Biography
In the beginning of 2011, the remnants of the recently defunct Syracuse hard rock/metal band, Torment the Vein, decided to begin again on a new musical endeavor. Brad Baker, Fred Akasha and Doug Rice reconvened after the breakup and began writing new music with the intent of auditioning singers for a new project. The trio set out to move in a heavier direction than their previous band while maintaining an appropriate amount of melody and allure.
A short time later, word began to spread that another Syracuse metal group, Amelia Is Dead, had also just recently disbanded. Knowing one another from sharing previous bills, the guys quickly invited vocalist, Stephanie Tupper, to join the fold. It took just one practice to solidify the group and Armed with Valor was born.
The band set about writing new material and quickly hooked up with Matthew Corey (Matty C Beats) to record a 3 song demo… literally featuring the first 3 songs written as a band. Soon after, Armed with Valor made their live debut at the end of July. From that point on, the band worked tirelessly not only performing regularly, but also writing around the clock in an effort to refine their sound and find their true voice. By the end of 2011, Armed with Valor had established themselves as a burgeoning force in the local music scene.
AwV began 2012 by recording a music video for a song off their demo, "I Killed a Peeping Tom". The video was done by Wade Spencer and featured Jason Acevedo (9 Round, Engage the Assailant) as the "peeping Tom". The band continued to perform without fail and set about recording a full length album that summer.
However, by the spring, relationships in the band were becoming increasingly strained and conflict became commonplace. With all the members jumping from successful projects with heavy schedules and high demand, right into the next, fatigue had finally started to settle in. Tensions increased… finally resulting in bassist, Doug Rice, leaving the band in June of 2012. At that point, what remained of the band went on hiatus to sort through the departure and spent the next 6 months trying to determine the fate of, Armed with Valor.
With the start of the new year, recharged and resolving to push forward, the remaining members decided to reach out to patch things up with their former bandmate. After a few months of cordial discussions and friendly meetings, Rice agreed to resume "jamming" with the group on a trial basis. Almost a full year later, it couldn't be denied that a palpable change had occurred within the group and amongst it's bandmates. Feeling confident that the band was in a better place with unfinished business to fulfill, Rice rejoined the band on a permanent basis.
In the time since the band was formed, Armed with Valor, has become an interesting amalgam of musical styles. With a wide array of influences, the true "sound" has evolved and is only now starting to emerge. AwV more often than not simply refers to themselves as a METAL band, although at times the band has leaned more towards metalcore. Despite that, one of the bands biggest staples is that they still strive for enticing melodies and memorable choruses amongst the traditional metal layers and hardcore breakdowns.
Armed with Valor, officially returned in August of 2013. They have shared the stage with a slew of bands, most notably national artists Kittie, Straight Line Stitch, Nonpoint, OTEP, Butcher Babies, American Head Charge, Devil You Know, Eyes Set To Kill, Powerman 5000, Diamond Plate and Shadows Fall. Their first full length album, Prima Facie, was just released in April 2014
Band Members:
* Stephanie - Vocals
* Brad - Guitar
* Fred - Drums
* Doug - Bass
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