Architects + Stray From The Path + Northlane + Landscapes @ Birmingham Institute – 12th March 2014
Brighton Metalcore giants Architects have just entered a very busy period, having only just released their sixth full length LP ‘Lost Forever // Lost Together’, tonight’s packed out Birmingham show is the fifth in a huge 35 date European tour. Tonight’s audience are in for a treat, as Architects have brought with them not one, but three support acts. Consisting of hugely talented bands in their own right; Australian metallers Northlane, New York hardcore boys Stray From The Path and the exciting melodic hardcore band Landscapes, hailing from Somerset.
I made sure I was at the venue nice and early, I didn’t want to miss Landscapes , who were up first. Arguably my most anticipated band on tonight’s roster, their set begins with ‘Cemetery’ the slow burning opener from debut album ‘Life Gone Wrong’. At less than two minutes long, this short burst of emotional charged melodic hardcore shows exactly what Landscapes are all about with down-tempo guitars, a driving drum beat and impressive vocals. Set highlights include ‘The Coming Of Age’ which combines melodic guitar arpeggios, simple yet hard hitting drums and Shaun Milton pouring his heart and soul into every word. Landscapes’ short set ends with ‘Paradox’, it’s the perfect finisher to a great set. The song builds up for what seems like forever with heartfelt vocals and driving guitars. Until the guitar slices through with a riff that people just can’t help but move to.
Next up are Australian metalcore band Northlane, following the formula for most metalcore bands nowadays it would seem. Generic breakdowns do occasionally let up during their set, but they generally flatter to deceive. And while vocalist Adrian Fitipaldes sounds, on record, like a strong frontman, only around 20% of that is what is on show tonight. His screamed delivery only lasting maybe 2 words out of each phrase as it would it would appear his voice can’t produce the blistering screams that are so evident on their studio releases. There was no doubt of his talent on display tonight, just not enough of it.
Which can’t be said of Drew York of Stray From The Path, who delivers song after song of in-your-face aggressive vocals. Yet, unlike Adrian of Northlane his ability to constantly stay at this aggressive state is what really impresses me during this set. Particular highlights include ‘Badge And A Bullet’ and ‘False Flag’ which both have definite Rage Against The Machine vibes to them, which is never a bad thing. Drew has the crowd in the palm of his hand throughout Stray From The Path’s set and circle pits are a constant sight. As is the sight of people coming out of the mosh pit holding their various battle wounds. One particular young man comes out with a badly bloodied nose, a handful of blood and a huge grin across his face. Which pretty much sums up Stray From The Path, brutal yet immensely fun. If their job was to warm up the crowd for the main act, they’ve certainly gone above and beyond what was asked of them. Which begs the question, how does any band follow that?
Well, here to give it a go are Architects. Midway through the British leg of their huge European tour in support of their recent musical offering ‘Lost Forever // Lost Together’. The atmosphere in the room had almost reached bursting point by the time the lights went down and everyone in the room chanted “ARCHITECTS’’ repeatedly. As the band stride onto the stage the roar from the crowd is deafening. Only to be answered by the blood curdling screams of vocalist Sam Carter as the band jump straight into their new album’s opener ‘Gravedigger’. The crowd’s response to this song is incredible, especially since the new album only came out the day before tonight’s gig. Architects continue to pummel the crowd through the whole gig, delivering a perfect blend of old and new songs to make sure everyone goes home happy.
Fan favourites such as ‘Early Grave’ and ‘Even If You Win, You’re Still A Rat’ go down a storm with the crowd lapping up every scream, breakdown and huge double kick drum forged rhythm, it’s a testament to how far Architects have come in the last year when new songs ‘Naysayer’ and ‘Broken Cross’ become set stealing anthems with every word screamed back by an ever willing crowd.
For a frontman who claims “I am the worst frontman” Sam Carter sure knows how to make the crowd feel appreciated. He continuously tells the crowd how amazing they are and how much all this means to the band. ‘Unbelievable’ is the word of the night, used so many times by Sam during interactions with the crowd. It is obvious that this band is truly humbled by how much the crowd adores them.
Ending the set with the huge ‘These Colours Don’t Run’, any song with the line “You fucking pigs’’ before the biggest breakdown of the night was bound to leave everyone in the Institute leaving happy. On tonight’s evidence Architects are one of the best live bands around. To see a band perform at such a high intensity and still put their heart and soul into every song is a thrill to witness. This is band on the up and there is no telling how far they can go if they continue on this path.
Review – Francis Sebestjanowicz
Photos – Steve Gerrard