Sound: "Daybreaker" is beautifully arranged. There is a wonderful feeling of ambience that lasts the entire record, whether it's through the chime-like rings at the beginning of "These Colours Don't Run" or in the gentle murmurs of vocalist Sam Carter in the opening track "The Bitter End". That's not to say the album is soft. This is Architects at the end of day. The signature off-rhythm, screeching, yet heavy and dull (in the good sense!) guitar tone has returned on this album, ensuring that "Daybreaker" has plenty of teeth behind the nice smile. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: Lyrically, "Daybreaker" is actually surprisingly refreshing, and sets new ground for the band. Carter screams about the corrupt, capitalist society we live in ("These Colours Don't Run") and snarls about the inquisitive power of religion ("Alpha Omega"). From time to time they do fall under the bleak and generic theme that is always present in this genre. But for the most part, Sam Carter delivers a gritty, p-ssed-off opinion of the state of the world, and it is satisfying. // 8
Impression: It is frustrating having to succumb to unintelligent internet users who have been howling this for the past few months, but "Daybreaker" is indeed a return to form for Architects, after the great - but not spectacular - "The Here And Now". Therefore, my sole criticism of this album is the pure fact of the negative stigma existing behind it. That said, it's satisfying knowing that "Daybreaker" will be - not necessarily a "slap in the face" - but more a confident return to greatness for Architects. I know I would buy because I'm looking at the CD now. A great, great album. // 9
People I know have been begging me to like this album, but its still a lost cause on me. More breakdown repitition.