Architects

Mixing elements of grind and post-metal in their metalcore brew, England's Architects emerge on their third full-length with a bite as big as their bark. Released (and heralded) overseas before appearing stateside, Hollow Crown showcases a well-executed amalgamation of start-stop rhythms, tempo changes, calculated breakdowns, grooves, blastbeats and pummeling guitars with pained screaming vs. pained singing throughout. Full-speed-ahead tracks like "Early Graves" and "One of These Days" mark their heavy talent, while emotional tracks "In Elegance" and "Dead March" show their versatility.