Published: March 24, 2026 · 2:11 PM EDT
Armored Saint present their ninth studio album “Emotion Factory Reset”, featuring John Bush and production by Joey Vera, with “Close To The Bone” introducing a new chapter in the band’s sound
Armored Saint return with “Emotion Factory Reset”, their ninth studio album, continuing a legacy that stretches back to 1984’s “March Of The Saint”. The record represents not only a new release in the band’s catalog, but a moment of reflection and progression shaped by decades of experience within heavy metal.
Set for release on May 22, 2026 via Metal Blade Records, the album captures a band that remains committed to evolving without losing its identity. Rather than revisiting past formulas, Armored Saint approach this new material as a continuation of their ongoing development, balancing tradition with forward movement.
Produced by Joey Vera and mixed by Jay Ruston, whose work includes collaborations with Anthrax and Stone Sour, the album reflects both precision and creative freedom. The production highlights the band’s dynamic range while maintaining the raw energy that has defined their sound over the years.
“Emotion Factory Reset” emerges from a collaborative process that emphasizes instinct and experience. Vera describes each album as a distinct chapter, shaped by the band’s mindset at a specific moment in time, while vocalist John Bush highlights the importance of allowing diverse influences to shape the songwriting without restriction.
The title itself reflects a conceptual foundation rooted in clarity and perspective. Guitarist Phil Sandoval frames the idea as a process of resetting emotionally, focusing on internal control rather than external circumstances, while drummer Gonzo Sandoval connects it to a broader sense of collective awareness and transformation.
The first single, “Close To The Bone”, serves as the opening statement of the album and reflects a return to the band’s core identity. Built on strong riffs, driving rhythms and direct vocal delivery, the track channels elements of classic heavy metal while incorporating a modern edge. Its foundation draws from the era surrounding the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, a formative influence during the band’s early years.
Across the album, Armored Saint continue to develop a sound that remains rooted in heavy metal tradition while embracing a more contemporary approach. Songs such as “Hit A Moonshot” and “Every Man-Any Man” highlight this balance, combining familiarity with progression and reinforcing the band’s position within the genre.
Vocally, John Bush continues to deliver performances defined by intensity and authenticity. A significant portion of his recordings originates from demo sessions, preserving the immediacy and raw character of his voice, a defining element of the band’s identity.
The album was recorded across multiple studios, including 606 Studios, Secret Hand Studios, Skullseven Studios, Constantine Studios, and Bridge Recording, reflecting a production process that integrates different environments while maintaining a cohesive vision.
TRACKLIST
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
LIVE 2026
April 19, 2026 — West Hollywood, CA — Rainbow Bar & Grill
May 17, 2026 — San Luis Potosí, MX — San Luis Metal Fest
May 22, 2026 — Gelsenkirchen, DE — Rock Hard Festival
June 06, 2026 — Milwaukee, WI — Milwaukee Metalfest
July 30, 2026 — Copenhagen, DK — Pumpehuset
July 31, 2026 — Rejmyre, SE — Skogsrojet Festival
August 01, 2026 — Gothenburg, SE — Pustervik
August 02, 2026 — Lund, SE — Mejeriet
August 05, 2026 — Jaromre, CZ — Brutal Assault
August 07, 2026 — Dessel, BE — Alcatraz Festival
August 08, 2026 — Zoetermeer, NL — Poppodium Boerderij
August 09, 2026 — Geiselwind, DE — Keep It True Legions
August 11, 2026 — Warsaw, PL — Progresja
August 12, 2026 — Kosice, SK — Collosseum
August 13, 2026 — Krakow, PL — Klub Studio
August 29, 2026 — Newark, UK — Stonedead Festival
LINEUP
John Bush
Joey Vera
Jeff Duncan
Gonzo Sandoval
Phil Sandoval
EDITORIAL CLOSURE
With “Emotion Factory Reset”, Armored Saint reinforce their identity as a band that continues to evolve without disconnecting from its roots. Rather than relying on nostalgia, the album reflects a commitment to growth, shaped by experience and a clear understanding of their place within heavy metal.
The result is a record that stands as both a continuation of their legacy and a reaffirmation of their relevance, maintaining the balance between tradition and progression that has defined their career for decades.
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
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