Architect - Ghost of the Saltwater Machines

Architect is a largely under-rated often ignored hardcore/metalcore group out of Syracuse, New York. I have been a fan of this band for a while and I have been disappointed to not see these guys pick up the kind of momentum that a lot of bands of much less talent and dedication have. I don't think they have been effectively marketed to a really hardcore audience, instead more swept up with a bunch of deathcore acts that came up in the same time as them, and because of that, it's hard to get new kids to look at them. It's really unfortunate.

Architect is an in your face, issues driven band that is always intense. Their first album 'All Is Not Lost' was released last year, and was an explosive debut of chaotic hardcore tunes that I enjoyed quite a bit. 'Ghost of the Saltwater Machines' is more a continuation of that style, but has a much heavier more intense feel to it, as well as some more groove oriented riffing.

While it may not be much different than their previous material, I think it's still a compelling listen. It's definitely more pissed off than the first record, and the hardcore influences are much more pronounced both in the song writing and the recording. The first album had a very metal tone through out, but this record has a much more 'raw' sound. The vocals are as fierce as ever, I feel my own throat tearing open listening to these songs and it's just awesome. There is some tinkering throughout with more ambient sounding pieces and lots of play with feedback and stuff that pull together a different sound without getting too experimental, and maintaining its intensity throughout. Favorite tracks include 'I Am Become Death' (which has a sample from The Red Dawn at the end), 'Lamplighter' though every track here is solid.

One part I want to talk about this record is the visuals of the album art. This band has always had some pretty awesome visuals to accompany their music whether it's album art or merch designs and this album is no different. The package that this album comes in is fantastic and really ties in with Architect themes. I don't think enough bands really put enough effort into the visual side of their album art lately and these guys deserve props for it. You can see that art here on their MySpace.

It's not record of the year or anything, but it's a really great album and band that people should check out. Look past what bands they get pushed along with and listen to them.

Architect on MySpace
Black Market Activities