Sam Carter delivered a fierce, emotionally raw performance that electrified The Ritz from the first note.

Architects — https://architectsofficial.com — latest release: https://architectsofficial.com/music

Architects brought “The Broken Mirror Tour” to The Ritz on 5/8/26 with the confidence of a band that has spent nearly two decades refining modern metalcore into something globally dominant. Formed in Brighton, England, and currently signed to Epitaph Records, Architects’ discography stretches from Nightmares through Hollow Crown, Lost Forever // Lost Together, All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us, Holy Hell, For Those That Wish to Exist, The Classic Symptoms of a Broken Spirit, and into their latest 2026 cycle release. This tour, built around themes of reflection and identity, is running across North America and Europe with key stops in London, Berlin, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Toronto, totaling roughly 40+ dates. Their Raleigh set was precise and forceful, with tight execution from Sam Carter and the band’s current lineup, and a crowd that stayed fully engaged from the first song through the close. Stage design leaned on clean LED panel grids and controlled strobe work; however, no confirmed public attribution exists for the staging or lighting vendors, and front-of-house engineering personnel were not publicly credited for this date. Merchandise included updated Broken Mirror Tour apparel, vinyl reissues, and limited-run prints tied to the current album cycle. Architects continue to carry industry recognition including Kerrang! Awards and Metal Hammer accolades, and they have maintained visible support for mental health awareness initiatives over the years. The performance in Raleigh reflected a band operating at a high professional level with consistent delivery across a demanding international schedule.

Architects

Holywatr — https://holywatr.com — latest release: https://holywatr.com/music

Holywatr opened the night with a focused set that introduced their catalog to a room already leaning forward. The band, emerging within the alternative metalcore space, has built its reputation through independent releases and steady touring, with distribution aligned through smaller label partnerships rather than a major imprint. Their discography remains compact but intentional, with a growing list of singles and EP material that has gained traction on streaming platforms. On this tour, they are covering the full North American leg as direct support, using the exposure to expand into new markets before heading into select European dates later in the year. Their performance at The Ritz was controlled and direct, with an emphasis on tight rhythm work and vocal clarity. Visual presentation was minimal compared to the headliner, relying on the house lighting rig and basic color washes, and no confirmed third-party staging or lighting design companies were credited for their setup. Merchandise consisted of shirts, hoodies, and physical copies of their recent releases, all moving steadily at the merch table after their set. While still early in their career, Holywatr has begun to build a following through consistent live work and a disciplined release schedule, and their inclusion on this tour positions them well for further growth.

Holywatr