Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Emotion Factory Reset is the ninth studio album by the American heavy metal band Armored Saint, released on May 22, 2026 by Metal Blade Records. It represents a "resurrection" or reconstruction for the Los Angeles quintet, following the acclaimed Punching the Sky (2020). The album features 11 tracks with musical diversity and varied lyrical themes, maintaining the band's classic essence while exploring new territories.
Armored Saint, formed in 1982, is one of the most respected names in American heavy metal, with roots in the 80s movement alongside bands like Metallica and Megadeth (John Bush was even invited to join Anthrax). After decades of career, the group continues with its classic lineup: John Bush (vocals), Joey Vera (bass and production), Jeff Duncan and Phil Sandoval (guitars), and Gonzo Sandoval (drums).
The album was produced by Joey Vera (as with the last four albums) and mixed by Jay Ruston (known for his work with Anthrax and Stone Sour). Recordings took place in various studios, including 606 Studios. The cover art is by DDKing. The band describes the album as a "new chapter," without repeating previous formulas—each album is seen as a "new skin" or snapshot of the band's current moment.
The title, Emotion Factory Reset, comes from a phrase by guitarist Phil Sandoval and reflects the idea of "resetting" emotions: taking a break, breathing, and responding clearly instead of reacting impulsively. It's about controlling the mind in the face of external events, reinterpreting experiences, and realigning oneself in a constantly changing technological and emotional world. The lyrical themes explore interpersonal relationships, resilience, unexpected success, commitment, caution, and personal reflections, with John Bush writing organically, letting the melodies and music guide the lyrics.
The album balances the band's traditional heavy metal (powerful riffs, solid grooves from Vera and Gonzo, powerful vocals from Bush) with more adventurous and diverse elements. There are reimagined NWOBHM influences, classic rock, relaxed grooves, and even touches reminiscent of other genres (such as mentions of The Police or unexpected fusions in tracks like "Buckeye").
It's not a repetitive or purely nostalgic album—it prioritizes sophistication, dynamics, and the group's chemistry. Initial reviews highlight fist-pumping anthems, huge hooks, and consistent quality, although some note variations in intensity (more "dad rock" in parts, but with explosive moments). John Bush remains in exceptional form, with many vocals captured from demos to maintain the raw power. The rhythm section (Vera/Gonzo) is praised for the groove essential to the band's sound.
Emotion Factory Reset reinforces Armored Saint's status as a band that "kicks above the weight," prioritizing quality over quantity. It's praised for balancing tradition and innovation, delivering honest, mature, and energizing metal for longtime fans and new listeners alike.
In short, it's a mature, reflective, and energetic album that captures where the band's head was in 2026: looking forward without forgetting their roots, with killer riffs, addictive grooves, and thought-provoking lyrics. Perfect for those who enjoy authentic heavy metal with personality.
MEMBERS
Joey Vera - Bass
Gonzo Sandoval - Drums
Phil Sandoval - Guitars
John Bush - Vocals
Jeff Duncan - Guitars
TRACKLIST
1. Close to the Bone | 00:00
2. Every Man-Any Man | 04:13
3. Not on Your Life | 08:30
4. Hit a Moonshoot | 12:07
5. Buckeye | 16:42
6. Compromise | 22:41
7. It's a Buzzkill | 25:57
8. Throwing Caution to the Wind | 29:58
9. Ladders and Slides | 33:55
10. Bottom Feeder | 38:17
11. Epilogue | 43:20
SOCIAL MEDIA
Bandcamp: armoredsaint.bandcamp.com
Deezer: deezer.com/artist/242475
Facebook: facebook.com/thearmoredsaint
Instagram: instagram.com/thearmoredsaint
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/4ug41UGuMZzlV2hJOrOqHN
COPYRIGHT
All music written and produced by Armored Saint. All rights reserved to The Orchard Music on behalf of Metal Blade Records. Streaming is cool, but buying the physical album is what really keeps the band alive. Available on CD, digital, and various colored vinyl editions (including limited variants like Citrine).
#armoredsaint #heavymetal #metal
⚡️PROMOTION - Promote new independent bands or the publication of albums that have already been released in previous years that deserve to be highlighted. 🔇Please let me know by commenting the video if you're seen in the video or own the copyright and don't like my promotion! Ofcourse I'll pull down the video if you ask! It's all done for the love of your music!
Emotion Factory Reset is the ninth studio album by the American heavy metal band Armored Saint, released on May 22, 2026 by Metal Blade Records. It represents a "resurrection" or reconstruction for the Los Angeles quintet, following the acclaimed Punching the Sky (2020). The album features 11 tracks with musical diversity and varied lyrical themes, maintaining the band's classic essence while exploring new territories.
Armored Saint, formed in 1982, is one of the most respected names in American heavy metal, with roots in the 80s movement alongside bands like Metallica and Megadeth (John Bush was even invited to join Anthrax). After decades of career, the group continues with its classic lineup: John Bush (vocals), Joey Vera (bass and production), Jeff Duncan and Phil Sandoval (guitars), and Gonzo Sandoval (drums).
The album was produced by Joey Vera (as with the last four albums) and mixed by Jay Ruston (known for his work with Anthrax and Stone Sour). Recordings took place in various studios, including 606 Studios. The cover art is by DDKing. The band describes the album as a "new chapter," without repeating previous formulas—each album is seen as a "new skin" or snapshot of the band's current moment.
The title, Emotion Factory Reset, comes from a phrase by guitarist Phil Sandoval and reflects the idea of "resetting" emotions: taking a break, breathing, and responding clearly instead of reacting impulsively. It's about controlling the mind in the face of external events, reinterpreting experiences, and realigning oneself in a constantly changing technological and emotional world. The lyrical themes explore interpersonal relationships, resilience, unexpected success, commitment, caution, and personal reflections, with John Bush writing organically, letting the melodies and music guide the lyrics.
The album balances the band's traditional heavy metal (powerful riffs, solid grooves from Vera and Gonzo, powerful vocals from Bush) with more adventurous and diverse elements. There are reimagined NWOBHM influences, classic rock, relaxed grooves, and even touches reminiscent of other genres (such as mentions of The Police or unexpected fusions in tracks like "Buckeye").
It's not a repetitive or purely nostalgic album—it prioritizes sophistication, dynamics, and the group's chemistry. Initial reviews highlight fist-pumping anthems, huge hooks, and consistent quality, although some note variations in intensity (more "dad rock" in parts, but with explosive moments). John Bush remains in exceptional form, with many vocals captured from demos to maintain the raw power. The rhythm section (Vera/Gonzo) is praised for the groove essential to the band's sound.
Emotion Factory Reset reinforces Armored Saint's status as a band that "kicks above the weight," prioritizing quality over quantity. It's praised for balancing tradition and innovation, delivering honest, mature, and energizing metal for longtime fans and new listeners alike.
In short, it's a mature, reflective, and energetic album that captures where the band's head was in 2026: looking forward without forgetting their roots, with killer riffs, addictive grooves, and thought-provoking lyrics. Perfect for those who enjoy authentic heavy metal with personality.
MEMBERS
Joey Vera - Bass
Gonzo Sandoval - Drums
Phil Sandoval - Guitars
John Bush - Vocals
Jeff Duncan - Guitars
TRACKLIST
1. Close to the Bone | 00:00
2. Every Man-Any Man | 04:13
3. Not on Your Life | 08:30
4. Hit a Moonshoot | 12:07
5. Buckeye | 16:42
6. Compromise | 22:41
7. It's a Buzzkill | 25:57
8. Throwing Caution to the Wind | 29:58
9. Ladders and Slides | 33:55
10. Bottom Feeder | 38:17
11. Epilogue | 43:20
SOCIAL MEDIA
Bandcamp: armoredsaint.bandcamp.com
Deezer: deezer.com/artist/242475
Facebook: facebook.com/thearmoredsaint
Instagram: instagram.com/thearmoredsaint
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/4ug41UGuMZzlV2hJOrOqHN
COPYRIGHT
All music written and produced by Armored Saint. All rights reserved to The Orchard Music on behalf of Metal Blade Records. Streaming is cool, but buying the physical album is what really keeps the band alive. Available on CD, digital, and various colored vinyl editions (including limited variants like Citrine).
#armoredsaint #heavymetal #metal
⚡️PROMOTION - Promote new independent bands or the publication of albums that have already been released in previous years that deserve to be highlighted. 🔇Please let me know by commenting the video if you're seen in the video or own the copyright and don't like my promotion! Ofcourse I'll pull down the video if you ask! It's all done for the love of your music!
