Out Of The Black

Architects Guitarists Josh Middleton And Adam Christianson Pay Tribute To Founding Member Tom Searle And Reveal The Story Behind Landmark New Album Holy Hell…

- Amit Sharma

When TG last caught up with Brighton metallers Architects on a sunny afternoon in April 2016, founding brothers Tom and Dan Searle explained how it was a mutual love for music that spurred each other on and eventually became the foundation for the band they started over a decade prior. It very much felt like the twins were a walking definition of musical telepathy, while also lightheartedly playing up to sibling rivalries in the accompanying photoshoot that celebrated seventh full-length, All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us.

Only months later, it was announced guitarist Tom had passed away at the age of 28 following a three-year fight with cancer. It was a devastating loss that shook the metal community to its core. “I don’t know what will become of Architects” Dan admitted in the band’s announcement, adding: “Me and Tom started playing in a band together when we were 13 and Architects is just an evolution of the band that we started over half my life ago.” Two years on and having fulfilled touring commitments with the band, Sylosis leader and Tom’s friend Josh Middleton is now with Architects on a full-term basis and worked closely with Dan for new effort, Holy Hell. It’s a huge achievement for a number of reasons and, as Josh and fellow guitarist Adam Christianson explain, an album born of love, loss and respect.

What were the biggest challenges in deciding to carry on as a band?