Architects’ lead guitarist and main songwriter Tom Searle passed away on August 20, 2016, after a three-year battle with skin cancer. His death was a huge loss for the band, but instead of stopping, they chose to keep going. They changed their sound, message, and approach to music over the years, but always remembered Tom.
Tom Searle and the Early Years of Architects
Tom Searle started Architects in 2004 with his twin brother Dan Searle, who plays drums. The band was known for its technical and heavy style by mixing metalcore with complex guitar work. Tom wrote most of their songs and lyrics. They covered topics like animal rights, religion, and environmental issues. The band’s music became more melodic over time, but they always kept their heavy edge.
Tom Searle’s Battle With Cancer
Tom was diagnosed with melanoma, a type of skin cancer, in 2013. He was told he was cancer-free after surgery, but the disease came back. He kept his illness private, but he hinted at it in the song ‘C.A.N.C.E.R’ from the album ‘Lost Forever // Lost Together.’
In June 2016, while on tour in Luxembourg, his condition got worse. He was placed in a coma before recovering enough to return home. Sadly, in August, he passed away at Martlets hospice in Hove at just 28 years old.
The Band’s Reaction and Decision to Continue
Dan Searle announced Tom’s death in an emotional Facebook post, saying he wasn’t sure if the band would continue. Architects then chose to finish their tour as a way to honor Tom. Guitarists Sean Delander (Thy Art Is Murder) and Josh Middleton (Sylosis) filled in for live shows, and by 2017, Josh became a full-time member.
The band also launched a JustGiving donation page in Tom’s memory to raise money for Martlets hospice, where he spent his final days.
Tom’s Final Song and Unfinished Music
Tom had been working on a song called ‘Doomsday’ before his death. Dan decided to finish and release it in 2017. It was the first Architects song without Tom. The band later released the album ‘Holy Hell’ (2018), which was heavily influenced by their loss. Most of the songs were new, but some parts included Tom’s original guitar recordings.
How Architects Changed After Tom’s Death
Architects’ music had a technical metalcore style before Tom’s passing, but after ‘Holy Hell,’ their sound became larger and more anthemic. Their 2021 album, ‘For Those That Wish to Exist,’ focused on climate change instead of personal loss. This marked a shift in their themes and helped them reach new audiences. The song ‘Animals’ became a major hit, and the album reached No. 1 in the UK.
Josh Middleton left the band by 2023, and Architects continued as a four-piece. Tom’s influence remained in their songwriting and performances despite these changes.
The Emotional Impact on the Band
Losing Tom was not just a musical loss—it affected the band members deeply. Dan Searle took over writing lyrics, often exploring grief, loss, and finding meaning after tragedy. Vocalist Sam Carter later admitted that performing these songs night after night was emotionally difficult.
The band wanted to move forward, but they were often labeled as the ‘grief band.‘ Over time, they embraced new themes in their music while still honoring Tom’s memory.
What the Band Learned From Tom’s Death
Tom’s passing changed the way Architects viewed life and music. Dan Searle spoke about the importance of finding hope after loss. Sam Carter encouraged fans to never leave things unsaid when dealing with loved ones. Even as they evolve, Architects continue to carry Tom’s influence in everything they do.
Tom Searle may no longer be with them, but his music and impact on Architects will never fade.
