For more than four decades, Armored Saint have remained one of the defining names in American heavy metal. Formed in Pasadena, California, the band has carried the classic metal torch since the early 1980s, continuing to deliver powerful live performances and new music without losing sight of its roots.
In 2026, Armored Saint appeared at Germany’s Rock Hard Festival in Gelsenkirchen, where Rockpalast captured the band’s set. Among the performances was “Reign Of Fire,” the opening track from Symbol Of Salvation. Originally released in 1991, the album later returned in a 2003 reissue and remains one of the band’s most celebrated records.
Emotion Factory Reset, Armored Saint‘s ninth studio album since 1984’s March Of The Saint, marks another important chapter in the band’s history. Described as “a resurrection of sorts, a tearing down and a rebuilding in eleven songs of diverse musicality and lyrical themes,” the record reflects a group that continues to evolve while staying true to its identity.
As with the band’s previous four releases, bassist Joey Vera handled production, while Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Stone Sour) took care of mixing. The result is an album that pushes Armored Saint into new territory without abandoning the elements that earned them their reputation in heavy music.
Tracks such as “Close To The Bone,” “Hit A Moonshot,” and “Every Man-Any Man” showcase that balance, with Armored Saint paying tribute to their legacy while writing music that feels relevant today.
The sessions for Emotion Factory Reset took place at several facilities, including 606 Studios, Secret Hand Studios, Skullseven Studios, Constantine Studios, and Bridge Recording. Engineering duties were shared by Oliver Roman, Bill Metoyer, Joey Vera, and Jason Constantine, while DDKing created the album artwork.
