ARMORED SAINT – Emotion Factory Reset

American heavy metal band Armored Saint isn’t getting any younger, but they certainly don’t care. Not when they’re still putting out banging albums in their fourth decade as a band. As the follow-up to Punching the Sky (2020), Armored Saint’s latest album, Emotion Factory Reset (2026), is not a repeat of their classic albums. Instead, it’s a continuation of the band adapting to the current times on their terms and their schedule. The album title delivers an important message that will forever resonate with modern society: you can’t control outside events, but you can control how you react to them. The lineup that plays on the album includes John Bush on lead vocals, Joey Vera on bass guitar, Jeff Duncan on guitars, Phil Sandoval on guitars, and Gonzo Sandoval on drums. Emotion Factory Reset was produced by Vera and mixed by Jay Ruston.

Throwing Expectations to the Wind

The album kicks off with a barnstorming speed metal track called “Close to the Bone.” It features ferocious guitar riffage and a juicy bass line. According to Bush, “The lyrics came from trying to figure out how to work with people who maybe you don’t see eye to eye with.” Which probably explains why the song’s opening lines begin with, “Yes, I hate you, but I hold it in.” “Every Man-Any Man” has a catchy chorus and a great hook. It’s got a neat, intricate guitar riff, and the raw drum sound is fantastic! “Hit a Moonshot,” which apparently is a baseball reference, is just a good old, fun heavy metal song. It has an electrifying, headbanging vibe that’s meant for a concert atmosphere, and the guitar playing is on fire!

“Buckeye” has a swampy southern rock vibe that’s reminiscent of Black Stone Cherry, and it features sizzling slide guitar work from Duncan. It is the longest song on the album, being 5:56 long, but it’s a banger, so the length doesn’t matter in this case. “Compromise” is a guitar show-off number with such tasteful instrumentation going on, even Vera is working the bass line like he’s the last man on Earth. “Throwing Caution to the Wind” is the album’s “I don’t give a dang” rebellious rocker. The coincidentally titled “Epilogue” is the “driving down the highway” song that closes the album and sees the band ride off into the sunset in true heavy metal fashion: loud and proud!

Final Assessment

The album sounds great, thanks to the fresh, modern-sounding production. The guitar playing is tasteful, yet very melodic and accessible. The rhythm section of Vera and Gonzo is solid as a rock, beefing up the songs with the right amount of flavor. By the way, it’s a shame that Gonzo isn’t nicknamed “Animal,” as a tribute to the drummer for Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem, considering he shares the same name as another beloved Muppets character. Going back to the band not caring about repeating their past, it’s always refreshing to hear a band that’s been around for decades continue to put out amazing music and not fall into the trap of being stuck in “nostalgia land.” For those who are interested in fun and tasteful heavy metal, give Armored Saint’s Emotion Factory Reset a chance!

Album Tracklist

1. Close to the Bone
2. Every Man-Any Man
3. Not on Your Life
4. Hit a Moonshot
5. Buckeye
6. Compromise
7. It’s a Buzzkill
8. Throwing Caution to the Wind
9. Ladders and Slides
10. Bottom Feeder
11. Epilogue

Band Lineup

John Bush – lead vocals
Joey Vera – bass guitar
Jeff Duncan – guitars
Phil Sandoval – guitars
Gonzo Sandoval – drums

Check out the music video for “Hit a Moonshot” from Armored Saint’s Emotion Factory Reset!