Armored Saint Interview: Phil Sandoval Talks Emotion Factory Reset, March Of The Saint And 2026 Touring

Phil Sandoval, guitarist and founding member of Armored Saint, spoke with Gino Alache of Rockum about the band’s 2026 studio album Emotion Factory Reset, released through Metal Blade Records. The conversation covers Sandoval’s songwriting contributions, the recording process, the meaning behind the album title, the early lessons of March Of The Saint, his return to the band around Symbol Of Salvation, and Armored Saint’s touring plans for 2026.

Rockum has followed the Emotion Factory Reset album cycle through several previous reports, including Armored Saint Announce ‘Emotion Factory Reset’ Album and Release ‘Close To The Bone’ Single, Armored Saint Release ‘Hit A Moonshot’ Video from ‘Emotion Factory Reset’ Album, and Armored Saint Release ‘Every Man-Any Man’ Video as ‘Emotion Factory Reset’ Arrives Worldwide.

Interview by Gino Alache for Rockum.

Gino Alache / Rockum: With the release of Emotion Factory Reset on May 22 through Metal Blade Records, how does it feel to put out a new studio album after almost six years? What made the band decide that this was the right moment to do it?

Phil Sandoval: It feels good to put out a new album. The timing was right, and we always try to do better than the last record. Everyone in the band did a great job.

Gino Alache / Rockum: How would you describe the creative process behind Emotion Factory Reset? Did you approach songwriting differently this time compared to Punching The Sky, or even compared to the earlier era of Armored Saint?

Phil Sandoval: The creative process was a little different on the song called “Throwing Caution To The Wind.” With that song, we wrote it all together in a rehearsal studio.

That song started when we were on tour with Queensrÿche and John said, “Why don’t you and Jeff come up with a riff or an idea for a song?” Right there and then, I grabbed my guitar, went to the back of the bus, and came up with the chords to the song. That’s when I asked Jeff to join me and play along to see what he could come up with.

The process usually starts with John and Joey writing and recording demos for the songs.

I submitted around 50 song titles and some lyric ideas because John said he was willing to accept lyrics as well. I have four songs with lyrics on Emotion Factory Reset that I’m proud to say: “Moonshot,” “Close To The Bone,” “Not On Your Life,” and “Buzzkill.”

I also have two music writing credits with “Throwing Caution To The Wind” and “Ladders And Slides.” So I’m happy with my contribution to this album.

Gino Alache / Rockum: How were the writing and recording sessions, and where was the album recorded? How important was the studio environment in shaping the sound, or do you feel it was more about the connection between the band?

Phil Sandoval: Drums were recorded at Dave Grohl’s studio. Rhythm guitars were recorded at Secret Hand Studio. Lead guitars were recorded at Bill Metoyer’s studio.

The studio had a very relaxed atmosphere. We all have a good connection and try to do our best.

Gino Alache / Rockum: After so many years and so many accomplishments as a band, do you still feel Armored Saint continues to evolve? Do you still surprise yourselves by discovering something new within the band?

Phil Sandoval: Armored Saint is constantly evolving, and that’s what makes us fresh and relevant. I always try to push myself to learn new things. I’ve even begun trying to play the piano. Don’t worry, I’m really a guitar player.

Gino Alache / Rockum: What would you like to say about Emotion Factory Reset to the fans, and especially to younger listeners who are searching for music on their own, not just waiting for algorithms to show it to them?

Phil Sandoval: Emotion Factory Reset is the next level for Armored Saint. We’re always trying to expand our horizons and move forward with new ideas for songs. It’s a great representation of where Armored Saint is in 2026, and fans will greatly appreciate how great it sounds.

Gino Alache / Rockum: What is the real meaning behind the title Emotion Factory Reset? At first glance, it feels like wiping emotions and starting from zero, but what does it truly represent for you?

Phil Sandoval: Emotion Factory Reset represents to me a new beginning to an end. Also, the world is in chaos and could use an Emotion Factory Reset, so to speak, to adjust and reset for a better tomorrow.

Gino Alache / Rockum: You and your brother Gonzo Sandoval founded Armored Saint in 1982, and shortly after, in 1984, you released March Of The Saint, an album many of us consider essential to heavy metal. Personally, songs like “Take A Turn” and “Can U Deliver” are unforgettable. Some members have said it was a difficult experience, but from your perspective as a founder, how were those days really? How did you feel, and what did you learn?

Phil Sandoval: Those days were incredible. It was an amazing experience recording our first album. But we also made some big mistakes. One of them was choosing the wrong producer.

The producer for our first album didn’t like Black Sabbath. We also spent way too much on the recording studio. The songs were there, but the final mix was on the light side.

I learned that I needed to pay more attention to what was going on around me and be more aware of what I was doing.

Gino Alache / Rockum: When you returned to Armored Saint in 1991 and continued forward, after all these albums, was there a moment or a record where you felt truly happy and realized this was exactly where you were meant to be?

Phil Sandoval: Back in 1991, when I was asked to return to the band, I felt great, especially since we recorded Symbol Of Salvation, which turned out to be a standout album for Armored Saint.

But that good feeling didn’t last very long at all, because that’s when John Bush left Armored Saint to join Anthrax. That started eight years of inactivity for Armored Saint.

But the good news is that Armored Saint is still here with all original members except one.

Gino Alache / Rockum: The last time I saw you live was in 2024 in Toronto opening for W.A.S.P., and the show was incredible, pure energy. With the new album coming out, what are the band’s touring plans, and what can fans expect from you on stage in this new chapter?

Phil Sandoval: Our touring plans for 2026 are:

July 3 — Denmark

August 1 — Sweden

August 6 — Czech Republic — Brutal Assault

August 7 — Belgium

August 8 — Netherlands

August 9 — Germany

August 13 — Poland

August 29 — United Kingdom — Stone Dead Festival

And we are touring in the fall, playing a co-headlining tour with Metal Church.

Gino Alache / Rockum: I believe one of the most powerful things about being a musician is seeing the world. When you travel to countries you never imagined visiting and see fans from completely different cultures and languages connecting with your music, what goes through your mind in those moments?

Phil Sandoval: I think it’s a wonderful experience to travel and play to so many different cultures and audiences. I also think about eating at a great restaurant when I travel, to explore and experience great food.

Gino Alache / Rockum: If you could give advice to a young musician starting today, what would you tell them?

Phil Sandoval: Some advice for young musicians is: don’t compare yourself to other musicians. It’s better to find your own voice on your instrument.

Miles Davis once said, “You really have to play a lot to sound like yourself.”

Gino Alache / Rockum: Any last words for your fans on Rockum?

Phil Sandoval: Thank you so much for having me do this interview. My apologies for taking so long.

All the best and long live Rockum. Thank you, Gino Alache.

Across this Rockum interview with Gino Alache, Phil Sandoval connects Emotion Factory Reset to both the current creative life of Armored Saint and the band’s longer history, from the early lessons of March Of The Saint to the return period around Symbol Of Salvation. His answers also document his own contributions to the new album, including lyrics, song titles and music writing credits, while placing Armored Saint’s 2026 touring plans within the same chapter as the release of Emotion Factory Reset.
Thanks to Looters