Armored Saint // Emotion Factory Reset // Album Review

There is always an air of excitement around a new release from Armored Saint and for good reason, every album seems to top the last, mainly down to their sheer class but also down to the fact that they have an inane ability to keep their music sharp and fresh sounding.

Getting things started is the monster “Close To The Bone”, opening with a killer riff and Sandoval’s kicking drum beat and Vera’s thumping bass, that combined make the backbone of the track, Bush delivers in spades as he always does, his voice is ageless, Duncan and Sandoval’s guitar work is excellent as they trade riffs with Duncan’s solos adding that extra umph to an already amped up track, a real statement of intent. “Every Man-Any Man” is pure class. A booming bass and cool drumbeat give you a nice groove before the guitars hit with cutting, clean riffs, and when Bush comes in with his raspy vocals, the track elevates. As it moves along, the guitars come into their own; some of the riffs and solos are unreal—a brilliant track.

“Not On Your Life” has a heavier edge to it with Sandoval’s drumbeat driving the track; the chugging riffs and thick bass add an extra bit of heft while Bush’s vocals slay, his range and tone perfect for this one, not to mention the solo midway through, which is class, a real standout track.” “Hit A Moonshot” is Armoured Saint at their best; riff-driven with a killer drum beat backing it up, and Bush tearing it up, and some monster solos thrown in, this is an instant classic.” “Buckeye” opens with an EVH-sounding guitar riff and Bush crooning away as the track expands, the rhythm grows as the bass and drums combine to push this one on, the guitars are amazing on this one, but Duncan’s slide guitar play, for me, steals the show, an absolute gem of a track, possibly the best on the album. “Compromise” is a punchy, straight-up rocker that sees the band tear it up with a groovy rhythm from Vera and Sandoval. The guitars are off the chain, with nice interplay between the bass and guitars that adds a little extra funk to a whopper track. “It’s A Buzzkill” feels edgier with Bush snarling his way through and heavier riffs, for all that there is no denying the killer rhythm and guitar work from Duncan is class, which seems at odds with the track, but it works really well, another standout number. “Throwing Caution To The Wind” is a banger; with clean riffs, a thumping low end and Bush killing it, this is heavy metal at its finest. Throw in a couple of monster solos, and you have perfection personified. This is one of the best tracks on the album.

“Ladders And Slides” keeps the edgy vibe going on the latter part of the album, with a chugging rhythm that has a dirty feel to it, Bush’s raspy vocals adding to the feeling. The guitars are once again brilliant, but Duncan’s solo at the backend of the track is amazing, a bluesy, country, rock mix that is phenomenal. “Bottom Feeder” is the heaviest track on the album with a fat bass line and pounding drum beat from Vera and Sandoval to emphasise the point, the crunching riffs from Duncan and Sandoval are lit, Bush is on fire here, his vocals seem to mould to the track style no matter what, this is a real highlight, getting better with every listen. The album closes with “Epilogue”,,; a banging rocker that gets the feet stomping and fists pumping. There is a swagger to this one as the band just cuts loose, the guitars are brilliant from the riffs to the solo, and the rhythm from the low end is seriously groovy, a killer way to finish things off!

Emotion Factory Rest is out on the 22nd of May via Metal Blade Records.

As you would expect from Armored Saint, this is pure class!

Review: Conor