KEXP Studios

The Armed is an American hardcore punk collective formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 2009. The group has not publicly disclosed official members, but media representations have included advertising creative and director Tony Wolski, formerly known as Adam Vallely. The collective frequently collaborates with guest musicians, such as Chris Pennie, Nick Yacyshyn, Ben Koller, Troy Van Leeuwen, and Urian Hackney. Kurt Ballou, guitarist of Converge, has contributed to the recording and production of many of their releases. The Armed's music has been categorized as hardcore punk, metalcore, post-hardcore, and experimental hardcore. The project is known for self-mythologizing, including descriptions of itself as "the world's greatest band" and adopting a cult-like presentation, with the mantra "refract" often associated with the band.