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Architects

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Band Timeline

2004

Formation of Architects in Brighton

Architects was formed in 2004 in Brighton, East Sussex, England, by twin brothers Dan and Tom Searle. The original lineup included Matt Johnson on vocals, Tim Hillier-Brook on guitar, Tim Lucas on bass, and Dan Searle on drums. Initially named 'Counting the Days', the band later became Architects. They operated actively within the local music scene, setting the foundation for their future in metalcore music.
2006

Debut album 'Nightmares' and lineup changes

In 2006, Architects released their debut album 'Nightmares', which featured a coarse, chaotic, and rhythmically complex metalcore style strongly influenced by bands like The Dillinger Escape Plan. Shortly after the album release, original bassist Tim Lucas left the band to pursue academics and was replaced by Alex Dean. Additionally, vocalist Matt Johnson departed from the band six months after 'Nightmares', prompting a significant change in their lineup and sound direction.
2007

Sam Carter joins as lead vocalist and release of 'Ruin'

Following Matt Johnson's departure, Sam Carter was brought in as the new lead vocalist after being spotted performing in other local bands. His first performance with Architects was marked by the song 'The Darkest Tomb'. With Carter's addition, the band released their second album 'Ruin', which began to shape their emerging identity in the metalcore scene, balancing their chaotic roots with new melodic elements.
2009

Release of 'Hollow Crown' and rising recognition

Architects released their third album, 'Hollow Crown', in 2009 under Century Media Records. This album marked their first entry into the UK Albums Chart at number 117, signaling their growing popularity beyond the underground metalcore scene. During this period, the band solidified their uncompromising blend of aggressive technicality and melody, which became their signature style.
2011

Shift in style with 'The Here and Now' and chart success

In January 2011, Architects released their fourth album 'The Here and Now'. This album saw the band adopting a more melodic post-hardcore direction, which received mixed reactions as it alienated some original fans. Despite this, the album reached number 57 on the UK Albums Chart and topped the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart, showing their commercial growth and willingness to experiment with their sound.
2012

Return to heavier sound with 'Daybreaker' and lineup change

Architects returned towards their original heavy style with the release of their fifth album 'Daybreaker' in 2012. The album achieved notable chart success, reaching number 42 on the UK Albums Chart and again topping the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart. Guitarist Tim Hillier-Brook left the band this year, temporarily replaced by Josh Middleton, frontman of Sylosis. The band also introduced more politically charged lyrics during this era.
2014

Critical acclaim with 'Lost Forever // Lost Together' and signing to Epitaph Records

In 2014, Architects released their sixth album 'Lost Forever // Lost Together' after signing with Epitaph Records. This album balanced melody and technical harshness, earning lasting popularity and critical acclaim. It charted in the UK top 20 and entered the US Billboard 200 at number 125, marking a significant milestone in the band's international presence. Adam Christianson joined as a touring guitarist this year and later became an official member.
2016

Release of 'All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us' and the death of Tom Searle

Architects released their seventh studio album 'All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us' in May 2016, which reached number 15 in the UK and charted well internationally, including top ten spots in Australia and Germany. Tragically, guitarist and principal songwriter Tom Searle died from skin cancer on August 20, 2016, after battling the illness for three years. His death cast uncertainty on the band's future, as Dan Searle became the only original member remaining.
2017-2018

Band continuation and release of 'Holy Hell'

In 2017, Architects announced they were working on new material despite Tom Searle's passing. They released 'Doomsday' in September 2017, the last song Tom worked on before his death. Josh Middleton was announced as the new lead guitarist. The band released their eighth studio album 'Holy Hell' in November 2018. This album, recorded without Tom Searle, dealt with themes of loss, grief, and resilience, symbolizing the band's determination to continue their musical journey.
2021

First UK chart-topper with 'For Those That Wish to Exist'

Architects released their ninth studio album 'For Those That Wish to Exist' on 26 February 2021. It became their first album to reach number one on the UK Albums Chart, representing a high point in their career. This album expanded their sound with elements of electronic music and continued to address environmental and existential themes, reinforcing their role as influential voices in modern metalcore.
2022

Release of 'The Classic Symptoms of a Broken Spirit'

In October 2022, Architects released their tenth studio album, 'The Classic Symptoms of a Broken Spirit'. This album continued the band's exploration of emotional depth, technical proficiency, and social commentary. It was another step in their evolution, maintaining their status as leading figures in the metalcore genre with innovative songwriting and powerful performances.
2025

Release of 'The Sky, the Earth & All Between'

Architects released their eleventh studio album 'The Sky, the Earth & All Between' on 28 February 2025. This latest album continues to showcase their signature blend of melodic intensity and technical metalcore elements. It marks over two decades of the band's evolution, resilience, and influence in the heavy music scene, affirming their enduring presence and creative vitality.

Albums

architects_1st_album
Nightmares
8 tracks
2006
architects_2nd_album
Ruin
12 tracks
2008
architects_3rd_album
Hollow Crown
13 tracks
2009
architects_4th_album
The Here and Now
11 tracks
2011
architects_5th_album
Daybreaker
11 tracks
2012
architects_6th_album
Lost Forever // Lost Together
11 tracks
2014
architects_7th_album
All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us
11 tracks
2016
architects_8th_album
Holy Hell
11 tracks
2018
architects_9th_album
For Those That Wish to Exist
15 tracks
2021
architects_10th_album
the classic symptoms of a broken spirit
11 tracks
2022
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Dan Searle

2004

Drums (drum set)

Percussion

Sam Carter

2007

Lead vocals

Ali Dean

2018

Keyboard

Electronic drum set

Ali Dean

2011

Bass guitar

Adam Christianson

2015

Guitar

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Tom Searle

2004
2016

Guitar

Synthesizer

Matt Johnson

2004
2007

Lead vocals

Tim Hillier-Brook

2004
2012

Guitar

Josh Middleton

2016
2016

Guitar

Additional

Adam Christianson

2012
2015

Additional

Guitar

Morgan Sinclair

2013
2014

Guitar

Additional

Ali Dean

2006
2011

Bass guitar

Casey Lagos

2011
2011

Additional

Bass guitar

Josh Middleton

2017
2023

Guitar

Tim Lucas

2004
2006

Bass guitar

Josh Middleton

2012
2012

Guitar

Additional

Sean Delander

2016
2016

Additional

Guitar

Story of Architects

Architects: A British Metalcore Force

Hailing from Brighton, East Sussex, Architects emerged in 2004, formed by twin brothers Dan and Tom Searle. This British metalcore band initially carved a chaotic path with their first three albums, heavily influenced by the likes of The Dillinger Escape Plan. Their sound was raw, aggressive, and rhythmically complex, a sonic whirlwind for fans of the genre.

In 2011, Architects shifted gears, adopting a more melodic post-hardcore direction with "The Here and Now". While this change resonated with some, it alienated others who preferred their earlier, heavier sound. They navigated this split in their fanbase with "Daybreaker" (2012), striking a balance between melody and technical aggression while incorporating more politically charged lyrics.

Their 2014 release, "Lost Forever // Lost Together", became a turning point, catapulting Architects into mainstream recognition and critical acclaim. It solidified their unique blend of melody, technicality, and raw emotion, resonating with a wider audience.

Tragedy struck in 2016, when guitarist and primary songwriter Tom Searle passed away after battling skin cancer. This left Dan Searle as the only original member. However, Architects' legacy continued. They released "Doomsday" in 2017, a powerful single featuring Tom's final work, and welcomed Middleton as their new lead guitarist. "Holy Hell," their first album without Tom, dropped in 2018, a testament to the band's enduring spirit and a poignant tribute to their fallen brother.

Architects, despite the loss, have continued to push boundaries, evolving their sound while honoring their roots. With each album, they showcase their dedication to crafting powerful, emotionally resonant metalcore that continues to captivate fans worldwide.

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