Ruined Conflict - A.R.M.O.R.

Based in Ohio/Orlando, Ruined Conflict are Xavier Morales (Vocals/Composer) and Eric Holzer (Live Programming) and were formed around 2011.
'A.R.M.O.R.' is the first full length release from Ruined Conflict and is a strong debut full of tracks with a message behind the driving basslines and club styled beats. This is a very enjoyable album where you find yourself singing the choruses after the second hearing, not because they are trite, but because they flow and sit well within the structures of the songs.
Vocally, Xaviers' voice is strong and you can hear the belief he has in singing what he has written, rather than sounding righteous for the sake of it. Describing himself as a composer is very fitting as these songs sound full without being busy or losing sounds and arrangements in the mix.
Citing Angels on Acid, Combichrist, Disturbed and VNV Nation as influences, 'A.R.M.O.R.' has elements of those bands with VNV, on this album at least, seeming to be the largest influence both musically and vocally. Xaviers' vocals are a little harder, a little gruffer and maybe, have a little more passion in them and being from the USA, have a different angle with which they speak.
A.R.M.O.R. has 14 tracks and runs just under 70 minutes and with most tracks being mid to high BPM, there are plenty of club tracks that will work in any DJ's set. With the possible exceptions of "Haven", "Until The End", "Sanction" and "Great Deceiver" considering they are the slower tracks on the album. The 4th track "Treason" has also been released as a stand alone four track EP with remixes and a few other tracks included (which I will review shortly).
This is a good album with polished sounds and melodies, strong meaningful lyrics and vocals all out together well. If you are a fan of VNV Nation then you won't be able to help hearing the similarities, however, this album is strong enough to stand on its own without that continual reference.
I've enjoyed listening through 'A.R.M.O.R.' five or six times now and I look forward to the next release which, according to their Facebook page, is an EP entitled 'Justified', due mid September 2013. Aug 12 2013
'A.R.M.O.R.' is the first full length release from Ruined Conflict and is a strong debut full of tracks with a message behind the driving basslines and club styled beats. This is a very enjoyable album where you find yourself singing the choruses after the second hearing, not because they are trite, but because they flow and sit well within the structures of the songs.
Vocally, Xaviers' voice is strong and you can hear the belief he has in singing what he has written, rather than sounding righteous for the sake of it. Describing himself as a composer is very fitting as these songs sound full without being busy or losing sounds and arrangements in the mix.
Citing Angels on Acid, Combichrist, Disturbed and VNV Nation as influences, 'A.R.M.O.R.' has elements of those bands with VNV, on this album at least, seeming to be the largest influence both musically and vocally. Xaviers' vocals are a little harder, a little gruffer and maybe, have a little more passion in them and being from the USA, have a different angle with which they speak.
A.R.M.O.R. has 14 tracks and runs just under 70 minutes and with most tracks being mid to high BPM, there are plenty of club tracks that will work in any DJ's set. With the possible exceptions of "Haven", "Until The End", "Sanction" and "Great Deceiver" considering they are the slower tracks on the album. The 4th track "Treason" has also been released as a stand alone four track EP with remixes and a few other tracks included (which I will review shortly).
This is a good album with polished sounds and melodies, strong meaningful lyrics and vocals all out together well. If you are a fan of VNV Nation then you won't be able to help hearing the similarities, however, this album is strong enough to stand on its own without that continual reference.
I've enjoyed listening through 'A.R.M.O.R.' five or six times now and I look forward to the next release which, according to their Facebook page, is an EP entitled 'Justified', due mid September 2013. Aug 12 2013
Off label
Official release released by the artist themselves without the backing of a label.

Dj Wolf
info@brutalresonance.comI've been DJing for 30+ years and been lucky to have done Dj support for Assemblage 23, Grendel, Nachtmahr, Shiv-r, Psyche, Icon Of Coil, among others.
As Digital Anodyne I've written and remixed, Retrogramme, Leaether Strip, Rational Youth, Psyche, Pluvio, Arkyus and so forth.
I'm a music fan of electronic music with a thirst to hear new music as often as possible. Writing for Brutal Resonance for the last 5 years gives me the opportunity to share that passion.
music//DJ\\remix
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We don't have any stores registered for this release. Click here to search on GoogleRuined Conflict - A.R.M.O.R. is available at POPONAUT from 13,95€
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