Armored Saint
Formed: 1982
From:
Los Angeles,
CA,
United States
Last Known Status: Active
Latest Armored Saint News
Below is our complete Armored Saint news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
Note: We began associating news directly with bands in late 2003. Therefore, earlier band news may not be listed on this page.
Displaying records 1 - 20 of 109 1 2 3 ... 5 6 Last
Armored Saint To Record New Album Next Month
Following two festival performances – Bangers Open Air in São Paulo, Brazil and Sonic Temple Festival in Columbus, Ohio respectively – heavy metal icons Armored Saint will enter the studio next month to begin recording their long-awaited ninth studio album, tentatively slated for a Spring 2026 release through Metal Blade Records.
In September, the band will join W.A.S.P. for a trio of UK shows before returning to the States to support legendary guitarist Michael Schenker on his My Years With UFO US Tour. Armored Saint will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of their second album, "Delirious Nomad," with a five-song micro set of songs from the record throughout the tour.
To further commemorate the cornerstone record, the band is making available a special "Delirious Nomad" wrapped guitar from Dean Guitars. Each guitar is signed by the band. Presales will be announced in the coming week.
Category 7 Premiere New Single & Music Video
Thrash metal supergroup Category 7 has premiered a music video for their track "Land I Used To Love." Directed by Tom Flynn (known for his work with As I Lay Dying and 10 Years), this latest video showcases the band’s powerhouse lineup of veteran metal musicians, which includes:
Vocals: John Bush (Armored Saint, ex-Anthrax)
Guitars: Mike Orlando (ex-Adrenaline Mob)
Guitars: Phil Demmel (Kerry King, ex-Machine Head/Vio-lence)
Bass: Jack Gibson (Exodus)
Drums: Jason Bittner (Shadows Fall/Overkill)
The group’s first headlining tour in support of their self-titled debut album will kick off this spring, with dates as follows: More...
Report
Armored Saint Reigns Supreme In London
One of the most commonly used phrases among metal fans is, "They should have been bigger." Despite metal fans' contradictory attitude towards commercial success, Armored Saint always had the tunes and the talent to go far and while they never reached the heights they deserved, their legacy is undisputed as one of the greatest exponents of American heavy metal. "Symbol Of Salvation" is a bona fide classic and there are several other albums that could be considered legendary too. Forty two years on from their formation, Armored Saint were back in London to perform at The Dome in Tufnell Park and fans were eager to welcome them back to The Old Smoke.
The evening kicked off in tremendous fashion thanks to English traditional heavy metal flag bearers Tailgunner. Since the release of their debut album, "Guns For Hire" last July, the quintet has received a lot of praise and rightfully so. Traditional heavy metal is a hard thing to pull off in the modern day, but Tailgunner is bloody superb at it. It was a surprise, albeit a fun one to see them walk on stage the classic Mikis Theodorakis composition, "Zorba The Greek," but it set the tone for the fun that was to come, which soon arrived via opening number, "Guns For Hire." The title track is a great representation of what to expect from the band; Maiden and Priest worship at its finest.
Guitarists Zach Salvini and Rhea Thompson were on fire throughout the whole set, particularly during the guitar battle mid-way through their performance. Like Thompson, there's another recent addition to the lineup in the form of ex Asomvel drummer Jani Pasanen, who was just as exciting to watch, while vocalist Craig Cairns (also of Induction and Titan Blood) was in excellent voice. In addition to excellent originals like "White Death," "Warhead" and "Revolution Scream," there was a couple of covers thrown in like "Beast In The Night" by Randy, and the closing song, "Painkiller," which of course is a Judas Priest classic. It's easy to see what the hype around Tailgunner is all about because they're so energetic and so much fun. Fans of classic heavy metal need to add them to their listening rotation because they'll restore your faith in the music you love. More...
Category 7 (Armored Saint, Etc.) Premiere New Song
Category 7, the supergroup featuring current and former members of Armored Saint, Machine Head, Exodus, Shadows Fall, and more, are back with another single, “Exhausted.” This track is from the band’s forthcoming self-titled debut album, set to be released on July 26th via Metal Blade Records.
Frontman John Bush commented: More...
Brutal Assault Unveils 23 Additional Bands
Legendary death metal act Carcass is set to make a triumphant return to the Fortress after a five-year hiatus. Joining them is Cytotoxin, promising an onslaught of toxic and brutal death metal. Death/goregrind force from Belgium Aborted will join the lineup alongside Sweden's Dark Tranquillity, renowned for their signature Gothenburg melodic death metal sound. Vltimas, the apocalypse riders, will complete this imaginary death metal circle.
American band Escuela Grind will bring chaos with their grindcore, followed by Misery Index and Rotten Sound, known for their mixes of death and grind genres. The onslaught will culminate with Pig Destroyer.
Representing the black metal genre are American act Akhlys, underground sensation Yellow Eyes, and folk psychedelic ensemble Hexvessel.
From the gothic scene, the lineup will welcome industrial favorites Deathsars and the post-punk-tinged Unto Others. Finnish melodic outfit Kalmah will arrive from the dark swamps, and heavy-rock-metal band Soil will come from overseas. Cynic, known as "tech metallers," will present a special Focus set in celebration of the re-release of their iconic debut album. Additionally, acts like Master Boot Record, with their 8-bit computer sounds, and the brutally honest post-hardcore group Svalbard will offer their unique musical perspectives.
Prepare for some hardcore action as Madball makes a comeback to Brutal Assault, after six years, promising a lively moshpit. Also making their debut at BA are established bands like Cancer Bats, Show Me The Body known for their innovative musical identity, and This Is Hell, recognized for their intense and energetic live performances in the metal punk scene.
Newly Announced Bands: More...
Brutal Assault 2024 Adds Several Thrash Bands
Four big names who have been involved in the formation of this genre will be coming from California - namely Testament, Exodus, Armored Saint and Sadus.
The younger blood will be represented by Colorado's Havok, multi-instrumentalist Joel Grind's Toxic Holocaust and Czech-American Laid To Waste.
Brutal Assault will take place in the Czech Republic at the Josefov Fortress during August 7-10, 2024.
Festival passes are available HERE! More...
W.A.S.P. Cancels Tour With Armored Saint
W.A.S.P. has announced that their planned tour of the United States this year has been cancelled, owing to back injuries frontman Blackie Lawless has sustained. Fans can receive refunds for both tickets and VIP packages from the point of purchase. A statement from the musician reads as follows:
"The extent of the trauma I endured on the 2023 European Tour was far greater than originally diagnosed and surgery will now be needed to correct the problem. In addition to the original herniated disc, as that tour continued, a 2nd disc became herniated. Upon returning home a 2nd MRI also revealed a broken vertebrae to my lower back. I've been fortunate to work with the best specialists in the U.S. and I've been in intensive rehab since we got home. It's going well but the damage was pretty extensive and all the Dr.'s agree moving the tour a few months back will be the safest thing. It's all been as the result of an injury that happened several years ago. I'm working my butt off to get ready and I'll be up riding on Elvis... bigger and badder than ever. If the Torture Never Stops, then the 40th Never Stops!"
Armored Saint frontman John Bush added: Armored Saint vocalist John Bush comments: "To say we are super bummed about the tour being canceled would be an understatement. We were all prepping hard, and I was looking forward to turning 60 years old in Wheeling, West Virginia. That being said, we understand Blackie’s physical condition and we stand behind him and hope for a speedy recovery. Thank you to all the fans who purchased tickets and VIP packages. The Concert Tickets and VIP packages can be refunded at the point of purchase. Armored Saint VIP Upgrade holders should go to www.national-acts.com for a full refund. Thank you for all your loyalty as always! I’m gonna turn a negative into a positive and let you know that this little snafu has allowed us to start writing songs for a new record. It’s sounding killer!"
Motor Sister (Anthrax, Etc.) Premiere New Track
Motor Sister - the supergroup led by vocalist/guitarist Jim Wilson (Mother Superior) and guitarist Scott Ian (Anthrax) - premiere their new single “Right There, Just Like That“. Completing the band's lineup are Joey Vera (Armored Saint) on bass and John Tempesta (The Cult, ex-White Zombie) on drums. A May 06th release date via Metal Blade Records has been slated for the band’s new album “Get Off“.
Says Wilson: More...
W.A.S.P. Announces Tour With Armored Saint
"June 6, 2022 marks the 40th Anniversary of the band that has rocked and shocked, thrashed, trashed and blasted its way into shock and roll history. Your band, the world’s band… my band W.A.S.P.," states an update from Blackie Lawless.
To celebrate, the band will embark on their first U.S tour in a decade and take fans back through 40 years of madness. Coming along for the trek are L.A.’s Armored Saint, who are also celebrating their 40th Anniversary. And as a special treat, Michael Schenker will appear on the Texas and Tulsa shows.
Blackie Lawless commenting on the US tour, "For over 10 years we have not toured on U.S. soil. But starting Oct. 28th, 2022… we return. 10 years I’d want, 10 years I’ve cussed, 10 years I’d lust to return…. To my home land… and be a Wild Child, a Love Machine, to be Blind in Texas, On Your Knees and Headless."
Joined by bassist Mike Duda, and Doug Blair whose time in the band is 26 and 18 years, along with drummer extraordinaire Aquiles Priester, they will take the band and the fans back to where it all started, complete with the stage show extravaganza that many fans never saw live
Blackie concludes: "So join me and the band, and very special guests Armored Saint, as we celebrate W.A.S.P 40th Anniversary Tour… Back in the US…. Back to the Beginning. I’m gonna scream, cause I wanna feed, cause I wanna bleed, cause I Wanna Be Somebody. W.A.S.P. 40th Anniversary Tour… Back in the US…. Back to the Beginning." More...
Armored Saint Unveils New Live Video
Today (October 22nd), Armored Saint have released a new CD/DVD, "Symbol of Salvation Live," via Metal Blade Records, to celebrate the seminal album's 30th anniversary. For a preview of Symbol of Salvation Live, a live video for "Spineless" can be seen below.
Armored Saint Launches New Live Video
On October 22nd, Armored Saint will release a new CD/DVD, "Symbol of Salvation Live," via Metal Blade Records, to celebrate the seminal album's 30th anniversary. For a preview of Symbol of Salvation Live, a live video for "The Truth Always Hurts" can be seen below.
There are many ways to celebrate the anniversary of an important release in a band's career, and for Symbol Of Salvation's thirtieth birthday - an album vocalist John Bush refers to as Armored Saint's "cornerstone record" - comes Symbol Of Salvation Live. A combination live album and video of the band playing the album in its entirety at New York's famed Gramercy Theatre during their 2018 tour, it captures the power, diversity and peerless songwriting contained within it. "I felt like showing 'Symbol' in another light was a great homage to the record itself," states bassist Joey Vera. "Also, having all the fans be there and part of that event is a way for us to say 'Thank you!' For, without them, we can't do any of this in the first place." More...
Armored Saint Confirms New Live Album/DVD Details
On October 22, Armored Saint will release a new CD/DVD, "Symbol Of Salvation Live," via Metal Blade Records, to celebrate the seminal album's 30th anniversary. For a first preview of Symbol Of Salvation Live, a live video for the title track can be viewed below.
There are many ways to celebrate the anniversary of an important release in a band's career, and for Symbol Of Salvation's thirtieth birthday - an album vocalist John Bush refers to as Armored Saint's "cornerstone record" - comes Symbol Of Salvation Live. A combination live album and video of the band playing the album in its entirety at New York's famed Gramercy Theatre during their 2018 tour, it captures the power, diversity and peerless songwriting contained within it. "I felt like showing 'Symbol' in another light was a great homage to the record itself," states bassist Joey Vera. "Also, having all the fans be there and part of that event is a way for us to say 'Thank you!' For, without them, we can't do any of this in the first place."
There is no denying that Symbol Of Salvation stands out of the band's catalogue as something truly special, something that the band recognize as readily as their rabid fanbase. "It links our past to our future," says Bush. "I believe it was the time that we honestly thought we could do whatever we wanted to musically and it would somehow work. There's a magical feeling about it and it continues to gain mystique every year." However, the band went through some adverse times while initially writing the songs that would make up the record, being without a label for three years prior to signing with Metal Blade, and in 1990 - before they headed into the studio - losing founding guitarist Dave Prichard to leukemia. This ultimately served to light a fire under the band, pushing them to deliver their very best. "Because we had lifted ourselves out of these ashes, as it were, we felt a very strong desire to make every little thing count," elaborates Vera. "It felt more important than anything we had ever done before. For one thing, we didn't want Dave's writing contributions to be in vain. Also, we were on a mission to let the world hear what we'd been working on for three years. Funny thing is, that during the separation of the metal genre between glam and thrash from '85 to '89, we kinda felt like we had to prove something to everyone else. But while making 'Symbol', we also had something to prove, except this time, we had to prove it to ourselves." More...
Armored Saint Posts New Music Video Online
Last October, Armored Saint released their eighth full-length, "Punching The Sky," via Metal Blade Records. Today, the band has launched a new video for the album track, "Lone Wolf". Directed by Robert Graves // ashadowbeyond.com (who also produced the videos for Armored Saint's "End of the Attention Span" and "Missile to Gun"), "Lone Wolf" can be seen below.
Robert Graves comments: "With 'Lone Wolf', the band and I agreed right away that this was an opportunity to create a narrative driven video that would convey the song's lyrical themes, while also creating an engaging visual experience. And so, a noir-styled heist in the heart of LA just seemed to fit the song perfectly. We decided to keep the story simple and allow the tone of the video to help convey the song's significance. This gave us (the crew) the opportunity to create an aesthetic that intensified the song's mood, while also getting some incredible action scenes to tell the story. Needless to say, Armored Saint fans are in for a ride. I think they're gonna love it!"
Bassist Joey Vera adds: "Working again with director Robert Graves was incredible. Not only is this video great to watch, but underneath the storyline lies a layer of allegory, metaphor and symbolism. Kind of a first for us. John Bush's great lyrics twist and turn into meanings not visible at first sight. It's a view into a person's journey through life and how they maneuver through it all and what they gain from that experience in the end. The neo-noir look Robert created in both the story and the band performances make this a great addition to the Armored Saint video catalogue." More...
OpEd
Diamond Oz: The Best Of 2020
Right off the bat, I know some of you are laughing at the idea that 2020 could offer a best of anything. It's been a year to forget for most of us, thanks largely to the COVID-19 virus, which has had a devastating effect across the globe. Metal is no exception to the impact of the corona virus, and subsequently, we've not been able to attend many shows this year, with tours being cancelled left and right and it being unknown when they'll return. We've also sadly lost some true icons this year, including Eddie Van Halen, Pete Way and Leslie West, as well as the tragic death of Power Trip frontman Riley Gale.
Nevertheless, every situation has a positive and when it comes to the music itself, metal does what it does best and fights against the negative with some stellar new albums, as well as some incredible new bands emerging and the reformation of such bands as Vektor, Genghis Tron and Trail Of Tears. In this article, we'll be recognising some of the year's best releases, best live bands (from the short time we were able to actually see live music) and the best newcomers. Starting with...
Best Live Band
As I may have mentioned once or twice already, live shows were a rarity this year and so much of the bands I saw came from my time on board 70000 Tons Of Metal, where there were some very strong contenders for best live performance. While Toxik, At The Gates, Possessed and The Agonist all put on blistering shows, delighting all who were lucky enough to attend, the two bands who really stood out this time were Mexican deathgrinders Brujeria and Irish folk metal pioneers Cruachan. Brujeria are always a treat live, never failing to combine extreme metal with humour and a decent slice of politics, plus there's nothing quite like boarding a boat to Florida from Mexico, with a crowd singing "La Migra" at the top of their lungs! Cruachan meanwhile fought through some technical difficulties and a very late time slot to thrill those who stayed up to see them, before packing out the bar on the third night for their version of an Irish pub sing along, leading hundreds of metal fans in stirring renditions of such staples as "Seven Drunken Nights", "Come Out Ye Black And Tans" and of course, "Ride On." However my pick for best live band goes to a quartet who are about to unleash their first album in seven years and who weren't on board 70000 Tons this year.
Eyehategod
In what had to be the best package tour to actually happen this year, Napalm Death collected a motley crew of some of metal's best to wreck the ears of European headbangers, storming across Europe with Eyehategod, Misery Index, Rotten Sound and Bat. Each one of these bands were absolutely fantastic and it's always hard to top Napalm Death live, as it is Rotten Sound, but somehow Eyehategod did it. With fearsome energy, Mike IX's "fuck you" attitude and Jimmy Bower's exemplary riffs, the four piece absolutely tore Leeds apart on a cold February night. There were some in the crowd who weren't familiar with the New Orleans icons, but by the end of their set, they were cheered as heroes by all in attendence. One young lady I spoke to before their set that didn't know them was nearly in tears after by how overwhelmed she was by their performance. That new album can't come soon enough. More...
Report
Armored Saint Livestreams A Metal Masterclass
It certainly feel strange to be writing a gig report in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has of course, all but vanquished hope of attending concerts this year and maybe even next year, but nevertheless, some bands have been able to overcome this obstacle and deliver the live experience to fans in their own home through livestreaming. One such band who refused to be denied the opportunity to deliver live renditions of an album they're rightly so proud of, was California's own heavy metal heroes, Armored Saint.
With their new album, "Punching The Sky," released last month through Metal Blade Records, it would have been a crime if fans weren't able to hear the new material in a live setting and so, despite not having an audience, the Los Angeles quintet took to the stage of the famous Whisky A Go Go on October 10th and performed with a passion which would have fooled anyone into thinking the legendary venue was packed to the rafters.
Naturally, the set relied heavily on "Punching The Sky," opening with "Never You Fret," the first of four songs to make their live debut, followed shortly after by "Pay Dirt" from the "Revelation" album. John Bush was in fine voice as always and even got a laugh when turning to the camera, cupping his ear and shouting the live cliche, "I can't hear you!" Those familiar with the new singles, "End Of The Attention Span" and "Standing On The Shoulders Of Giants," were no doubt happy to hear these future live staples performed for the first time as well, in addition to other new songs "Missile To Gun" and "On The Way."
Of course, the classics can't be ignored either and those who tuned in were treated to everything from "Can U Deliver," from their debut full length, "March Of The Saint," to the infectious "Left Hook From Right Field" from 2010's, "La Raza." It was certainly a varied set, with only "Punching The Sky" being represented by more than one song, but it was a fun one, containing other classics like "Reign Of Fire," "Isolation" and "For The Sake Of Heaviness."
All in all, this was an excellent performance from Armored Saint, one which gives hope to fans worried that a live show can't replicate the quality of a live DVD or album. The only thing missing was a room full of rabid fans, as there's no doubt they would have gone absolutely crazy for this performance.
Armored Saint frontman John Bush and bassist Joey Vera each spoke to Metal Underground recently about "Punching The Sky." You can listen to both interviews below. More...
Armored Saint Shares New Music Video
Today (October 23rd), Armored Saint has released their eighth full-length, "Punching The Sky," via Metal Blade Records. For a preview of the album, a video for the new single "Missile To Gun" (produced by Defiant Digital Productions, directed by Robert Graves (www.ashadowbeyond.com) can be viewed below.
Armored Saint vocalist John Bush and bassist Joey Vera both spoke to Metal Underground recently about "Punching The Sky," among other topics. You can check out both interviews below too. More...
Armored Saint Posts Trailer For New Documentary
Armored Saint, in conjunction with Strange And Beautiful Productions, has posted the first trailer online for the documentary film, Armored Saint: The Movie. You can check it out below.
Produced and directed by Russell Cherrington, the film tells the story of Armored Saint, a band of brothers that created its own unique sound and image in the 1980s Los Angeles rock and metal scene.
Armored Saint: The Movie features interviews with members of Armored Saint, as well as James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich of Metallica, Scott Ian from Anthrax, Brian Slagel, Tracy Vera and Mike Faley of Metal Blade Records, in addition to numerous others.
Metal Underground recently spoke with Armored Saint bassist Joey Vera, which can also be heard below. A second interview, this time with vocalist John Bush, will premiere next week. More...
Armored Saint Posts New Music Video Online
On October 23rd, Armored Saint will release their eighth full-length, Punching The Sky, via Metal Blade Records. For a preview of the album, a video for the new single, "Standing on the Shoulders of Giants" (directed and produced by Costin Chioreanu // https://twilight13media.com/), can be viewed below. Additional drone footage was shot by Miluta Flueras, with band performance footage by Vince Edwards. Special thanks to Dan Marinescu.
On Saturday, October 10th at 1PM PST//4PM EST//10PM CET, Armored Saint will host a live record release show online for Punching The Sky. Set to take place at the Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood, CA, Armored Saint will be performing a full set, including 4 new songs from Punching the Sky. Additionally, the band will be answering select questions from fans who submit them via a post on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thearmoredsaint More...
Armored Saint To Host Online Album Release Show
On Saturday, October 10th at 1PM PST//4PM EST//10PM CET, Armored Saint will host a live record release show online for their upcoming album, "Punching The Sky" (due out October 23rd via Metal Blade Records). Set to take place at the Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood, CA, Armored Saint will be performing a full set, including 4 new songs from Punching the Sky. Additionally, the band will be answering select questions from fans who submit them via a post on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thearmoredsaint
Tickets, plus exclusive event merch bundles are available now at: armoredsaint.veeps.com. Fans who purchase a ticket can access the footage and bundles until November 9th. See below for all ticket-bundle options:
--ticket plus signed CD of Punching the Sky [$30 (USA only)]
--ticket plus exclusive event tee and signed CD [$65 (USA only)]
--ticket plus exclusive event tee [$55 (USA shipping), $65.00 (Europe shipping)]
Armored Saint comments: "We are very excited about our new record 'Punching the Sky', and we'd be pleased if you'd join us in this virtual show to help celebrate the release date. In these strange times where none of us can go to see live music anymore, this is the closest thing we can do about that. We will be on stage, cranking it out as we always do. We will certainly be missing seeing all of you in the venue, but we hope you'll Rock Out with us in the comfort of your own homes!"
Armored Saint Reveals New Album Details
On October 23rd, Armored Saint will release their eighth full-length, "Punching The Sky," via Metal Blade Records. For a first preview of the album, a video for the new single, "End of the Attention Span" (directed by Robert Graves // ashadowbeyond.com), can be viewed below
Bassist Joey Vera comments: "We've teamed up with video director Robert Graves for our first single, 'End of the Attention Span'. Robert got the lyrical content right away and together we delved into society's ongoing fascination with electronic devices and the insidious disconnect it creates. The irony is that most of us feel connected together through our phone and computer screens, but the reality is that we have created a wedge between ourselves. Our human interactions have been infected with an intense need for information. We're always 'looking' for more. The end result is a very damaged attention span."
Leaders and stalwarts of the American heavy metal scene since the early 80s, Armored Saint's "Punching The Sky" sees them returning hard. A diverse, attitude-drenched collection, it's everything the band's faithful have come to expect from them while pushing their signature sound forward. "The goal is to write really good music. I know I'm stating the obvious here but that's about the size of our agenda," says bassist Joey Vera. "We've been able to shed a lot of expectations that sometimes plague a band like ours that has been around a long time, and we've recently moved into a comfort zone with just being ourselves. We have this kind of freedom now that we didn't really have early in our career, and we can take some chances and make the kind of music that we want to hear. This record is a reflection of where we are at, right now." Exploding to life with the crunchy, rousing "Standing On The Shoulders Of Giants" and not letting up until the closing ruthless riff of "Never You Fret", the record is possessed of an urgency and vigor which very much places it in the right now, but could only be the work of Vera, guitarists Phil Sandoval and Jeff Duncan, drummer Gonzo Sandoval and vocalist John Bush. "When you're a band that began four decades ago, you really have to push yourself harder than ever when it comes to making a new record," states Bush. "The last thing you ever want is for it to appear as though you were going through the motions or that you're just putting a product out to do some touring. The records are immortal. They'll be here long after us. Every one needs to count in its own individual way." More...