The Armed: A Raw Response to Chaos
An Immediate Reaction to Dehumanization
The Armed are back with a vengeance, unleashing their sixth album, THE FUTURE IS HERE AND EVERYTHING NEEDS TO BE DESTROYED. Departing from their previous conceptual explorations through hardcore punk and extreme pop, this album embraces a more visceral approach. It embodies a frantic response to the pervasive dehumanization and disasters that characterize contemporary life.
The Sound of Frustration
The album kicks off with a palpable intensity, featuring a relentless barrage of blast beats, dissonant guitars, and Wolski’s feral vocal outbursts. The opening track sets the tone with a frantic proclamation of impending doom. “FOOLS! LIARS! HEATHENS! TRAITORS! REPENT! BE SAVED! JUDGMENT IS COMING!” screams lead vocalist Tony Wolski, encapsulating the urgency and despair that permeates the record.
An Unfiltered Expression of Weltschmerz
Accompanying the album’s release, a press statement described it as an "unfiltered expression of Weltschmerz," a German term referring to the sadness that arises when reality fails to meet our ideals. The Armed’s latest offering reflects a world fraught with chaos, where the daily barrage of information includes everything from state-sanctioned violence to the triviality of social media.
Exploring the Madness
In tracks like “Kingbreaker,” the band juxtaposes a desert rock swagger with intense breakdowns, showcasing Wolski’s raw vocal delivery. Lines like “My only friends are fucking scum…/In the noise we are all just ghosts” reveal the profound disillusionment embedded within the chaos.
Balancing Brutality and Melody
The album masterfully distributes brutal breakdowns, serving as guiding beacons through the overwhelming noise. On “Gave Up,” the pace shifts dramatically as Wolski howls, “so hollowed out,” while a melodic undercurrent struggles to break through the din. This contrast enhances the album’s emotional depth, making the moments of clarity all the more impactful.
Navigating the Minefield of Commentary
While THE FUTURE IS HERE resonates with urgency, it occasionally flirts with didacticism. In “Broken Mirror,” guest vocalist Moe Kazra critiques various societal archetypes, listing them off with disdain. However, these caricatures risk leaving the song feeling directionless, drawing comparisons to the satirical tones of KLF and Green Day’s American Idiot.
Character-Driven Narratives
Despite some missteps, the album excels when it transforms these caricatures into compelling characters. In “Purity Drag,” the antagonist’s absurd self-righteousness is pushed to its limits, while “Local Millionaire” offers a biting critique of self-importance. The track’s unexpected shift to a furious “go fuck yourself” salvages it from mere mimicry, delivering a satisfying punch.
Conclusion
THE FUTURE IS HERE AND EVERYTHING NEEDS TO BE DESTROYED stands as a testament to the Armed’s ability to channel chaos into compelling music. While it grapples with the complexities of contemporary existence, the album’s raw energy and visceral honesty make it a thrilling listen. The Armed have crafted an unfiltered response to a world teetering on the brink of collapse, reminding us of the power of music as a form of protest and catharsis.
FAQs
What is the main theme of the album?
The album explores themes of dehumanization and disaster, reflecting a world filled with chaos and disillusionment.
How does the album differ from the band’s previous work?
This album moves away from high-concept experiments and focuses on immediate, visceral reactions to societal issues.
What musical elements define this album?
The album features a barrage of blast beats, dissonant guitars, and intense vocal performances, creating an overwhelming and chaotic sound.
Who are some guest vocalists featured on the album?
Moe Kazra from Prostitute is one of the guest vocalists featured on the track “Broken Mirror.”
Is the album accessible for new listeners?
While it may be intense and chaotic, the album’s raw energy and emotional depth can resonate with both longtime fans and new listeners alike.
