Armia

Armia is a renowned Polish punk rock band originating from Warsaw, Poland, formed in 1985 by Tomasz Budzyński, Sławomir Gołaszewski, and Robert Brylewski. Known for their innovative use of horns and poetic lyrics inspired by philosophy and literature, Armia has established itself as a significant force in the Polish alternative music scene. Their evolving and creative music has garnered widespread popularity and respect, attracting numerous rock music enthusiasts to their dynamic performances.

Formation and Early Years (1985–1990)

Armia was founded in 1985 in Warsaw, Poland, by vocalist and guitarist Tomasz Budzyński, bassist Sławomir Gołaszewski, and guitarist Robert Brylewski. The band’s unique incorporation of horns set them apart from other punk rock bands of the late 1980s and 1990s. Their debut album, Ei raha oo mun valuuttaa (1982), was followed by the re-issue titled Money Is Not My Currency (1983) under the German label Rock-O-Rama, which introduced their distinctive sound to a broader audience.

Discography

Singles and EPs

• EP (1982)
• Huora (1983, Propaganda Records)
• Suomineito (1996, Propaganda Records)
• Pop-idols (2006, UHO Production)
• TV (2012, Propaganda Records)

Studio Albums

• Ei raha oo mun valuuttaa (1982, Propaganda Records)
• Money Is Not My Currency (1983, re-issue, Rock-O-Rama)
• Top of the Pops (1984, Rock-O-Rama/Propaganda Records)
• Syyntakeeton (2006, UHO Production)
• Studio-Live (2011, Propaganda Records)
• Extraneus (2013, Propaganda Records)

Compilation Albums

• Diagnosis (Years 1982–83) (1994, Propaganda Records)
• PAROCK (2002, Propaganda Records)

Live Albums

• Exodus (1992, Izabelin Studio)
• Soul Side Story (2000, Ars Mundi)
• Przystanek Woodstock 2004 (2007, Złoty Melon)
• Armia 25-lecie Zespołu (2010, Złoty Melon)
• Koncerty w Trójce vol. 02 – Armia (2013, Polskie Radio)

Video Albums

• Koncert na XX-lecie (2006, Metal Mind Productions, DVD)
• Przystanek Woodstock 2004 (2007, Złoty Melon, DVD)

Band Members

Current Members

• Tomasz “Tom Bombadil, Budzy” Budzyński – vocals, guitars (1984–present)
• Jakub Bartoszewski – horn, keyboards (2002–present)
• Rafał “Frantz” Giec – guitars
• Amadeusz “Amade” Kaźmierczak – drums (2013–present)
• Dariusz Budkiewicz – bass (2014–present)

Former Members

• Vesku Koivusalo – bass (1980–1999)
• Ahti Impola – guitar (1980–1982)
• Tomi Hyppänen – drums (1982–1984)
• Tomi Lepistö – drums (1982–1984)
• Olli Lindholm – vocals (1982)
• Juha Rauäng – vocals (1982)
• Jaska Karumo – drums (1982–2010)
• Robert “Afa, Bryl, Robin Goldrocker” Brylewski – guitars (1984–1993, died 2018)
• Paweł “Pablo” Piotrowski – bass guitar (1993–1998, 2011–2014)
• Michał Grymuza – guitars (1994–1995)
• Darek “Popkorn” Popowicz – guitars (1995–2005)
• Paweł Klimczak – guitars (1999–2010)
• Daniel “Karpiu” Karpiński – drums (2011–2012)

Musical Style and Themes

Armia’s music primarily revolves around punk rock, hardcore punk, Christian punk, and progressive punk genres. Their sound is distinguished by the use of horns, which adds a unique layer to their punk foundation. With poetic lyrics inspired by philosophy, literature, and religion, Armia creates a rich and thoughtful listening experience. Their compositions often incorporate elements of hardcore, heavy metal, keyboard riffs, sampling, and complex, quasi-orchestral arrangements, ensuring that each album presents a distinct sound.

Legacy and Influence

Since their inception in 1985, Armia has played a pivotal role in the Polish punk rock scene. Their innovative use of horns and intellectually stimulating lyrics have set them apart from their contemporaries. Over the years, Armia has released five studio albums, each showcasing their evolution and creative growth. Their concerts are renowned for attracting a diverse audience of rock music fans, solidifying their reputation as a respected and influential band within the genre.

Trivia

• The band’s debut album was re-issued by the German label Rock-O-Rama with the English title Money Is Not My Currency.
• Olli Lindholm, the lead singer of one of Finland’s highest-selling rock groups Yö, is a former member of Armia.
• In the spring of 2015, Armia embarked on a West Coast Tour in the United States, performing as the lead act at Manic Relapse festivals in Oakland, California.
• Armia’s lyrics and cover art frequently reference philosophical works, literature, and religious themes, drawing inspiration from sources such as Martin Heidegger’s Being and Time, J.R.R. Tolkien’s fiction, the Bible, Dante’s Divine Comedy, and Samuel Beckett’s Triodante.
• The band’s name, Armia, translates to “Army” in English, reflecting their powerful and unified sound.