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 125 out of 139
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 139
  3. Negative: 12 out of 139
  1. 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.    … Full Review »
  2. 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.… Full Review »
  3. badassuncaoleo
    Jun 7, 2023
    10
    the best album as ever listen, soundly perfect and the atmosphere is impeccable, just 10 of 10!
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