Demo ’26 finds Armor Class continuing the path they began a couple of years earlier. Following several EPs and a demo released throughout 2024, the Michigan hardcore band return sounding more settled in their direction, without abandoning the raw approach that defined their earlier material.
Released through Setterwind Records, this EP keeps things intentionally rough. The production favors immediacy over clarity, capturing the band in motion rather than presenting a finished version of their sound. It feels closer to a snapshot than a statement, documenting momentum instead of refinement.
The songs stay rooted in straightforward hardcore. Short runtimes, abrupt transitions, and sharp riffing give the EP its shape. Fast sections collide with heavier, dragging parts, but everything remains focused on pressure and pacing. Nothing stretches beyond its purpose.
Vocally, the delivery is direct and physical. There is no attempt at dramatics or polish. The vocals function as another percussive element, reinforcing the intensity rather than leading it. This keeps the focus on the overall impact rather than individual performance.
What stands out most is control. Even with its raw sound, Demo ’26 never feels unfocused. The arrangements are minimal, the repetition deliberate. Armor Class understand how to let space and rhythm do the work without overcrowding the songs.
Compared to their 2024 releases, this EP feels more confident. Not cleaner or more ambitious, just more certain. The band sound comfortable operating within their own limits, pushing energy rather than expanding outward.
Demo ’26 does not attempt to redefine Armor Class. It sharpens what is already there. Short, aggressive, and unembellished, it fits naturally into their growing catalog and reinforces the band’s commitment to direct, no-frills hardcore.
