Reviewed by Veronika van der Walt.
A Modern Armada Questions the Meaning of Courage on “Hero?”
With “Hero?”, A Modern Armada’s Stefan Strychar turns the spotlight inward, asking a deceptively simple question that carries real weight: what does it truly mean to be a hero? Taken from his forthcoming album Retaliation is Newtonian, the single follows the momentum of the hard-hitting “Annihilation” and continues to draw international attention to Strychar’s thoughtful, driven songwriting.
Built from music first and meaning later, “Hero?” grows around its central refrain — a chorus born from instinct rather than calculation. What emerges is not a celebration of grand gestures, but a reflection on quieter acts of courage: the unseen sacrifices, the integrity that rarely makes headlines, and the people who carry strength without recognition. In a world obsessed with spectacle, “Hero?” feels like a deliberate pause — a reminder that true nobility often exists under the radar.
Musically, the track balances power and restraint, echoing the ethos Strychar lives by as a songwriter: knowing when to stop is just as important as knowing what to add. That discipline gives “Hero?” its clarity and impact, allowing the message to land without excess.
Strychar’s deep connection to live music culture continues to shape A Modern Armada’s evolving sound. From the raw energy of ’90s alt-rock acts like Local H and Sponge to the grit of Meat Puppets and Tad, and even the heavier, hypnotic pull of Norway’s Slomosa and their self-described “Tundra Rock,” these influences subtly feed into the project’s sonic DNA. With plans to bring A Modern Armada to the stage in 2026, “Hero?” feels like a bridge between studio introspection and future live intensity.
Behind the scenes, the project is grounded by a strong creative partnership. Artist Tatiana Flis — Strychar’s partner and long-time collaborator — continues to shape the visual identity of A Modern Armada, just as she has since the debut EP Gravitation. Her honest feedback and creative presence remain an essential part of the process, making it fitting that “Hero?” is her favorite track on the album.
Ultimately, “Hero?” doesn’t offer easy answers — and that’s its strength. It invites the listener to define heroism for themselves, to consider integrity, resilience, and quiet courage in their own lives. Retaliation is Newtonian is available on vinyl, with live performances around Detroit on the horizon. If “Hero?” is any indication, A Modern Armada is building toward something both powerful and deeply human.
The music video adds another compelling layer, particularly through its black-and-white television imagery. Television has long taught us what a hero is supposed to look like, but Hero? challenges that idea — reminding us that real heroes are often found in everyday life: policemen, firefighters, doctors, and nurses, quietly serving without applause.
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