Armored Saint has officially broken their six-year silence following the release of the highly regarded “Punching the Sky”, delivering their ninth full-length studio album, “Emotion Factory Reset”. For a band with their legacy, a return felt significantly overdue, and they answer the call by entirely bypassing acknowledgement of the gap and jumping straight into the fray. The record finds the band completely unapologetic, operating entirely within their wheelhouse to deliver a tight, driving brand of heavy metal that could easily make bigger, past-their-prime acts envious. John Bush’s vocals sound as virile and commanding as ever, while the rest of the lineup matches his intensity step-for-step with precise, powerful instrumentation.
Living up to its name, “Close to the Bone” is a high-octane opener that wastes no time setting the stakes. Driven by a mean, aggressive riff, screaming energy, and an infectious groove, it immediately commands the listener’s attention. Bush’s vocal performance is explosive, creating a visceral urge to stand up, scream along, and pump fists into the air rather than sit back quietly. It is a triumphant statement of purpose that proves the band has lost none of their fire.
“Every Man – Any Man” dials the sheer power back slightly, opting instead for a more melodic approach that feels deeply genuine and streetwise. Far from missing a beat, it allows the band to flash a completely different, slightly more complex facet of their musicianship. Any potential qualms about the drop in speed are instantly obliterated by the exceptional, standout guitar solos that elevate the song.
“Not on Your Life” is anchored by a solid, mean main riff that absolutely means business, this track features short, biting guitar leads that keep the momentum forward-facing. While the central chorus falls a bit flat compared to the strength of the verses, it is a minor flaw that never approaches being criminal. The track serves as a stark reminder of just how incredibly tight and cohesive Armored Saint remains, showing off a driving chemistry that many larger bands can only dream of replicating.
“Hit a Moonshot” is a definitive answer to any remaining cynics, a really fast-paced, stripped-to-the-core heavy metal tornado. It features a barrage of furious, dual-guitar leads that coil and taunt like cobras ready to strike. The sheer velocity and classic metal muscle make it an absolute highlight of the record.
“Buckeye” pulls back drastically on speed to deliver a relatively laid-back tempo, but it sacrifices absolutely nothing in the weight department. The track carries a heavy, distinctive atmosphere that feels reminiscent of a southern desert ritual, yet it remains firmly hijacked by headbanging metal goodness.
“Compromise” shifts the gears into a more hard-rock-oriented structure, defined by pure, unadulterated ballsiness. It evokes the gritty, heavy rock-and-roll muscle found on the self-titled John Corabi-era Mötley Crüe album. The guitar leads ask absolutely no questions and take zero prisoners, reinforcing the band’s unapologetic attitude.
“It’s a Buzzkill”… while it might not be the stuff of heavy metal legends due to a somewhat basic chorus, it stands tall as a modern, heavy, and thumping addition to the tracklist. John Bush’s unwavering vocal conviction pushes right through the simpler elements, complemented beautifully by sharp, redeeming guitar solos.
“Throwing Caution to the Wind” recaptures the heavy metal flag and flies it proudly for all to see. True to its own lyrical advice, it takes itself seriously and rocks as hard as it can, a truly anthemic, high-energy, and defiant piece. It successfully conjures the imagery of a phoenix rising from the ashes, delivering a massive burst of adrenaline late in the album.
“Ladders and Slides”. An intricate, standout drum beat courtesy of Gonzo Sandoval defines this track, steering the album in a refreshingly different, more experimental direction. It is a mid-tempo affair that feels far less immediate than the high-velocity tracks, but it carries more than enough internal fire to win the listener over, serving as a highly effective change of pace.
“Bottom Feeder” opens with an aggressive, low-rolling riff that sets a dark, rhythmic foundation. However, past the heavy introduction, it unfolds into a surprisingly melodic affair. While a slightly faster tempo might have pushed it over the edge, the groove and melody in its current form prevent it from being anything close to a dealbreaker.
Serving as the final bookend, “Epilogue” brings the record to a triumphant close with a spit-polished, highly energetic delivery. Packed to the brim with power and a fierce, commanding attitude, it is designed to turn heads one final time. It provides a definitive punctuation mark to an album that proves Armored Saint can still deliver at the highest level.
