Wisconsin-based rising metalcore band ARCHERS have released their fourth EP Temporary High on June 13 via SBG Records.
Most known for their emotional lyrical storytelling, intense energy and uncompromising sound, the band continues their rise in the modern metalcore scene with the release of this authentically cathartic body of work. With frontman Nathanael Pulley, guitarist Ben Koehler, bassist Oscar Porter and drummer Grayson Mesarosh, ARCHERS flawlessly blend their shared passion for pop, metalcore and emo into the very core of each track on Temporary High.
The EP’s lead single, “Better Off,” is the first track that welcomes the listener to ARCHERS’ explosive and intense talent. It’s a hard-hitting track that jumps at you from the second it begins with heavy guitar riffs and guttural screams from Pulley. The band shared,
“’Better Off’ is about breaking free from a manipulative relationship and having the courage to set and enforce personal boundaries even when it’s uncomfortable.”
This is a common theme seen throughout Temporary High’s five tracks, with a lot of the EP addressing toxic attractions, discovering self-worth, and letting go of unhealthy tendencies. “Wide Awake” continues to expand upon these themes through its powerful vocal delivery and breakdowns. Toxic attraction can almost feel like an addiction, which is exactly what ARCHERS strives to convey with this song.
“Safe Now” sees ARCHERS tone down their usual metalcore formula for a more vulnerable and softer approach. Its execution is haunting and explores emotions of defeat, doubt and disappointment in a failing relationship that you’re unable to walk away from. Pulley laments, “There’s nothing I can say to bring you comfort / Nothing I can say to bring you peace,” showcasing the track’s emotional vulnerability and weight.
“Never Enough” addresses the uncomfortable truth of being in a toxic relationship. Its intense mosh pit-inducing breakdowns and emotional lyricism make it a compellingly honest and cathartic addition to Temporary High. The track heavily reflects on the unhealthy nature of this connection through its lyrics, including “Am I lovesick or sick of the love? / What have we become” and “I only want you when you’ve got something I need.”
Temporary High finishes with “Crooked Smile,” a heart-wrenching track that sees the band experiment and mix pop elements with their classic metalcore grit. It encapsulates every emotion, thought, and feeling poured into the lyricism seen throughout the rest of Temporary High into one beautifully haunting track. “Crooked Smile” is the perfect conclusion to an incredibly hard-hitting EP, both sonically and thematically.
ARCHERS have a stacked schedule of festival appearances and tour dates for the rest of the year and the beginning of 2026. The band will be performing at Download Festival in the UK on June 15, Summerfest in their home state of Wisconsin on July 5, and more massive festivals all around the world through the end of the year. They’ll also be embarking on a North American headlining tour directly after their Summerfest appearance, which runs until July 27, in St. Louis, Missouri. ARCHERS will then be touring North America again at the very start of 2026 in support of Nothing More alongside Catch Your Breath and Doobie. Tickets and information for all of ARCHERS’ upcoming shows can be found here.
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