The Armed – THE FUTURE IS HERE AND EVERYTHING NEEDS TO BE DESTROYED Review (AOTM August)

The Armed has gradually distanced itself from its mystique, but this in no way hinders their progress. The band’s fifth studio album is somewhat of a combination of their previous two albums, yet it also retains the rawness and audacity of their earlier releases. The 2021 release, ULTRAPOP, introduced pop-like elements and melodies for the first time, and the subsequent Perfect Saviours continued this trend even more strongly. The band’s latest album takes a slight step back from this lighter direction.

The album kicks off with the versatile and multi-dimensional track “Well Made Play,” which immediately sets the tone with its cacophonous noise, featuring a wailing saxophone, yet it still manages to be catchy enough. The next two tracks, “Purity Drag” and “Kingbreaker,” are among the most accessible on the album, but they are still far from being radio-friendly or predictable. 

Following these, the album dives headlong into a blend of traditional aggressive hardcore and noise rock, perhaps reminiscent of the band’s roots and style. The guitars in “Broken Mirror” are magnificent, and the vocals create an apocalyptic feel with their pathos. “I Steal What I Want” could be material from Queens Of The Stone Age. It’s incredibly catchy and perhaps the most distinct track on the album, yet it finds its place amidst everything else. Towards the end of the album, “Heathen” stands out, which could be the work of post-rock/shoegaze pioneers. It would be easy to end the album here, but I appreciate the idea of one last chaotic ride with “A More Perfect Design.”

The description above may sound confusing, and in part, it is, but this is precisely The Armed’s strength. They can do almost anything, beautifully combining different elements and genres while maintaining a cohesive whole. You never feel the need to skip a track; each one has its own strength and place. The album is full of the finest details and withstands multiple listens because of this. The geniuses were at it again, and everything else surrounding this album has been destroyed!

Release Date: August 1, 2025

The Armed – THE FUTURE IS HERE AND EVERYTHING NEEDS TO BE DESTROYED

Album of the Month by Cuberat