- Gatefold + 7" w/ etching in 4c sleeve, Slipmat, Poster.
American heavy metal icons ARMORED SAINT return with their highly anticipated new album, Emotion Factory Reset, out May 22nd via Metal Blade Records.
The band's ninth studio album since 1984's March Of The Saint marks a creative resurrection – eleven songs of diverse musicality and bold lyrical themes. Produced by bassist Joey Vera and mixed by Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Stone Sour), the record finds the quintet pushing themselves into new territory while honoring their legacy as one of heavy music's most respected acts.
"Each ARMORED SAINT record is like a new skin for the band, a different chapter," says Vera. "In 2026, Emotion Factory Reset is where our heads are at." The album title came from guitarist Phil Sandoval: "'Emotion Factory Reset' means to reset yourself back to clarity – take a pause and breathe before you respond or react. You can't control outside events, but you can control your mind.
" The first single and album opener, "Close To The Bone," is available now. Comments vocalist John Bush: "The first track sounds like vintage ARMORED SAINT – yet vintage that comes out in 2026! Killer riffs, awesome rhythms and attacking vocals gets this train rolling." Guitarist Jeff Duncan adds: "It's musically sophisticated but still retains the ARMORED SAINT signature sound." Vera notes the track draws inspiration from the NWOBHM era – reimagined with a modern twist.
CD/ LP:
1. Close To The Bone
2. Every Man-Any Man
3. Not On Your Life
4. Hit A Moonshot
5. Buckeye
6. Compromise
7. It's A Buzzkill
8. Throwing Caution To The Wind
9. Ladders And Slides
10. Bottom Feeder
LINE-UP:
John Bush – vocals
Joey Vera – bass
Jeff Duncan – guitars
Gonzo Sandoval – drums
Phil Sandoval – guitars