SUBTRONICS: Cyclops Armory – Armory – Minneapolis MN – February 13-15th 2025

Subtronics: Cyclops Army live at the Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota featuring Mesriv, Rusko, Deathpact and Level Up

Photo and Review by Jake Hageman

The Cyclops Armory event took over The Armory in Minneapolis for three nights of heavy-hitting bass music, bringing together a stacked lineup of EDM artists and a crowd decked out in neon, glitter, and colorful beaded accessories which I learned is “kandi”. I covered Saturday and Sunday, and while both nights had their standout moments, Sunday’s lineup and overall energy made it my favorite out of the two.

Saturday’s lineup featured Flowzone, Zen Selekta, Rusko, Mersiv, and Subtronics closing out the night. The show built up momentum as each act brought their own unique energy, but for me, the highlight was Mersiv, who had a hypnotic, deep-bass style that made the crowd more chaotic. Mersiv stood out to me because it felt like I was at a metal show again. Subtronics, as expected, delivered a massive set with an insane laser show and even some pyro, making for a visually and sonically explosive performance.

Sunday’s lineup felt more engaging, partly because I had a better idea of what to expect, but also because there was something about the mystery and theatrics that made it stand out. The night opened with VKTM, who wore a black mask with a wide, eerie grin stretching to his forehead, immediately setting a darker tone. Muzz brought his signature high-energy drum & bass sound, and Level Up (who I learned is married to Subtronics) kept the momentum going with heavy basslines and relentless energy. Me being a Halloween nerd, I really liked Level Up’s visuals. There were a lot of witches, Ghosts, and ouija boards.

But the real standout for me was Deathpact—not just for the music but for the LED-covered black mask that synced up with the beats. The entire performance felt like something out of a sci-fi movie, adding an extra level of immersion that made the set feel unique. Subtronics closed out the weekend in signature style, with mind-melting visuals, crazy lighting effects, and a crowd that was fully locked into the moment.

Coming from a metal background, I have to admit that some of the repetitive nature of EDM doesn’t fully click with me in the same way as live bands. The only other EDM act I’ve shot before was Deadmau5, and while technically impressive, the house beats felt too static for my taste. That being said, I can appreciate the intensity and atmosphere that bass music creates. Fans of metal might say EDM all sounds the same, but to an EDM fan, a metal festival might just be “all screaming.” It’s all about perspective.

One of the most interesting aspects of the weekend wasn’t just the music but the people. Everyone was in bright neon outfits, body paint, glitter, flowy shawls, trippy sunglasses, etc. Everywhere you looked, someone had put serious thought into their festival fit. I was gifted a few kandi bracelets, one with gummy worms and another with lemons, and even ended up with a heart clip on my hat and a tiny plant sprout on my bag by the time I got home. Small gestures, but they really emphasized the sense of community that EDM fans embrace.

While I may lean more toward mosh pits and breakdowns, I can see why Cyclops Armory is a must-attend for bass music fans. The production value was top-tier, the crowd was welcoming, and the performances, especially Sunday’s, had a level of theatrics that made it an experience, not just a concert. Even if EDM isn’t your main thing, it’s worth going at least once just to take in the energy, the visuals, and the vibe of a completely different music scene.