UK metal-core legends Architects stormed through The Great Canadian Resort in Toronto this past Thursday as part of their 2025 North American tour, delivering a blistering set showcasing their veteran status in the genre. Sharing the stage were rising California group Holywatr, and co-headliners Erra from Alabama, making for a dynamic three-band bill that balanced new blood with seasoned titans. The night kicked off with Holywatr, an emerging act hailing from the West Coast. Though only formed in 2020 as a solo project turned full-fledged four-piece, they’ve quickly built an impressive following. Their sound is a pop-metal fusion, creating an accessible yet aggressive vibe that had the crowd moving from the first riff. Vocalist Patrick commanded the stage with charisma, eventually jumping into the crowd to mosh and sing alongside fans, a moment that perfectly set the tone for the evening. 
Next up was Erra, and if Holywatr brought the spark, Erra brought the fire. Known for their mix of melodic and atmospheric clean vocals, topped with heavier growls and deep screams, their set was impressively polarizing. The audience responded with full-force; circle pits erupted, crowdsurfers cascaded toward the front, and the venue pulsed with synchronized headbanging. Erra’s reputation for intensity was on full display and they proved why they continue to be one of the most respected acts in modern progressive metal-core. When Architects finally took the stage, the energy in the room shifted. The stage was dimly lit, fog spilling over the floor as anticipation built. A single spotlight beamed over front man Sam Carter, who stood center stage as the band opened with Elegy, a slow-burning intro that exploded into full-blown chaos. The crowd erupted as strobes flashed in sync with crushing breakdowns and emotional choruses.
Architects’ set list pulled from across their discography, blending newer anthems like “Black Lungs”, “Meteor”, and “Curse” with iconic hits like “Royal Beggars”, “Doomsday” and “Gone With The Wind”. Each track was delivered with surgical precision and raw emotion, reinforcing why the band is considered one of the most influential forces in the metal-core scene. The night concluded with a powerful encore of “Animals”, as Carter held the mic out to a sea of voices who sang every word back at him. The floor became a battlefield of moshers giving their all, in what felt like a cathartic performance for everyone in the room. For those who missed out or want to relive the chaos from the show in Toronto, we’ve captured some of the night’s best moments in our exclusive photo gallery just below. With just a few U.S. dates left on this run, now’s the time to catch Architects live. Finally, make sure to follow the band on all social media platforms @Architects for additional updates and more content.
Article & Photos By Claudia K (@ThinkTwicePhoto)
