Armored Saint’s “Emotion Factory Reset” Album Review
he 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” showcases Armored Saint at their peak; filled with riff-driven energy, a killer drum beat backing it up, and Bush’s dynamic vocals, along with some impressive solos, this track instantly becomes a classic. The engaging “Buckeye” kicks off with an EVH-inspired guitar riff, complemented by Bush’s emotive singing. As the track progresses, the rhythm intensifies, with outstanding guitar work and Duncan’s slide guitar play stealing the show, making it possibly the standout track on the album.
“Compromise” stands out as a punchy, straight-up rocker with a groovy rhythm from Vera and Sandoval, while the interplay between the bass and guitars adds a funky touch to this stellar track. The edgy “It’s A Buzzkill” features Bush’s snarling vocals and heavier riffs, showcasing top-notch guitar work from Duncan that contrasts but complements the track perfectly.
“Throwing Caution To The Wind” emerges as a standout track, blending clean riffs, a thumping low end, and Bush’s powerful vocals, along with a couple of monster solos that elevate the song to perfection. “Ladders And Slides” maintains the edgy vibe with a dirty-sounding rhythm, enhanced by Bush’s raspy vocals and brilliant guitar work, particularly Duncan’s captivating solo towards the end—an exceptional blend of blues, country, and rock.
The album’s heaviest track, “Bottom Feeder,” features a fat bass line, pounding drum beat, and crunching riffs, while Bush’s vocals seamlessly match the track’s intensity. Closing with “Epilogue,” the band delivers a banging rocker that exudes swagger, with outstanding guitar work and seriously groovy rhythm from the low end, providing a killer conclusion to an exceptional album.
“Emotion Factory Reset,” set to release on May 22nd via Metal Blade Records, exemplifies the pure class and musical excellence that Armored Saint consistently delivers. With each track showcasing the band’s talent and versatility, this album is sure to captivate fans old and new alike. Featuring a lineup of John Bush on vocals, Gonzo Sandoval on drums, Phil Sandoval on guitar, Joey Vera on bass, and Jeff Duncan on lead guitar, Armored Saint continues to impress with their latest release.