One Listen Review
1st Listen 22 May 26
Reviewed 22 May 26
Armored Saint – Emotion Factory Reset
Metal Blade Records
Released 22 May 26
A mere 42 years ago, Armored Saint dropped their debut album. A couple of breaks, including one where John Bush proved himself to be the best vocalist Anthrax will ever have, sees our elderly statesmen of metal deliver album number 9.
Emotion Factory Reset is 11 tracks of energetic heavy rock – gone is the heavy metal oomph the guys have previously provided. This is fist-pumping, head-bobbing hard and heavy rock music, with killer riffs and the omnipresent Bush vocals that dominate. It is an incredibly solid album that shows Armored Saint still have the juice pumping inside them. Throughout the near 50 minute long album, you are never once disappointed.
You may have heard the opening track, ‘Close to the Bone’, as it was the lead single from the album. If so, you will know what to expect. Armored Saint don’t stray too far from the
path. It is a powerful opener, with a trademark riff and a robust vocal. It sets the tone for the album, gives a relatively high bar. The boys, however, never really exceed that level. This is an album of consistency.
Another couple of album highlights are, ‘Not on your Life’ and ‘Hit a Moonshot’, both tracks paying respects to the old days, where riffs were king for the band. These tracks, as is the rest of the album, are produced by bassist, Joey Vera, who provides a nice crisp and clear sound that has been typical since their most recent reincarnation.
Armored Saint are one of the most respected bands in metal. The fact is, they never let you down on their albums. They allow the band to grow, to deliberately evolve, and it is this that makes Emotion Factory Reset worth your time.
Check it out!
The DevilsHorns 
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