Architects

Often, the release of a second CD is the deciding factor to a band’s future success. Ruin, Architects’ follow up to 2006’s Nightmares, is a fanatical, progressive metallic hardcore album. From "Buried at Sea” to "Save Me,” this disc has all the building blocks of a great record. The energy displayed by these young bucks comes from hard, metal-inspired guitar riffs and tight, technical drumming. "Heartless” demonstrates their intensity, combining hardcore and metal with harmonies in the chorus while never failing to comeback to their heavy, ass-kicking ways. Lead singer Sam Carter displays his chops on "You’ll Find Safety,” where his metal shout/scream is paired with clean vocals, showing that he’s not one-dimensional, unlike many metal vocalists. Ruin is structurally sound and showcases Architects’ technical abilities. (Distort)