REVIEW: Archers - Temporary High

In the ever-evolving and progressing genre that is metalcore, Midwest quartet Archers are here to show exactly why they are a part of the latest set of bands moving the genre forwards. Their next release, Temporary High, is a five track EP set to be released just in time for the band's first ever appearance at the UK's own Download festival, and it's bound to make some new fans out of anyone in attendance

Archers started their musical journey together in 2015, and less than a decade later have been able to tour with bands such as Catch Your Breath, From Ashes to New, Magnolia Park and Imminence. Hopefully that means that you may have heard of these guys before, but if not, we think any fans who enjoy the blending of metal with any genre should be tuning into Temporary High!

The EP launches straight into the heavy metalcore sound of ‘Better Off’, as lead singer Nathanael Pulley perfectly blends his deep growling with smooth melodic vocals. The song utilizes trap beats at times, and even some melodic rapping which Nathaneal pulls through into a scream at the end, which ended up being one of our personal highlights of the whole EP, even at just a minute and a half into the first track.

‘Wide Awake’ opens with electronic synths creating a spacious and airy sound, perfectly reflected in the opening vocals. The drums slowly build to a compelling chorus that you'll certainly find stuck in your head. Drummer Grayson Mesarosh flawlessly set the tone of each section, using half beats and ravenous fills to take advantage of every moment, which will be ideal for moshing at their upcoming shows. 

The next track, 'Safe Now', slows the momentum to present an unmasked side of the band, starting with a slow piano that employs a symphonic use of backing vocals and hums. The song is wondrous and full of raw emotion, a deep bass humming throughout. In the second half of the song, drums gradually build in the peripheral, before launching into a full scale chorus. The lyrics are powerful being mirrored in the tone of Nathaneal’s voice - both in higher and lower forms, and even growing into growls at points - this song will surely be a tear jerker for the fans.

‘Never Enough’ picks the EP right back up, with shredding riffs and a deep beat, mixed with sultry aggressive lyrics that portray a relatable rage. The band added electronic elements throughout, but those are more in the background for this one, keeping the instruments in the forefront. The breakdown is the perfect tempo for some earth-shaking moshpits, before leading into a packed final chorus to close the song out. 

The last track on this EP takes things back to the trap beats heard in the beginning, starting off with more pop influence than its predecessors. The chorus sees the full band come back in, to support the built up dynamics with full drums and guitars. ‘Crooked Smile’ has Nathaneal using the upper register of his vocals. which stay buttery and smooth while opportunistically accenting lines with growls. 

To summarise, this EP is five tracks compacted with the punch of a full album - the mix of genres and emotions throughout make it one hell of a rollercoaster. We anticipate that many metalcore fans will adore this EP, and we hope that it brings attention to the bands talent, even with non-fans. The band have a full schedule to smash this year, so be sure to head to their socials to see where you can hear these and so many other bangers live!

Score: 9/10

Temporary High will be released on June 13th 2025 via SBG Records.

Words: Amy Smyth

Photos: Archers