▣Iron City | Birmingham, AL  ▣Thursday, May 7th, 2026
▣Photographer/Journalist: Dani S.

An Architects show in 2026 is exactly what you would envision – an eruption of fire and adrenaline! On The Broken Mirror Tour, the band storms onstage determined to prove they’re still one of metalcore’s most vital forces. Their performance balances might and searing intimacy—a daring feat most in the genre don’t attempt, and their initial steps onto the stage were only the beginning of this wild night.

The night begins with Holywatr. Officially the opener, they quickly prove themselves more than a simple warm-up act. As their progressive metal textures and groove-heavy riffs slice through the initial chatter, the atmosphere shifts, and the audience’s focus intensifies. The performance flows, toggling between moments of heaviness and sweeping melody, keeping the crowd engaged throughout. Their dual vocals -soaring cleans paired with guttural screams. Bring a dynamic edge. Even newcomers feel that resonance. By mid-set, it became clear to me that the crowd present was dedicated to both acts, but Holywayr especially, effectively setting the musical tone for the evening and teeing up the main event.

When Architects took the stage, anticipation had built up and marked a distinct shift in the night’s energy. Rather than revisiting past hits, they open with new material—leaning fully into the cinematic scope of their latest album. Layered electronics combine with towering choruses to create an aggressive, unmistakable backbone. The production is sharp, but never sterile. Every breakdown lands with precision. This transition to fresh material delivers the raw energy that fans expect and crave.

Frontman Sam Carter commands the stage like an exposed nerve. His voice flickers between white-hot fury and haunting, exposed melody, sometimes burning and aching in one breath. Every show unspools with uncertainty. Yet, his presence is magnetic, the connection with fans immediate—a lifeline. Whether leading towering sing-alongs or plunging into relentless, harsh segments, he shapes the room’s pulse. The connection never falters, only intensifies each time hope collides with aggression.

After establishing their presence with new material, the setlist merges into the band’s eras, creating a seamless flow throughout the concert. Older tracks fuel heavier energy in the pit while newer songs show the band’s evolution into an expansive, arena-ready sound. It’s important to understand that these transitions feel connected, not disjointed, however. Architects clearly show how they have refined their identity. Each shift blends technical aggression with anthemic songwriting, further driving the night’s dynamic emotional journey. This continuity reminds fans how far they’ve come since their chaotic beginnings. The band still retains the core intensity that defined them.

Pacing fuels the night’s tension; there’s barely a breath to spare. Pauses are sharp, brief—the only moments to catch your heartbeat. As the show surges onward, lighting and visuals amplify every crescendo and emotional freefall, shaping the night’s drama without ever overshadowing the performers. Momentum is everything this tour stands for. Architects burn through nostalgia, attacking new songs with eruptive passion fit to ignite the crowd anew. Energy ricochets from stage to audience and back, the feedback loop growing hotter.

By the end, exhaustion and exhilaration hang in the air. Architects prove they are restless, propulsive—pushing metalcore’s heart forward. Holywatr’s opening shot electrifies that trajectory, making the tour a charged testament to the genre’s ferocity and future. If your city is on the tour roster, you must make it a point to catch the show.

Check out our contributor photographer, Dani S. photos now!

HOLYWATR

ARCHITECS

Check out their websites for more info –

Holywatr

Architecs

SETLIST

Elegy
Whiplash
when we were young
Impermanence
Meteor
Brain Dead
deep fake
Everything Ends
Black Lungs
Curse
Royal Beggars
Gone With the Wind (Snippet)
Doomsday
Blackhole

Encore:
Seeing Red
Animals