When first presented with this DVD by Polish band Armia, I wasn’t sure what to expect. This band is unlike any other I’ve heard before. The closest comparison that I can make combining Killing Joke with Pain of Salvation and Orphaned Land. This is the basic idea of how they sound but the group goes beyond those bands with a unique style of their own.

They use instruments that are generally atypical for rock music such as French horn, flute, cello, violin or didgeridoo. This is part of what makes the band's position on the music scene absolutely unrivaled, thus giving Armia the title of one of the most original modern acts that can’t be classified into any genre.

The DVD features a 10-song TV performance based on their Triodante release. The DVD also includes band interviews (in Polish with English subtitles), bonus videos and other special features It is a surprise to both my ears and eyes to experience Armia. I will definitely check out their discography soon. This is highly recommended to rock and metal fans that like some substance to their music beyond the three chord mundane style plaguing the music world. Also prog fans will enjoy the cinematic value the band portrays musically and visually.

Originally published at Prognaut.com

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2010  Volume 5 at lulu.com/strangesound.