“You Can’t Win Them All” is a phrase that gets thrown around quite a bit in the Hoogkamer Household whenever something doesn’t quite go according to plan. That sentiment seems only marginally applicable to Armored Saint however, because the band, fronted by powerhouse vocalist John Bush, somehow manages to roll the highest number on the dice every time it releases a new album. Of course, one could argue endlessly over whether the group didn’t already produce its absolute and untouchable masterpiece back in 1991 (helped in no small part by the emotional weight of the tragic circumstances surrounding that record), but the last two albums, Win Hands Down and Punching The Sky, were far from slouches either.
And Emotion Factory Reset – which essentially means taking a moment to breathe or count to ten before reacting (certainly not a bad idea) – has turned out to be another excellent record. While the band claims in the promotional material that every new album is like a new “skin,” what we get here is once again top-tier US heavy metal. A standard, it should be noted, that the band itself helped establish. Naturally, there are some subtle shifts in emphasis, but as Bush puts it: “We know who we are; it’s not like we’re going to dish out the new trip-hop, black metal, bluegrass album.” And that means fans can dive in once again with very little hesitation, perhaps after a brief “emotion factory reset” of their own.
Speaking of those subtle differences: when the pace and gnarly chorus of opener Close to the Bone kicked in, I briefly wondered whether Bush had brought some of the aggression from his thrashier outfit Category 7 ( A great record too!) back to the band that remains his true musical home. More likely, though, that’s simply a case of availability bias, because Armored Saint itself has more than enough of these bangers in its catalogue. Either way, this is the kind of track that makes you want to keep an eye on your speedometer if it comes blasting through your car speakers. The gruff riffs and blazing solos could easily result in a wicked grin and a heavier right foot. At the same time, there are plenty of details to keep things interesting. Beneath the main themes, for instance, a clever little guitar line occasionally sneaks into the mix.
Earlier this week, I actually woke up with the melody of Hit A Moonshot stuck in my head. No complaints there, because this is the strongest track on the album. I’m clearly not alone in that opinion, as it also appears to be a favourite of the band itself. In fact, guitarist Jeff Duncan has stated that this song defines the sound of Armored Saint in 2026. If that’s the definition, then I’d describe it as follows: passionately and compellingly rocking out at an exceptionally high musical and vocal level (those solos and that breakdown!) while delivering choruses that burrow effortlessly into the reptilian brain. Buckeye on the other hand, is a very different beast. Not in terms of quality, of course – these guys simply aren’t capable of playing badly – but in atmosphere. We hear warm memories, beautiful backing vocals and, yes, slide guitar in a blend of hard rock, grungy emotion and a touch of country. I understand that the lyrics are among the most personal Bush has ever written. The song appears to be about his daughter, who lives far away from him: “Always have my hand, even when we let go”… Beautiful.
Compromise is, ironically, rather uncompromising heavy metal, featuring a repetitive chorus that never quite grabs hold. Just when you start thinking the album may be hitting a slight lull an extended instrumental middle section arrives in which the musicians – all masters of their craft – take turns, with Joey Vera’s astonishing bass playing (well, obviously!) ultimately stealing the show. The chorus of It’s a Buzzkill, combined with the tingling guitar lines underneath, pulls us right back in. Some listeners may find the restrained energy a little lacking, but I actually enjoy the funky vibe (which won’t surprise anyone familiar with what sits under the letter P in my record collection). It also helps make Emotion Factory Reset a bit more dynamic than its two predecessors.
And that’s really about it. With this new album, Armored Saint has delivered another impressive achievement, making it at least three strong records in a row. Some fans may wish things were a little heavier here and there (even Ladders and Slides never goes completely full throttle, relying instead on those phenomenal vocals and the intertwining guitars), but the fact that world-class musicians and a world-class singer are at work here shines through every second of Emotion Factory Reset. And with Hit A Moonshot, the band has once again added a genuine classic to its catalogue. As for me, these nearly fifty minutes left me feeling mentally refreshed. You could call it a reset.
Score:
83/100
Label:
Metal Blade Records, 2026
Tracklisting:
- Close to the Bone
- Every Man-Any Man
- Not On Your Life
- Hit a Moonshot
- Buckeye
- Compromise
- It’s a Buzzkill
- Throwing Caution to the Wind
- Ladders and Slides
- Bottom Feeder
- Epilogue
Line-up:
- Joey Vera – Bass guitar
- Gonzo Sandoval – Drums
- Phil Sandoval – Guitar
- John Bush – Vocals
- Jeff Duncan – Guitar
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