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ULTRAPOP Image
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 8 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 19 Ratings

  • Summary: The fourth full-length studio release for the hardcore collective from Detroit features contributions from such artist as Ben Chisholm, Mark Lanegan, Troy Van Leeuwen, and Ben Koller.
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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Apr 16, 2021
    86
    What’s most impressive about ULTRAPOP is not necessarily the killer riffs, the pummeling rhythms or the plentiful melodies, though all of those are consistently thrilling. What’s most impressive is the way this band brings together different, disparate styles in a way that sounds seamless and natural and new, even if others have done it before.
  2. Apr 16, 2021
    82
    It doesn’t hurt that their newfound transparency makes the music feel refreshingly human and relatable. Gains-obsessed beefcakes prodding the tropes and social expectations of heavy music by making an extremely heavy album is the Armed doing what the Armed do best—leading with their performative instincts.
  3. 80
    This definitely isn't for everyone, and the production and mixing is particularly un-inviting this time around. ... But the sheer tunefulness in the songs beneath it all is actually incredibly heartwarming, and something that deserves as much attention from the adventurous indie listener as it currently gets from the rock and metal gatekeeping elite.
  4. Apr 16, 2021
    80
    That’s not say it’s unlistenable, far from it. In fact, it’s addictive to see where the record goes next. While most hardcore bands are adamant about getting heavier, The Armed are going poppier and, ultimately, weirder, often in the space of one verse. ... Sure, it’s not something you’re going to dip in and out of on a whim, but when you’re in, you won’t want to leave.
  5. May 17, 2021
    80
    As madcap of a concept as ULTRAPOP appears to be, its musical thrust feels purposeful in its creation and curation.
  6. Jul 30, 2021
    80
    Aptly named, Ultrapop administers a constant barrage of sonic information that shows no delineation between discomfort, reassurance, pain, or pleasure.
  7. Apr 16, 2021
    71
    This music is fast and hard, but there are fewer risks than it might at first seem. Those hoping for the band to push themselves in a new direction are going to be slightly disappointed, while those who have vibed with this collective since day one will likely appreciate ULTRAPOP for what it is – another album by The Armed.

See all 8 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. Apr 19, 2021
    10
    Flawless. AOTY for sure. My favourite track keeps changing, but right now it's Bad Selection.
  2. Apr 16, 2021
    10
    This is pop music, and it's sensational. There is no way to not enjoy this.
  3. Apr 22, 2021
    10
    I can’t believe a band finally figured out a way to combine so many different genres onto a single pop album cohesively. The energy is allI can’t believe a band finally figured out a way to combine so many different genres onto a single pop album cohesively. The energy is all punk rock. Horns accompany distorted guitars—and it doesn’t like **** somehow. Drums are annihilating. More guest appearances than a Dr Dre record. Artwork and lyrics have gone full frontal on the cult-like, shamen-esque preaching. I love it. Directly speaking to their audience, and at times poking at their own die-hard, possibly deranged subset fans.

    The Armed used to be the most mysterious band in whatever is left of the punk rock and hardcore scene. They have transcended their genre musically, like many before, most notably Cave In. I can’t stop listening to Iteration, a life so wonderful, All futures and Masunaga Vapors. It’s been my most replayed album of the year so far.
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  4. Apr 17, 2021
    10
    absolutely essential listening for any fan of "heavy" music. this behemoth encrusts its pop-punk and math-metal progenitors in an intoxicatingabsolutely essential listening for any fan of "heavy" music. this behemoth encrusts its pop-punk and math-metal progenitors in an intoxicating neon pink, bubblegum glow. utterly original. the most surprising accomplishment I've encountered in years. Expand
  5. Apr 17, 2021
    10
    Without a doubt the best release of 2021 so far, what an experience. A true new experience and eye-opener for listeners and lovers of heavyWithout a doubt the best release of 2021 so far, what an experience. A true new experience and eye-opener for listeners and lovers of heavy music. The 3rd full-lenght album is a true evolution of their sound and boy ohhh boy, they nailed it on this one... Not to miss. Kurt Ballou is again the executive producer behind this thing of course. Absolute masterpiece and already an essential lp for modern heavy music. It's pop, it's hardcore, it's mathy, catchy, noisy, evil, happy... It's the Armed,.. in all it's glory. Refract and only love. Expand
  6. Nov 20, 2021
    7
    Fantastic head bashing heavy rock! A cohesive no rules pop album finally executed correctly. A band to watch.
  7. Apr 23, 2022
    2
    Basically, if you want very loud feedback with hardcore punk rock buried deep underneath - then you might like this album. I'm baffled by allBasically, if you want very loud feedback with hardcore punk rock buried deep underneath - then you might like this album. I'm baffled by all the good reviews.
    I thought my version of this album was mangled and corrupted. I had to verify that the sound was correct by listening to a youtube video of one of the songs.
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See all 8 User Reviews

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