Armed to the Teeth

Released in 2009, Armed to the Teeth serves as the significant comeback album for Swollen Members following a three-year hiatus. This period was marked by Madchild's highly publicized battle with drug addiction and legal troubles, lending the album a palpable sense of 'reclaiming the throne.' Sonically, it stays true to the group's Pacific Northwest underground roots, utilizing dark, orchestral samples and heavy boom-bap percussion primarily helmed by Rob the Viking. The album is notable for its extensive guest list, including Tech N9ne and Talib Kweli, which helped it achieve significant chart success on the Billboard Heatseekers and Independent charts. While some critics noted a reliance on their established formula, the album was praised for its renewed energy and technical execution, solidifying their status as pioneers of the Canadian hip-hop scene during a transitional era for the genre.