Archives – ‘Decay’ (Self-Released)

By Monk

There’s a saying here in Belfast about “going around the world for a shortcut”. Norn Irish newcomers Archives could have probably saved themselves such a journey by walking 100 or so yards out of Belfast city centre and sticking this, their debut CD, through the ÜRHQ letterbox (or leaving it behind the bar at our local, possibly attached to a bottle of nice bourbon) rather than having to send it all the way to London only to have it posted back here… but, that’s the way the business works, and it got here in the end, didn’t it? Yeah, I know I’m being pedantic, but that’s just the miserable old fart in me!

So, having said that, are this young mob about to find themselves consigned to the ignominy of the ÜR archives (sic)? Actually, hardly likely, as this hard-hitting debut album is not likely to decay (sic, again) out of our aural cortexes for some time to come, as this quintet follow very much in the footsteps of countrymen (sorry, am I allowed to use that word?) such as Ketos, Cursed Sun and Lock Horns in delivering emphatically powerful death-infused groove metal that stands firmly and defiantly alongside many of the bigger, more internationally recognized acts operating in the same mien.

Riding a wave somewhere between progressive metal and deathcore, ‘Decay’ is a deftly crafted and stridently confident debut. It is declarative in its intent, and concise in its delivery. It pummels yet protects, embracing you like an old friend but still adopting that stand-offish “do I know you?” approach locals take when a NKOTB walks into their bar. But there’s nothing nervous about this entrance, as Archives stride confidently up to the counter and order double bourbons all round… and that’ll do for me bais… just hold the ice in mine, OK?

‘Decay’ is released on 10 December. You can get your copy HERE.
Archives play Voodoo in Belfast on 8 December, with support from Dream Awake and Heels Of Achilles.

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