Historia: Amongst the many bands and genres that influenced ARMOUR’s Vince Venom in his formative years were bands like Saxon, Rainbow, Deep Purple, W.A.S.P., Motley Crue, Dokken, Scorpions, Tarot, Judas Priest, Dio etc. Bands who were not only exceptionally skilled, and who became the benchmark of excellence for future generations, but also whose live performances delivered a dose of high voltage rock energy that left their audiences feeling they had just been witnesses to Armageddon. With this in mind Vince set about forming ARMOUR in 2002. But he had very clear ideas. This was not going to be just another lame retro-band playing tribute nights in pubs. This was going to be a band that had its own identity. Its own style. Its own energy. He took as his inspiration the very best elements from the great 80s heavy metal/hard rock legends and brought them right up to date, virility fully intact, in his own inimitable way. And if you think that all you’re going to get are some booze and testosterone fuelled lyrics think again. This is Vince Venom and ARMOUR we’re talking about. Whilst there are poignant lyrics of love and desire to be found in their arsenal, ARMOUR, above all, invoke to perfection an image of rockers as the re-incarnation of the warriors of old, swinging guitars instead of axes and defeating their enemies with a well aimed, brain splattering riff. No one is going to stand in their way; these guys are out to kick some serious ass. You’re either with them, or you’d better get out of the way fast. By combining the flashy, sleazy, arrogant attitude of the US heavy metal/hard rock bands, with the power and purity of the European bands – think mainly what was coming out of Germany and Britain – ARMOUR was always going to be about delivering the goods. And these guys deliver. And they deliver loud and proud. After undergoing several line-up changes, the band was finally ready to rehearse in 2003, only to disband the active line-up in 2004 as members followed different paths. Not one to let a good idea slide, Vince Venom put together the definitive line-up in 2006. Some of the names might not be instantly familiar to you in these forms, but these guys have paid their dues over the last 10 or more years in various bands. They know what’s what, no question about that. ARMOUR’s first official demo was recorded live at the Sonichouse Studio in December of 2006, and the band’s first live appearance took place on the 22nd of the same month in Lappeenranta, Finland. The gig was completely sold out, much to the bands surprise it must be said, since they were relatively unknown. Mind you, given the musical pedigree of these musicians, perhaps it shouldn’t have been that much of a surprise at all. This band is not messing around. They are aiming high, and the response to ARMOUR world-wide has surpassed all expectations. Right from the very start both heavy metal/hard rock fans and labels across the entire planet sat up and took note. This can only mean that the future is looking good for everyone concerned. For the fans - who want to see and hear a band that really knows how to ROCK. And for the band whose main aim in life is to get up on stage, blow the amps clear to the middle of next week and make your ears bleed while the ground trembles beneath your feet. You sure as hell aren’t going to be pleading for mercy though. You’re going to be begging for MORE!