The Armed (often iconized as ⋈) are an anonymous American hardcore punk musical collective, formed in Detroit, Michigan in 2009. Although no official members of the group are known for absolute certain, the collective has been represented in the media by advertising creative and director Tony Wolski – formerly known as Adam Vallely. The project often features guest collaborators on their releases, which have included musicians such as Chris Pennie, Nick Yacyshyn, Ben Koller, Troy Van Leeuwen, and Urian Hackney. Converge guitarist Kurt Ballou has also been involved in the recording and production of most of their releases. The Armed have primarily been described as a hardcore punk, as well as metalcore, post-hardcore and experimental hardcore. The project has been known to comedically self-mythologise, including describing itself as "the world's greatest band" and having a cult-like presentation – with the mantra "refract" being repeatedly used in relation to the band.