Who Are Armor for Sleep? The New Jersey Band Behind the Music

Armor for Sleep have been part of the emo and post-hardcore world since the early 2000s. If you are new to the band, or just want the story straight, here is where it all started.

Where are Armor for Sleep from?

Singer and guitarist Ben Jorgensen started the band in Teaneck, New Jersey, in 2001. Drummer Nash Breen and guitarist PJ DeCicco soon joined, and with bassist Anthony DiIonno the band became the four-piece most fans know.

Where does the name come from?

Jorgensen has tied it to the sleepless nights he spent writing songs. As he put it, the music was keeping him from passing out.

What kind of music do they play?

Their songs sit between emo, post-hardcore, pop-punk and dreamy alternative rock, with emotional lyrics at the centre of every record.

Which albums should I know?

• Dream to Make Believe (2003): the debut, on Equal Vision Records.
• What to Do When You Are Dead (2005): a concept album that follows its narrator into the afterlife, opening with Car Underwater.
• Smile for Them (2007): their major-label album, on Sire.
• The Rain Museum (2022): their first album in 15 years.
• There Is No Memory (2025): the newest record.

Did they break up?

Yes, in 2009. They came back in 2012 to play New Jersey's Bamboozle Festival and say goodbye properly, toured again in 2015 and reunited in 2020. Since then they have played anniversary tours for Dream to Make Believe and What to Do When You Are Dead.

Who is in the band now?

Ben Jorgensen and Nash Breen, with Erik Rudic on lead guitar and Chad Sabo on bass since 2024.

Wear the story

Our designs come from those albums and moments, from the floating man to the farewell wings. Browse the collection and find the piece that matches your favourite era.