The Armed

The Armed

The Armed is a hardcore punk and mathcore group from Detroit, United States. Formed in 2009, it is associated with Detroit hardcore and has also been described through genres including noise rock and post-hardcore. The group is active and is centred on Chris Slorach and Tony Wolski.

Background

The Armed begins with members drawn from the Detroit hardcore punk scene. Chris Elkjar, Tony Wolski and Aaron Jones previously play in another Detroit band, Slicer Dicer, which forms in 2006 and breaks up in late 2008. The Armed continues some of that material in live shows and includes the Slicer Dicer songs “Terrordactyl” and “Buy A Snake” on its first full-length release.

Style and live performance

The group’s sound combines complex guitar work, off-time polyrhythmic drumming, yelling-style vocals and synthesised elements in some songs. Its live performances are known for energetic stage presentation and intense lighting, with the band often playing in the crowd and encouraging mosh participation. Its lighting setup is compared with that of the mathcore band Botch.

Releases

The Armed’s first full-length album is These Are Lights, released as a free online album. The record is mixed by Kurt Ballou at Godcity and mastered by Nick Zampiello and Rob Gonella at New Alliance East. Later full-length releases listed include COMMON ENEMIES (2010), YOUNG & BEAUTIFUL (2011) and SPREADING JOY (2012), all issued as free online releases.

Members

The lineup listed includes Adam Senko on vocals and lyrics, Chris Elkjar on guitar, Aaron Jones on guitar, Kenny Szymanski on bass guitar, Tony Wolski on drums, lyrics and vocals, and Dan Greene on synth and stage lighting.

Online presence

The group maintains an official website for These Are Lights and a MySpace page.