Armia () is a Polish punk rock band founded in 1985 by Tomasz Budzyński, Sławomir Gołaszewski and Robert Brylewski. Armia is famous for its use of horn, which was unusual of punk rock bands in late 1980s and 1990s. With poetic (often inspired by philosophy and literature) lyrics, written by Budzyński, and evolving, creative music Armia has gained popularity and respect over the years, and its concerts now attract numerous fans of rock music.
Armia's lyrics and cover art has frequently alluded to philosophy, literature and religion. The cover of the LP Legenda (A Legend) features Don Quijote and some lyrics were inspired by gnosticism. The title of the LP Czas i Byt (Being and Time) comes from Martin Heidegger's work Being and Time. Other sources of inspiration include the fiction of J. R. R. Tolkien, the Bible, The Divine Comedy and Samuel Beckett (Triodante), Tove Jansson's The Moomins, films like Werner Herzog's Aguirre, the Wrath of God or Marek Piwowski's Rejs.
Although the basis of Armia's sound has always been punk rock, the band's changing musicians have brought with them numerous other styles and material: hardcore, heavy metal, keyboard riffs, sampling, and complex, quasi-orchestral arrangements. Therefore, each of the band's albums sounds different from the rest.
Band members
Current 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 Sławomir "Merlin" Gołaszewski – clarinet (1984–1987) Tomasz "Żwirek" Żmijewski – bass guitar (1984–1988) Aleksander "Alik" Dziki – bass guitar (1985–1989) Krzysztof "Banan" Banasik – horn (1987–2009) Dariusz "Maleo" Malejonek – bass guitar (1990–1993) Krzysztof "Dr Kmieta" Kmiecik – bass guitar (1998–2011) Janusz "Grzmot" Rołt – drums (1984–1986) Piotr "Stopa" Żyżelewicz – drums (1985, 1989–1998, 2011) Beata Polak – drums (1998–2002) Tomasz "Gogo, Szulc" Kożuchowski – drums (1986–1989) Maciej "Ślepy" Głuchowski – drums (2003–2006) Tomasz "Krzyżyk" Krzyżaniak – drums (2006–2011) 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)
Discography
Studio albums Title Album details Peak chart positions POLArmia Released: June 13, 1988 Label: Pronit Formats: CD, LP, CS —Legenda Released: May 6, 1991 Label: Wifon Formats: CD, LP, CS —Czas i byt Released: November 13, 1993 Label: SPV Poland Formats: CD, CS —Triodante Released: November 15, 1994 Label: S.P. Records Formats: CD, LP, CS —Duch Released: November 24, 1997 Label: Ars Mundi Formats: CD, CS —Droga Released: September 13, 1999 Label: Ars Mundi Formats: CD, CS —Pocałunek mongolskiego księcia Released: October 27, 2003 Label: Pomaton EMI Formats: CD, digital download 21Ultima Thule Released: January 31, 2005 Label: Metal Mind Productions Formats: CD 5Der Prozess Released: January 28, 2009 Label: Isound Labels Formats: CD 15Freak Released: November 30, 2009 Label: Isound Labels Formats: CD —Podróż na Wschód Released: November 27, 2012 Label: Isound Labels Formats: CD — "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
Live albums Title Album details Peak chart positions POLExodus Released: 1992 Label: Izabelin Studio Formats: CD —Soul Side Story Released: October 5, 2000 Label: Ars Mundi Formats: CD —Przystanek Woodstock 2004 Released: June 11, 2007 Label: Złoty Melon Formats: CD 50Armia 25-lecie ZespołuXVI Przystanek Woodstock 2010 Released: December 9, 2010 Label: Złoty Melon Formats: CD —Koncerty w Trójce vol. 02 - Armia Released: April 8, 2013 Label: Polskie Radio Formats: CD — "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
Video albums Title Video detailsKoncert na XX-lecie Released: January 16, 2006 Label: Metal Mind Productions Formats: DVDPrzystanek Woodstock 2004 Released: June 11, 2007 Label: Złoty Melon Formats: DVD
References
External links
www.armia.art.pl