Arma Angelus

The dark and metallic hardcore of Chicago's Arma Angelus materialized in late 1999, arising out of the dissolution of Extinction and the furiously political Racetraitor, two influential bands on the local scene. In the few years they were together, Arma Angelus made a name for themselves around the Midwest with an intense live show and invigorating approach to hardcore. They released an EP via Happy Couples Never entitled The Grave End of the Shovel (Let It Burn Records later released it in Europe) and a full-length, Where Sleeplessness Is Rest from Nightmares, before officially breaking up in late 2002, as members wanted to concentrate on other projects. The latter album, which was produced by Adam Dutkiewicz and released on Eulogy, was recorded with Arma Angelus' lineup comprised of vocalist Pete Wentz, guitarists Dan Binaei and Jay Jancetic, bassist Chris Guiterrez, and drummer Tim Miller. Like most bands, lineup changes had occurred over time and the band also included Tim McIlrath (bass), Adam Bishop (guitar), and Andy Hurley (drums) at one point or another. Members of the group went on to play with a slew of bands, most notably pop-punkers Fall Out Boy and hardcore revivalists Rise Against. ~ Corey Apar