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General => General Music Discussion => Topic started by: kirksnosehair on January 23, 2016, 09:04:32 AM
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I did a search and came up empty on this one...
Any fans? Armored Saint (https://armoredsaint.com/site/) are a metal band that formed in California in the 80's, but I find that they are much more interesting than your typical run-of-the-mill American heavy metal band.
I never heard of them until around the same time I discovered Dream Theater in 1992. A friend gave me their album, "Symbol of Salvation" and I was immediately hooked. A week later someone gave me a copy of "Images and Words" and that was it for my interest in Armored Saint because I became totally obsessed with Dream Theater for the next decade.
Anyway....so I've been getting into a lot of the NWOBHM-style stuff lately and while on one of my recent Amazon.com hauls I grabbed new albums from 3 bands I used to really enjoy back in the day as they say. Armored Saint were the first on my list and I picked up a copy of their most recent release "Win Hands Down" and I am really very surprisingly pleased at how much ass this album kicks :metal
Highly recommended for any fans of bands like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Saxon, Raven, Praying Mantis, etc.....although I think the songwriting here is stronger than most of those. That's what I mean about them NOT being a run-of-the-mill metal band. Sure, I put them in the same category with these others, but in terms of compositional sophistication and instrumentation, Armored Saint are a notch above most, imho.
Here's the official video for the title track to "Win Hands Down" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA-C8_zgLXo&index=4&list=PL8D4FB50C2E98AAA3)
I bought the album and it's killer :metal
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I only just recently got into this band with the purchase of Symbol of Salvation thanks to Brent playing "Tainted Past" on his podcast. Great album!
I'll have to check out this latest effort.
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Huge Armored Saint fan. I can't even respond properly on my phone.
Saw them a bunch of times from 87-91.
Win Hands Down might be my AOY for 2015, tied with Maiden. Very well done.
And John Bush might be my all time favorite lyricist.
I'll try and post some old pics later.
:metal :metal :metal
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Mega fan!!
I would think that Tim and myself might be the biggest fans of Armored Saint on DTF. I just might classify them as the most underrated heavy metal band of all time.
March of the Saint was just a random buy for me years ago based on the cover and I was very impressed. It's a toss up between that album and Symbol as my favorite from the band
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maybe you guys could put together some quick album rankings as a guide?
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I'm going to do a whole Armored Saint report when I can get to a keyboard.
Top 3:
Symbol Of Salvation
Raising a Fear
Win Hands Down
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I'll put some thought into it as well and post later
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awesome. I'm interested in any thoughts you have on each album.
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My top two would be March of the Saint and then Symbol of Salvation. March, to me, is one of the best and defining heavy metal albums of the decade. How this album didn't make them superstars right out of the gate is ridiculous. The problem may have been that it was just too much straight forward metal for the general public. It wasn't thrashy enough for the Megadeth and Slayer crowd and not glammy enough for the Poison and Crüe crowd.
With Symbol of Salvation, this album during the time period, should have brought them more attention. I think the band believes that this album is their crowning achievement and they are probably right. For someone getting into AS, I would recommend this first.
Top three and four would be Raising Fear then Delirious Nomad. Both are just classic 80's metal to the max, just a slight notch below March of the Saint.
Fifth would be Revelation; which was a great comeback album and has lots of gems on it.
The final two would be the latest two: Win Hands Down and La Raza. They are still awesome but are going against absolute metal classics. These two just might take a few listens to fully get into, but are both fantastic.
There isn't one dud album nor song in Armored Saints entire discography! Not many bands which I can say that. Like I said, probably the most underrated metal band ever. Highly reccomended.
Plus they have a live album, Saints Will Conquer and a compilation, Nod to the Old School which both kick ass too!
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Saints Will Conquer is amazing.
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Win Hands Down it´s easily one of the best records of 2015. Very strong stuff.
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As far as underrated bands go, only Y&T comes to mind that might compare to Armored Saint
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There has been lots of discussion about the them (and the new album) in the hard rock/metal thread.......and my top 50 :)
1. Symbol of Salvation
2. March of The Saint
3 Raising Fear
4 Win Hands Down
I keep coming back to Revelation just to play The Pillar.........awesome song.
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The Pillar is very cool. My favorite on Revelation is Upon My Departure. After Me The Flood is awesome too, as is Pay Dirt.
But honestly, Revelation took a long time to click with me. It's probably near the bottom of my rankings.
Fates Warning fans will obviously recognize Joey Vera, who has built quite a career for himself. But he was always awesome and very cool live. Great bassist.
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So what you guys are saying is I should just go ahead and buy the rest of their discs then? :lol
I had SoS on cassette back in the day. I need to get that one in MP3 format from Amazon.com - I guess March of the Saint should be my next one?
TAC, you agree? I know Symbol of Salvation and really love that one. I just got their newest one and love that one too. Those are the only two I've heard.
Prevailing opinion here seems to be that March of the Saint is up there in their top 3 at least. Good choice for the next one?
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i have no clue who this band is but i'm super bothered by the typo in the thread title regardless :lol
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So what you guys are saying is I should just go ahead and buy the rest of their discs then? :lol
I had SoS on cassette back in the day. I need to get that one in MP3 format from Amazon.com - I guess March of the Saint should be my next one?
TAC, you agree? I know Symbol of Salvation and really love that one. I just got their newest one and love that one too. Those are the only two I've heard.
Prevailing opinion here seems to be that March of the Saint is up there in their top 3 at least. Good choice for the next one?
For me, I take Raising Fear over March Of The Saint all day every day. But I always found that those first three albums (Delirious Nomad being their second album) really didn't tell the story of just how powerful this band really was.
You have to remember that SOS was released 4 years after Raising Fear. In the interim, the band was dropped by Chrysalis, and they lost guitarist Dave Prichard to Leukemia. He was only 26.
SOS has a much fuller sound and much better production.
Win Hands Down is easily the best of the 3 Reunion (for lack of a better term) albums.
Their last album, 2010's La Raza feels a lot less heavy, but it's still cool. Great lyrics on it.
What's also cool and notable is that you have 4/5 of the original band, minus Dave of course, that have continued Armored Saint. And they did the whole Raising Fear album tour cycle as a four piece, the last time through, Jeff Duncan had joined then as the second guitarist, so you had Jeff and Dave together. They even played two SOS tunes that night, Reign Of Fire and Spineless.
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@ Kirk:
I've picked out two tracks for you to sample.
The first is my all time favorite Armored Saint tune
Book Of Blood from Raising Fear
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRHQEtFq0HU
Dave Prichard OWNS this. His solo is awesome.
3:00 to 3:50 might be one of the best 50 seconds in my entire catalog.
BTW all you motherfuckers, I have already sent this track for Round 1 in Wolfking's Roulette!
The second track I think you'll dig is from Delirious Nomad. It's called Aftermath. Has kind of an early Fates Warning feel to it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XM5Ei89hkq0
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Book of Blood kicks ass!!
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i have no clue who this band is but i'm super bothered by the typo in the thread title regardless :lol
:lol
It makes me think of Saint Teresa and kingshmegland all at the same time!
The ultimate Amored Saint
(https://dreamofthedrawingforeverything.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Ecstasy-Bernini.jpg)
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This is a band I've always wanted to really check out, but I think I'll save them for my roulette.
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This is a band I've always wanted to really check out, but I think I'll save them for my roulette.
I know how you think Wolf, you might as well put the Armored Saint CDs in your Amazon shopping basket right now!
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And make sure you get the basic, deluxe, Jap, Best Buy and Spotify versions of each ;D
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Of course. The Japanese always get the great bonus tracks!!
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This is a band I've always wanted to really check out, but I think I'll save them for my roulette.
I know how you think Wolf, you might as well put the Armored Saint CDs in your Amazon shopping basket right now!
Don't tempt me.
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This is a band I've always wanted to really check out, but I think I'll save them for my roulette.
I know how you think Wolf, you might as well put the Armored Saint CDs in your Amazon shopping basket right now!
Don't tempt me.
Let's be honest, it won't take much tempting lol
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(https://d.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1380361914ra/712958.gif)
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Lol
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:lol
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I went ahead and got the rest of their catalog from Amazon.com. I haven't had a lot of time to absorb much more though, since the new DT dropped. But I'll definitely be coming back to them.
Never new that they lost a band member to leukemia - fuck cancer
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i have no clue who this band is but i'm super bothered by the typo in the thread title regardless :lol
:lol
It makes me think of Saint Teresa and kingshmegland all at the same time!
The ultimate Amored Saint
(https://dreamofthedrawingforeverything.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Ecstasy-Bernini.jpg)
Fixed the thread title. I should not post without glasses :lol
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I'm having a listen to this album now as I work. It's pretty good, but nothing mindblowing, yet it has an appealing quality to it. Not a huge fan of Bush's vocals, but they're fine. Solid heavy metal. Don't know if it's purchase worthy for me, but I see amazon have it dirt cheap for some reason.
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That's what pushed me over the edge, it was only a few bucks.
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That's what pushed me over the edge, it was only a few bucks.
I'll probably still put it in my cart on my next order. Weird how it is so cheap.
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That's what pushed me over the edge, it was only a few bucks.
Already using an Armored Saint pun! ;D
Over The Edge is a track off of Delirious Nomad.
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:lol
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Ressuscitating this thread to say that I'll be seeing Armored Saint this Tuesday and interviewing John Bush!!!
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Ressuscitating this thread to say that I'll be seeing Armored Saint this Tuesday and interviewing John Bush!!!
Awesome. If you have a second, and need a couple of questions, can you ask him these?
Fans have noticed that your voice has been much stronger and you're singing extremely well over the last several years. Have you changed anything in the way you take care of your voice, such as vocal training or different techniques?
We've been hearing you talk a bit in the press about potentially going out and doing the songs from your era in Anthrax, and then recently, how you think Saint and Anthrax should tour together. What's the likelihood now that you'll be singing some of your Anthrax songs live on tour in the next couple of years?
Piggybacking that -- do you have a song or two from your time in Anthrax that stands out that you really miss performing? What are they?
Getting back to Armored Saint, you've said in the past that you're not really interested in going out on extremely long tours where you need to slug it out in clubs, yet Saint has been touring more and more over the past decade. Have you had a change of heart, and will you and the band be stepping up how active you all are?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>I'd love to hear his answers to these if you have some space for other questions. :)
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Ressuscitating this thread to say that I'll be seeing Armored Saint this Tuesday and interviewing John Bush!!!
Awesome. If you have a second, and need a couple of questions, can you ask him these?
Fans have noticed that your voice has been much stronger and you're singing extremely well over the last several years. Have you changed anything in the way you take care of your voice, such as vocal training or different techniques?
We've been hearing you talk a bit in the press about potentially going out and doing the songs from your era in Anthrax, and then recently, how you think Saint and Anthrax should tour together. What's the likelihood now that you'll be singing some of your Anthrax songs live on tour in the next couple of years?
Piggybacking that -- do you have a song or two from your time in Anthrax that stands out that you really miss performing? What are they?
Getting back to Armored Saint, you've said in the past that you're not really interested in going out on extremely long tours where you need to slug it out in clubs, yet Saint has been touring more and more over the past decade. Have you had a change of heart, and will you and the band be stepping up how active you all are?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>I'd love to hear his answers to these if you have some space for other questions. :)
Thanks so much, man!!! I had some of those questions already penned up one way or another - there's NO WAY you talk to John Bush and don't ask him about Anthrax, right? And the one you had about his voice as well - just how on Earth does he still nail those songs so effortlessly?
I'll tell you what - we usually transcribe the interviews, but I can send you the audio later on if you want. PM me!
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re: Win Hands Down - I have to say, for me personally, I think Win Hands Down is probably my favorite Armored Saint record after Symbol of Salvation. It's pretty incredible all the way around, and John and Joey seem to really have hit their stride. I love every Saint record, but they nailed it with WHD.
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Cool interview here:
https://bravewords.com/news/armored-saint-could-release-new-album-in-late-2019-says-john-bush-video
He is the coolest dude in metal. He really is.
Even though he's from LA, he's an avid Celtics fan. He's sporting the Celtics Abbey Road t shirt (Bird, McHale, Parish, and Red)
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re: Win Hands Down - I have to say, for me personally, I think Win Hands Down is probably my favorite Armored Saint record after Symbol of Salvation. It's pretty incredible all the way around, and John and Joey seem to really have hit their stride. I love every Saint record, but they nailed it with WHD.
Yeah, it's a great record. Stellar performances all around.
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re: Win Hands Down - I have to say, for me personally, I think Win Hands Down is probably my favorite Armored Saint record after Symbol of Salvation. It's pretty incredible all the way around, and John and Joey seem to really have hit their stride. I love every Saint record, but they nailed it with WHD.
I wouldn't have really paid much attention to the band other than Symbol of Salvation if you hadn't recommended Win Hands Down to me 2 years ago. Then I went and saw them live in a tiny little sports bar with maybe 100-150 other people in attendance, came home and bought every other album! It's an incredibly solid album from start to finish, and I was glad that they played 4 songs from it when I saw them.
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re: Win Hands Down - I have to say, for me personally, I think Win Hands Down is probably my favorite Armored Saint record after Symbol of Salvation. It's pretty incredible all the way around, and John and Joey seem to really have hit their stride. I love every Saint record, but they nailed it with WHD.
I wouldn't have really paid much attention to the band other than Symbol of Salvation if you hadn't recommended Win Hands Down to me 2 years ago. Then I went and saw them live in a tiny little sports bar with maybe 100-150 other people in attendance, came home and bought every other album! It's an incredibly solid album from start to finish, and I was glad that they played 4 songs from it when I saw them.
I saw them twice in support of Win Hands Down, but both were opening sets (opening for Saxon, then opening for Queensryche, which I left right after Saint - lol). I saw the title track and Mess, and then the title track again. My wife ended up seeing the gig with Metal Church they did, and apparently they played a couple more. I wish I would have gone to that one, and the ticket was mine, but I was exhausted that day, so she went instead. Had a blast.
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Rodrigo Altaf interview and concert review with John Bush/AS
https://lotsofmuzic.weebly.com/home/saints-will-conquer-a-review-of-armored-saints-concert-in-toronto-and-an-interview-with-singer-john-bush
:metal
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What a concert, guys... I loved it!!! They played Left Hook From Right Field in the encore, which was quite a surprise. And meeting John was such a great experience!
(https://s19.postimg.cc/4tktg0gwj/IMG_20180717_190404757_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg)
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awesome!! :metal
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Catharsis :metal
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Catharsis :metal
:metal :metal :metal :metal
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This seems to have slid under the radar, the Saint have a new album coming out in October. Win Hands Down was an incredible record so I hope this one continues that trend.
Punching The Sky - October 23rd
(https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fd2zet3at6bgw8x.cloudfront.net%2Fimages%2Fcover.jpg&hash=cd79eb94d35565648ab6666586460302184ec0fe)
First single:
https://youtu.be/Ql3PAxkQy1s?list=PL8D4FB50C2E98AAA3
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We were chatting about the new single a couple of weeks back in the Hard Rock........thread. Pretty universally positive reaction to how it's looking for the new album.
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The new tune is killer. Loved it on first listen, and I've purposefully not gone back to listen. Just want the album to hit me. I pre-ordered one of their deluxe bundles. :metal
Such a huge Saint fan. They never disappoint.
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Looks like I'll be talking to either John Bush or Joey Vera about the upcoming album. Can't wait!!!!!
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I completely missed the discussion in the other thread. Still find it hard to follow things here because they can pop up anywhere. I happened to be browsing YouTube when I saw a suggestion for a new video. Haven't listened. The Saint is an auto-buy so I will be picking this up anyway.
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Believe it or not....even though AS were contemporaries of just about every band I was listening to at the time, I had always meant to check out their albums and never did. I even saw them open for Alice Cooper on NYE 88/89 and thought they were pretty cool.
But I love the new song. Anyone want to give me some brief insight into the highlights? Where should I start? First album and move forward?
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Believe it or not....even though AS were contemporaries of just about every band I was listening to at the time, I had always meant to check out their albums and never did. I even saw them open for Alice Cooper on NYE 88/89 and thought they were pretty cool.
But I love the new song. Anyone want to give me some brief insight into the highlights? Where should I start? First album and move forward?
Symbol of Salvation is their best, imo. And they played it in full in their last tour.
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My first Saint album was 2000's Revelation. I only picked it up at the time because John was fronting Anthrax. It is still a particular favorite of mine. Their last album, Win Hands Down, is stellar. They really brought it on that one.
They are all good. You really can't go wrong.
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I'm a huge fan of Raising Fear.
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My favorite is the debut, March of the Saint. Just pure straight up kick ass classic metal. I remember I bought that album strictly because of the cover. A few seconds in playing it, I knew I made a good decision :metal
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Anyone want to give me some brief insight into the highlights? Where should I start? First album and move forward?
Symbol of Salvation should absolutely be first. If you dig that, and I know you will, I suggest Revelation (2000-ish), Win Hands Down (their most recent studio release before the upcoming Punching the Sky) and then go back to the beginning with March of the Saint.
You can't go wrong with Armored Saint. They've become one of my favorite bands over the last 15 years or so.
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I second the "Symbol of Salvation" recommendation. Then I'd go right to "Win Hands Down" the rest of the albums are all pretty good, but those two stand head and shoulders above the rest.
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March of the Saint is my favorite from AS, but yeah, Symbol of Salvation is definitely the safe bet. That's clearly the band's go to album.
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(https://i.postimg.cc/fbgzw1sG/John-Bush.png)
Spoke with Bush today. Amazing chat, and we spoke at length about the new album. And no, I didn't ask him if he' bothered with the comparisons with Bruce Willis. He was cool, but I didn't want to push my luck!
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Nice! Looking forward to the interview.
I have this awesome live photo of Bush I took in San Jose back in...I want to say it was 2015 or 2016 when they were opening for Saxon. My wife and I are huge Saint fans, but not Saxon fans, so we went to just see Saint. Took this great photo of John, and then a few years ago, when they were playing all of Symbol, I flew my wife down to LA with all the VIP stuff for the shows they were recording. She took my 8x10 I took of John and he signed and personalized it to me. Really cool. I'll snap a pic of it when I have it up on the wall (we're redoing our den) and post it up here.
But my wife and I have seen Armored Saint every time they've been close enough for us to go. I think my last time was when Saint was opening for Queensryche on the...Condition Human tour. Saint put on a killer show as always.
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Me, not social distancing with Armored Saint in 2017.....I'm throwing the horns directly to the right of the guy in the red shirt.
(https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/18556781_1213315948798184_5817164538171853674_o.jpg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_sid=8024bb&_nc_ohc=FsZurbqF-4YAX-RstV9&_nc_oc=AQnXuPi0YC1vZbVLeiNx6dN3Vl2qIQbJ5f4vzwmb-RtH_f-GoRBY44FXj9w7E_PMz_k&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.xx&oh=d38c63c025bd6e76285323625c44f7af&oe=5F7BBE3F)
I can't wait for the new album!
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Me, not social distancing with Armored Saint in 2017.....I'm throwing the horns directly to the right of the guy in the red shirt.
(https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/18556781_1213315948798184_5817164538171853674_o.jpg?_nc_cat=101&_nc_sid=8024bb&_nc_ohc=FsZurbqF-4YAX-RstV9&_nc_oc=AQnXuPi0YC1vZbVLeiNx6dN3Vl2qIQbJ5f4vzwmb-RtH_f-GoRBY44FXj9w7E_PMz_k&_nc_ht=scontent-ort2-2.xx&oh=d38c63c025bd6e76285323625c44f7af&oe=5F7BBE3F)
I can't wait for the new album!
Awesome, man!!! Was this already the tour where they played Symbol of Salvation in full?
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It's too bad both of Armored Saints live albums have been somewhat lacking in that they are both short in time. Both albums would have been much better with an extra 6 or 7 songs on each.
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Awesome, man!!! Was this already the tour where they played Symbol of Salvation in full?
Sadly, no, though during the show, John mentioned that promoters were floating the Symbol of Salvation tour that eventually happened.
This was a 3 show Midwest tour. A festival in Chicago ringed by two headlining shows in WI. I caught them on one of the nights in Southern WI. At least I got to see them play 3 songs from Symbol!
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February 15, 1988
The Living Room
Providence
(https://i.imgur.com/noWWgXx.jpg)
Yes, I am baked, and yes, that is a Bon Jovi shirt. :lol
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Tim did you ever get a picture with Ronnie James Dio, Rob Halford or Bruce Dickinson? I know you have hundreds of pictures
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Tim did you ever get a picture with Ronnie James Dio, Rob Halford or Bruce Dickinson? I know you have hundreds of pictures
I didn't. :sadpanda:
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February 15, 1988
The Living Room
Providence
(https://i.imgur.com/noWWgXx.jpg)
Yes, I am baked, and yes, that is a Bon Jovi shirt. :lol
That shirt is the first thing I noticed. Oof, I thought you were cool Man. :lol
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I will vouch for the coolness and awesomeness of the first four Bon Jovi albums, especially the debut and Slippery When Wet............so Tim more than gets a pass...........if he was wearing this after New Jersey, well then.....I will say that the song Keep the Faith is pretty good............after that.... :\
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Got it on the Slippery tour. Saw them on the 2nd of three nights in Mansfield Ma. I wasn't a fan of the front, but the back of the shirt was really cool. It was an event shirt so I couldn't pass it up. I ripped it up pretty good. You could see I tore off the collar.
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Got it on the Slippery tour. Saw them on the 2nd of three nights in Mansfield Ma. I wasn't a fan of the front, but the back of the shirt was really cool. It was an event shirt so I couldn't pass it up. I ripped it up pretty good. You could see I tore off the collar.
:lol
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I will vouch for the coolness and awesomeness of the first four Bon Jovi albums, especially the debut and Slippery When Wet............so Tim more than gets a pass...........if he was wearing this after New Jersey, well then.....I will say that the song Keep the Faith is pretty good............after that.... :\
I go from the self-titled debut to These Days. These Days gets a bad rap. It's not metal-pop of the band's previous records. It's a blues album and has some killer songs. AFTER These Days (I saw the tour in 1995 at Jones Beach), they just went full pop and I've not been a fan since.
But back in the Slippery-era, despite the pop-sheen to everything, things were different. You could love everything and anything. I was a big fan of Bon Jovi, but also of Queensryche, and also of Metallica. (in 88, that meant I loved New Jersey, loved Mindcrime, and loved AJFA). Three very different records, and also three damn good records.
GREAT pic though Tim. You are way out of it, but hahahahahahahaha.
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I saw Bon Jovi at Gillette Stadium a few years back and I knew every fucking song they played.
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Bon Jovi was an amazing live band in the 80's. AMAZING! There, I said it!
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Bon Jovi was an amazing live band in the 80's. AMAZING! There, I said it!
:metal :metal What percentage of the women showing their hammers confirmed your decision?
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Bon Jovi was an amazing live band in the 80's. AMAZING! There, I said it!
:metal :metal What percentage of the women showing their hammers confirmed your decision?
We’re calling them “hammers” now???
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Lol maybe ask a baked out Tim from 1988 what he enjoyed the most at the concert
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I will vouch for the coolness and awesomeness of the first four Bon Jovi albums, especially the debut and Slippery When Wet............so Tim more than gets a pass...........if he was wearing this after New Jersey, well then.....I will say that the song Keep the Faith is pretty good............after that.... :\
I go from the self-titled debut to These Days. These Days gets a bad rap. It's not metal-pop of the band's previous records. It's a blues album and has some killer songs. AFTER These Days (I saw the tour in 1995 at Jones Beach), they just went full pop and I've not been a fan since.
I haven't listened to the whole These Days album nor any Bon Jovi album tbh, but I'll just throw it out there that Hey God from said album is a perfectly fine hard rock song.
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I will vouch for the coolness and awesomeness of the first four Bon Jovi albums, especially the debut and Slippery When Wet............so Tim more than gets a pass...........if he was wearing this after New Jersey, well then.....I will say that the song Keep the Faith is pretty good............after that.... :\
I go from the self-titled debut to These Days. These Days gets a bad rap. It's not metal-pop of the band's previous records. It's a blues album and has some killer songs. AFTER These Days (I saw the tour in 1995 at Jones Beach), they just went full pop and I've not been a fan since.
I haven't listened to the whole These Days album nor any Bon Jovi album tbh, but I'll just throw it out there that Hey God from said album is a perfectly fine hard rock song.
Great tune. The title track is awesome, and is the best song on the record - My Guitar Lies Bleeding in My Arms. While it is a power ballad, This Ain't a Love Song is great too.
What I love most about the record is that while Bon Jovi did have their relationship-type songs, they also really delved into social issues and more serious things.
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Lol maybe ask a baked out Tim from 1988 what he enjoyed the most at the concert
Not many hammers at Armored Saint back them. ;D
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No doubt, all the women were at the Bon Jovi show.
Speaking of John Bush, I think I’ve heard before that he was considered for the lead singer of Metallica in the early 80s?
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No doubt, all the women were at the Bon Jovi show.
Speaking of John Bush, I think I’ve heard before that he was considered for the lead singer of Metallica in the early 80s?
True - here he is singing The Four Horsemen with Metallica at their 30th Anniversary shows.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25XSRjC8G3A
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No doubt, all the women were at the Bon Jovi show.
Speaking of John Bush, I think I’ve heard before that he was considered for the lead singer of Metallica in the early 80s?
He was asked by Jon Zazula, who then managed Metallica, and turned it down because he wanted Armored Saint, the band he formed with his high school friends, to succeed. By the time Anthrax asked him to join, he knew Armored Saint wouldn't go much further, so he decided to join them.
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Wow cool!
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John Bush is hands-down, my favorite frontman of all time. Not SINGER, but frontman. He sings great, has such killer energy and an electric stage presence. Totally engaging. Dickinson is a close second.
TAC -- going to send you something to post up here in a few minutes.
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And Bush hasn’t lost a step with his vocals at all. That live album they released a couple years ago; you could have said that was recorded in 1987 and it would be believable
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And Bush hasn’t lost a step with his vocals at all. That live album they released a couple years ago; you could have said that was recorded in 1987 and it would be believable
I think John has gotten better. And my wife asked him about that when she met them all a couple years back. John said he really appreciates it and he just eats better, and lives healthier and works at it more. And it shows. He's better than he's ever been, IMO.
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This one was published today - my VIDEO interview with John Bush: https://www.sonicperspectives.com/interviews/interview-with-john-bush/
And if you want to read my thoughts on the upcoming album, here's my review: https://www.sonicperspectives.com/album-reviews/armored-saint-punching-the-sky/
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I received Punching the Sky yesterday and I'm listening to it now (I ordered their super deluxe package and it got here four days early, so no complaints). Really impressed with John, Joey, and the boys. Armored Saint has never really put out a bad album.
I feel a Raising Fear vibe from this material. Like they were inspired by the guitars from the past. John sounds FANTASTIC and I just keep smiling and headbanging to these songs. I'm through "Fly in the Ointment" on my first listen and I'm just so damn thrilled Armored Saint keeps delivering. It's not a throwback either. There's some piano, some nice experimentation, but its all heavy and all absolutely SAINT. :metal
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That sounds great Sam. And I LOVE Raising Fear. Really looking forward to this. I have it on preorder so....I'm ready!!
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Another band that I have a hard time getting the love for. I'm sure when Tim does a listening party it will click. :D
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Another band that I have a hard time getting the love for. I'm sure when Tim does a listening party it will click. :D
That's a possibility.
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Another band that I have a hard time getting the love for. I'm sure when Tim does a listening party it will click. :D
That's a possibility.
Nice.
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Another band that I have a hard time getting the love for. I'm sure when Tim does a listening party it will click. :D
That's a possibility.
Nice.
Maybe after your Merciful Fate/King Diamond one. :P
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Another band that I have a hard time getting the love for. I'm sure when Tim does a listening party it will click. :D
That's a possibility.
Nice.
Maybe after your Merciful Fate/King Diamond one. :P
Errr........sure. :D
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Really enjoying this one on first listen. Great vibe. Chunky but slightly laid back? John sounds fantastic.
Loved Bush in Anthrax and have enjoyed bits of the Saint in the past - is this my click moment?
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Really enjoying this one on first listen. Great vibe. Chunky but slightly laid back? John sounds fantastic.
Loved Bush in Anthrax and have enjoyed bits of the Saint in the past - is this my click moment?
If ever there was this would/should indeed be that 'click' moment ;)
Have been trying enjoy both this and new Sevendust and while 7D is better than good, gotta say Armored Saint just hits outta the box and is exceptionally great. Hard to choose a highlight the whole thing is that good certainly suspect this might be their most consistent possibly best since Symbol Of Salvation \m/
ETA And as was expected, with some more spins Blood & Stone is rather difficult to turn off too ;)
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I've only been through the album once and I'm loving it. Huge riffs and huge vocals all over the place - the guitar work on this album really impresses me. This disc is just rocking from start to finish and definitely has the potential to be in my top 2-3 Saint albums.
I heard John explain what Unfair was about and the first time I heard it, it nearly put me in tears. That is one powerful song.
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I literally just finished this album a few minutes ago.
Unfair is amazing! Holy shit! :hefdaddy
Typical John Bush lyric.
But they should've either left Never You Fret off, or at least switched it with Unfair.
John is freaking incredible on this.
I heard John explain what Unfair was about and the first time I heard it, it nearly put me in tears. That is one powerful song.
It says dedicated to Ruby and Hart. I don't know who they are.
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I heard John explain what Unfair was about and the first time I heard it, it nearly put me in tears. That is one powerful song.
It says dedicated to Ruby and Hart. I don't know who they are.
I only have the digital version, so I didn't see that. It's hard for me to even type it up - I caught a few minutes of their live stream with John and Joey the other day and he explained the story.
They're two kids that went to preschool with John's kids. The family was driving their car and was hit by a drunk driver. The parents survived the accident. The daughter died nearly instantly, with the dad holding her hand. The son was airlifted from the accident and there wasn't even time for the mom to get on the helicopter with him, and he died at the hospital.
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Oh man, I'm sorry I asked. :sadpanda:
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No doubt, all the women were at the Bon Jovi show.
Speaking of John Bush, I think I’ve heard before that he was considered for the lead singer of Metallica in the early 80s?
He was asked by Jon Zazula, who then managed Metallica, and turned it down because he wanted Armored Saint, the band he formed with his high school friends, to succeed. By the time Anthrax asked him to join, he knew Armored Saint wouldn't go much further, so he decided to join them.
I remember reading a magazine article when SOS was released that SOS was going to be a make or break album. They knew that if it did not do well, the band would not likely not survive.
It basically turns out to be their best album, which is amazing coming off the heels of Dave's death.
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No doubt, all the women were at the Bon Jovi show.
Speaking of John Bush, I think I’ve heard before that he was considered for the lead singer of Metallica in the early 80s?
He was asked by Jon Zazula, who then managed Metallica, and turned it down because he wanted Armored Saint, the band he formed with his high school friends, to succeed. By the time Anthrax asked him to join, he knew Armored Saint wouldn't go much further, so he decided to join them.
I remember reading a magazine article when SOS was released that SOS was going to be a make or break album. They knew that if it did not do well, the band would not likely not survive.
It basically turns out to be their best album, which is amazing coming off the heels of Dave's death.
Triumph over adversity, right? Unfortunately, it wasn't successful enough to keep the band together then. But man, did they come back with a bang!!!! They've been on quite a roll since they reformed. The only album I don't think is 100% great is La Raza, and even that one has great moments. Loose Cannon and Left Hook from Right Field are two great songs from La Raza. I just find it quite uneven in quality, compared to Revelations, Win Hands Down and Punching the Sky.
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Triumph over adversity, right? Unfortunately, it wasn't successful enough to keep the band together then. But man, did they come back with a bang!!!! They've been on quite a roll since they reformed. The only album I don't think is 100% great is La Raza, and even that one has great moments. Loose Cannon and Left Hook from Right Field are two great songs from La Raza. I just find it quite uneven in quality, compared to Revelations, Win Hands Down and Punching the Sky.
Yeah, that's fair. But honestly, I may take it over Revelations.
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Realized I hadn't posted these pics. Some great shots of Dave.
February 15, 1988
The Living Room
Providence RI
(https://i.imgur.com/Ot627at.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/5ZcsKrP.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/v1AGurK.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/FFdYTe8.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ozo37Ze.jpg)
Aftermath
(https://i.imgur.com/0VjRssY.jpg)
NIB on top of the speakers!
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Realized I hadn't posted these pics. Some great shots of Dave.
February 15, 1988
The Living Room
Providence RI
(https://i.imgur.com/Ot627at.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/5ZcsKrP.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/v1AGurK.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/FFdYTe8.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/ozo37Ze.jpg)
Aftermath
(https://i.imgur.com/0VjRssY.jpg)
NIB on top of the speakers!
sweet pics bro,,,, good times the best
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Thanks, bro!
Apparently there's an Armored Saint movie coming. Here's the trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNBcqE0ZpTc
It's probably due to me not paying attention, but I noticed Bill Metoyer's name in the credits on the album. I haven't seen his name in years.
Here's an interview he did about the new AS album. Interesting how they record..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUlG3N53QAM
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Starting to really dig into this album. John Bush proves once again why he is my favorite lyricist.
In Missile To Gun:
"If you take this weapon away
The advantage goes away
It's just man versus man
Fisticuffs might lose a tooth
Then hit the bar make a toast and salute
Celebrate the truce
If we take these weapons away
And the megalomaniacs away
It's just mano y mano
Bloodied beaten make it a game
And we could both agree to share the blame
Reassure that we're sane"
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Doing some Armored Saint youtubing tonight.
Dynamo 1989
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQwKmHrh3tQ&t=1s
Great footage, especially of Dave, who sadly had only 9 months to live after this. 26. Too fucking young.
I'll always remember Dave by that lick at the beginning of Nervous Man where he just lets it sit there. :metal
And of course, Book Of Blood.
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Starting to really dig into this album. John Bush proves once again why he is my favorite lyricist.
In Missile To Gun:
"If you take this weapon away
The advantage goes away
It's just man versus man
Fisticuffs might lose a tooth
Then hit the bar make a toast and salute
Celebrate the truce
If we take these weapons away
And the megalomaniacs away
It's just mano y mano
Bloodied beaten make it a game
And we could both agree to share the blame
Reassure that we're sane"
First, great pics Tim. Thanks for sharing.
Yeah, the album is great and Bush's lyrics are always killer. My favorite songs so far, at least the ones that have risen to the top:
(in no order)
Missile to Gun
Never You Fret
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
End of the Attention Span
>>>But honestly, I dig the whole record. I'm a big fan of the music of "Bubble" but to be honest, there's something about the chorus and John's use of the word "Bubble" that doesn't sit right for me. LOL.
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I'm liking it. But bubble is not a word for a metal song. Even if of it does rhyme with trouble.
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Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
This is a great song!
Gonzo is fantastic on this album, I must say. The heaviest drummer I have ever seen live.
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This album reminds me a lot of Stomp 442.
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This album reminds me a lot of Stomp 442.
Couldn’t get into that one
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This album reminds me a lot of Stomp 442.
Couldn’t get into that one
That album is GREAT!!!!!!
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Are you saying that in a Frosted Flakes voice?
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(https://i.imgflip.com/4jyiyz.jpg)
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:lol
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:rollin
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Finally got my Deluxe copy today and was able to give it a listen. This is another solid record and a great follow-up to Win Hands Down. I couldn't help but notice how good it sounded and wondered if Jay Ruston mixed it. Got home and checked the book and he sure did. That guy is a superstar when it comes to mixing.
Anyway, with one listen under my belt I am very happy.
Also, kirk! We know you're back. Fix the thread title man!
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Really digging the new album. Definitely another solid release, right up there with Win Hands Down. These guys are on a bit of a roll lately. I can't believe how good the vocals are considering how long this dude has been at it.
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http://bravewords.com/news/armored-saint-release-at-home-video-for-never-you-fret
:metal
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Nice, those guitar solos :hefdaddy
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This album is totally working for me atm. John really is one of the best metal vocalists ever.
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New video for Lone Wolf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7A9lUMi5Rks
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I still have to go back through these guys discography, but I love the new album. It's on regular rotation.
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New video for Lone Wolf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7A9lUMi5Rks
:tup :metal
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Armored Saint is, IMO, one of the few bands who have gotten better over time. Just phenomenal. Sure, there are classic songs that I am sure are "better" than some of the more recent tracks. But the albums, taken as a whole, and speaking of the last two in particular, can easily be put up next to Symbol of Salvation and give it a run for its money (or any of the 80s output if that's your preference).
As a live singer, John Bush has gotten incredibly better over time. I mean, he's not Glenn Hughes (who I swear sold his soul to the devil to maintain that voice given everything he has done to abuse himself over the years), but John Bush is by far and away better live than he was in the 80s and 90s with Armored Saint and Anthrax. And that's saying something, because he was really good then too.
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For a dude who is my age, he still delivers the goods vocally and I agree the last two albums stand up to anything in their entire discography.
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https://youtu.be/2OG6mR2NAtk
Man, I really like this. Gotta get my ass into gear and go back through their catalog.
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(John Bush grunts in Rhythm) :lol
Thanks for posting that. That was awesome! Love Armored Saint.
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Not sure on the black and white, but who the hell am I to comment.
Yeah, that song was killer. I know you sent me (pretty sure it was you) Reign of Fire I think in my first roulette and that's one catchy song. I keep saying it but gotta make an effort to check more. Punching the Sky is bloody fantastic.
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They just released another song from SOS Live.
The Truth Always Hurts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LynF6A3e2VE
It was never my favorite song on the album., but it has great lyrics and a fantastic performance by John Bush.
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I got the whole live album (audio only), and it's AWESOME!!!!
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I had a spin of Win Hands Down the other day to break up my Senjutsu listening. I really enjoyed it. The title track is a ripper. I like Punching the Sky more but this was a strong listen.
Funny I've tried the band a few times and didn't take to them and really didn't like Bush at all. Now I think he's the perfect frontman for the band. Just a no bullshit meat and potatoes kind of vocalist with a cool snarl and tone. Will keep slowly working through their albums.
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Win Hands Down is a great album.
Bush is a fantastic lyricist too.
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I had a spin of Win Hands Down the other day to break up my Senjutsu listening. I really enjoyed it. The title track is a ripper. I like Punching the Sky more but this was a strong listen.
Funny I've tried the band a few times and didn't take to them and really didn't like Bush at all. Now I think he's the perfect frontman for the band. Just a no bullshit meat and potatoes kind of vocalist with a cool snarl and tone. Will keep slowly working through their albums.
I liked Win Hands Down too, especially the title track, but Punching the Sky is incredible!!!!
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I had a spin of Win Hands Down the other day to break up my Senjutsu listening. I really enjoyed it. The title track is a ripper. I like Punching the Sky more but this was a strong listen.
Funny I've tried the band a few times and didn't take to them and really didn't like Bush at all. Now I think he's the perfect frontman for the band. Just a no bullshit meat and potatoes kind of vocalist with a cool snarl and tone. Will keep slowly working through their albums.
I liked Win Hands Down too, especially the title track, but Punching the Sky is incredible!!!!
Yeah mate, Punching the Sky is the one that has changed my mind on these guys. Wonderful heavy metal album.
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I had heard Reign of Fire on Sirius XM radio around 2007 and loved it - bought Symbol of Salvation and thought it kicked ass, but never really checked them out beyond that.
They played a show in a tiny sports bar/club about 25 minutes from my house, just over the border in WI in 2017. I jumped at the chance to see John Bush in a small club and picked up March of the Saint in preparation for that show. Seeing them live completely blew me away and is what pushed me to become a massive fan.
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I had heard Reign of Fire on Sirius XM radio around 2007 and loved it - bought Symbol of Salvation and thought it kicked ass, but never really checked them out beyond that.
They played a show in a tiny sports bar/club about 25 minutes from my house, just over the border in WI in 2017. I jumped at the chance to see John Bush in a small club and picked up March of the Saint in preparation for that show. Seeing them live completely blew me away and is what pushed me to become a massive fan.
Same here. But it was in 1987 for me. Went to see the Grim Reaper/Armored Saint/Helloween tour really just for Helloween. We decided to check out a song or two of Armored Saint and I was so blown away. Stayed for their entire set and that was it.
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I saw them open for Death Angel in Perth, Australia in 2009, but Bush got sick, so Joey Vera took on vocals. When I met Joey in 2012 at a Fates Warning show I told him I was at that gig and he was really surprised. Armored Saint and Death Angel did a cover of AC/DC's Let There Be Rock on the encore.
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I saw them open for Death Angel in Perth, Australia in 2009, but Bush got sick, so Joey Vera took on vocals. When I met Joey in 2012 at a Fates Warning show I told him I was at that gig and he was really surprised. Armored Saint and Death Angel did a cover of AC/DC's Let There Be Rock on the encore.
Oh wow! That's awesome. What brought you to Australia?
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I saw them open for Death Angel in Perth, Australia in 2009, but Bush got sick, so Joey Vera took on vocals. When I met Joey in 2012 at a Fates Warning show I told him I was at that gig and he was really surprised. Armored Saint and Death Angel did a cover of AC/DC's Let There Be Rock on the encore.
Oh wow! That's awesome. What brought you to Australia?
I lived there for a while, and worked in the mining industry. Saw some great shows, including my first time on a meet and greet with DT, on the BCSL tour.
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I saw them open for Death Angel in Perth, Australia in 2009, but Bush got sick, so Joey Vera took on vocals. When I met Joey in 2012 at a Fates Warning show I told him I was at that gig and he was really surprised. Armored Saint and Death Angel did a cover of AC/DC's Let There Be Rock on the encore.
Oh wow! That's awesome. What brought you to Australia?
I lived there for a while, and worked in the mining industry. Saw some great shows, including my first time on a meet and greet with DT, on the BCSL tour.
That's epic mate. Never been to Perth personally.
I missed the Black Clouds show and meet and greet even though I got a ticket in the box set. One of my big regrets, work took over on that one but crazy I would have seen you there if I went haha.
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Imagine that!
My wife and I are constantly debating whether or not we should go back to Oz...maybe one day we'll get to meet after all. Which city are you in?
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Imagine that!
My wife and I are constantly debating whether or not we should go back to Oz...maybe one day we'll get to meet after all. Which city are you in?
I'm on the other side in Brisbane mate. We'll definitely catch up if you ever come back.
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Imagine that!
My wife and I are constantly debating whether or not we should go back to Oz...maybe one day we'll get to meet after all. Which city are you in?
I'm on the other side in Brisbane mate. We'll definitely catch up if you ever come back.
Rodrigo's Aussie Tour is only visiting Sydney and Melbourne I am afraid ;D
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Imagine that!
My wife and I are constantly debating whether or not we should go back to Oz...maybe one day we'll get to meet after all. Which city are you in?
I'm on the other side in Brisbane mate. We'll definitely catch up if you ever come back.
Rodrigo's Aussie Tour is only visiting Sydney and Melbourne I am afraid ;D
TAC's Aussie tour will hit Sydney, Brisbaine, and Melbourne. Probably be my Retirement gift in 10 years.
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You better hurry.................Melbourne might not exist in 10 months the way it's going at the moment ;D
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You better hurry.................Melbourne might not exist in 10 months the way it's going at the moment ;D
Well, then maybe you should move closer to Sydney or Kade, because we'd only be going to Melbourne to see you. It'd save us a chunk of time if Melbourne disappeared. ;D
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Imagine that!
My wife and I are constantly debating whether or not we should go back to Oz...maybe one day we'll get to meet after all. Which city are you in?
I'm on the other side in Brisbane mate. We'll definitely catch up if you ever come back.
Rodrigo's Aussie Tour is only visiting Sydney and Melbourne I am afraid ;D
:lol
I asked for that.
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Imagine that!
My wife and I are constantly debating whether or not we should go back to Oz...maybe one day we'll get to meet after all. Which city are you in?
I'm on the other side in Brisbane mate. We'll definitely catch up if you ever come back.
Rodrigo's Aussie Tour is only visiting Sydney and Melbourne I am afraid ;D
TAC's Aussie tour will hit Sydney, Brisbaine, and Melbourne. Probably be my Retirement gift in 10 years.
:metal :metal :metal
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You better hurry.................Melbourne might not exist in 10 months the way it's going at the moment ;D
Fucking never ending mate.
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You better hurry.................Melbourne might not exist in 10 months the way it's going at the moment ;D
Fucking never ending mate.
What?! Why, what's going on?!?!?!
I went to Brisbane once, in 2006. The idea was to see the main sites in the city and then go to the Gold Coast, which I did. After two days, the weather was bad, with no signs of improving. I had already left my job, and had a ticket to go back home in a few weeks, so then I decided to visit the only other capital of Australia I hadn't seen it - Hobarth. That was a good decision at the time.
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You better hurry.................Melbourne might not exist in 10 months the way it's going at the moment ;D
Fucking never ending mate.
What?! Why, what's going on?!?!?!
I went to Brisbane once, in 2006. The idea was to see the main sites in the city and then go to the Gold Coast, which I did. After two days, the weather was bad, with no signs of improving. I had already left my job, and had a ticket to go back home in a few weeks, so then I decided to visit the only other capital of Australia I hadn't seen it - Hobarth. That was a good decision at the time.
It's a shame the weather ruined your time up here. The Gold Coast is nice, but I never have quite understood the attraction, I'm more a city guy myself. Brisbane is decent, but certainly no Sydney.
It's Horbart too mate.
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It's Horbart too mate.
really? I didn't realise the women were that bad down there :lol I guess Tassie should be honoured that we include them in the discussion , unlike some maps.
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:facepalm: fuck me. Can I blame that one on auto correct? :lol
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It's Horbart too mate.
really? I didn't realise the women were that bad down there :lol I guess Tassie should be honoured that we include them in the discussion , unlike some maps.
Family in Hobart so go easy ;) Family in NSW and Melbourne too, crazy scenes there atm crossing fingers things get back to some normality for everyone sooner than later :sad:
And back on topic would LOVE to see an Armoured Saint show last year's record was insane! :metal
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Symbol of Salvation Live album. Where did this come from? Out today and I am just hearing about it today.
https://bravewords.com/news/armored-saint-release-live-video-for-spineless-symbol-of-salvation-live-cd-dvd-out-now
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Oh yes! I preordered it with the new DT. Got it today. I started to make a post here, but got distracted. Even comes with a DVD!!!!
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Oh yes! I preordered it with the new DT. Got it today. I started to make a post here, but got distracted. Even comes with a DVD!!!!
And it RULES!!!!
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Symbol of Salvation Live album. Where did this come from? Out today and I am just hearing about it today.
https://bravewords.com/news/armored-saint-release-live-video-for-spineless-symbol-of-salvation-live-cd-dvd-out-now
I was half-watching the DVD the other day as I was ripping my latest haul of CDs into iTunes. I think I saw the back of my head in one of the audience shots. I wish they released the full concert and not just the SoS portion of it. That was a great show, bittersweet as my father passed away couple of days later, so those two will always be linked...
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Really cool interview with John Bush!
https://www.eonmusic.co.uk/john-bush-armored-saint-anthrax-eonmusic-interview-october-2021.html
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Seeing Armored Saint this week. Mrs. Samsara and I picked up a couple of VIPs. Looking forward to meeting these guys.
I met John Bush outside the venue during a show in San Jose with Armored Saint years ago. (bosk, weren't you there with me?) Just real quick (this was before the whole VIP craze). Really nice guy. Then a few years ago, when they were doing a recording for the live Symbol record in LA, I flew my wife down there, and got her VIP, and John signed a picture I took of him at ANOTHER (not the same one) show of Saint in San Jose when they were opening for Saxon (who we didn't stay for). It was a great pic, and John signed it "To Brian, You're the Man! John Bush." Nice moment. So it'll be cool to connect and share that.
I also plan to ask Bush to sign a couple of Anthrax vinyls for me, and Joey to sign Fates Warning's Long Day Goodnight. :)
There's this folded poster that was included with Punching the Sky on vinyl that looks so bad ass. I wish it wasn't folded. But I may ask all of Saint to sign that. Love the new album.
Sucks they are only getting an hour, but I'll take it. We aren't staying for WASP. Absolutely zero interest. :lol
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Enjoy the show! John Bush is so awesome. Glad to see he's better now, health-wise, and back at the mic for the Saint. I love that he's been talking more about the potential for John Bush solo shows. That needs to happen. There's so much good Anthrax stuff that has been neglected for far too long. Seeing him perform it with Paul Crook on guitar behind him would be amazing!
As for the AS/WASP show, Armored Saint is performing just as long (possibly longer) than WASP. Since the start of the tour, Blackie has trimmed 3-4 songs from the set.
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I feel bad for fans of WASP. That has to be ridiculous.
Yeah, I'm a gigantic fan of the John Bush-led Anthrax years. When all of that stuff was finally on vinyl, I went out and bought it all. I love the Belladonna era, but the Bush records are generally my go-tos with them. If I am in a Belladonna mood, it's usually Persistence of Time, Among the Living and Worship Music, in that order.
I'm freaking pumped to see Saint this week. It feels like forever, although the last time wasn't THAT long ago. It was 2019, I believe. But the more Armored Saint, the better. I feel like they've become better as the years have gone on. Punching the Sky is a great record, as was Win Hands Down.
I may wear my Helloween shirt to the show, to see if I can get any cool stories from 1987 from the guys. I'll tell them I have this real old fogey friend named Tim, who wore ridiculous clothes when he went to the Saint/Helloween show back then. :rollin
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I feel bad for fans of WASP. That has to be ridiculous.
Yeah, I'm a gigantic fan of the John Bush-led Anthrax years. When all of that stuff was finally on vinyl, I went out and bought it all. I love the Belladonna era, but the Bush records are generally my go-tos with them. If I am in a Belladonna mood, it's usually Persistence of Time, Among the Living and Worship Music, in that order.
I'm freaking pumped to see Saint this week. It feels like forever, although the last time wasn't THAT long ago. It was 2019, I believe. But the more Armored Saint, the better. I feel like they've become better as the years have gone on. Punching the Sky is a great record, as was Win Hands Down.
I may wear my Helloween shirt to the show, to see if I can get any cool stories from 1987 from the guys. I'll tell them I have this real old fogey friend named Tim, who wore ridiculous clothes when he went to the Saint/Helloween show back then. :rollin
Hah!! Yeah, any old Helloween stories would be great and you can tell him that they made a lifelong fan on that tour.
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If Blackie is getting paid the same, I'm sure he's fine with a shorter set haha.
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Popped up in my feed...haven't watched it yet, but figured it can be of interest:
Armored Saint, reminiscing about the Symbol of Salvation era
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAtImvy0tl0
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Popped up in my feed...haven't watched it yet, but figured it can be of interest:
Armored Saint, reminiscing about the Symbol of Salvation era
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAtImvy0tl0
I actually watched that today. It's worth the watch. Joey in a UFO shirt!!
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So meeting Armored Saint and the show were absolutely awesome.
This was my sixth time seeing Saint, and they just continue to get better live. A ton of energy, John sounds amazing, They played about 55 minutes, and 10 songs total, I think. They played two from their latest record, which was great (two of my three favs from it), and then did a bunch of classic tunes that were perfect for a WASP crowd. My wife and I ended up first into the venue, and were center, up on the barricade in front of the stage. We were only staying for Saint, so we figured we'd be okay. But 10 minutes later, when the WASP folks started filing in, some meatball strolls behind us (clearly wanting us to move for him and his...lady friend), and yells out. "YEAH! WASP RULLLLLLLLLES." It took all of 20 seconds for me to turn to Mrs. Samsara and go - lets go stand in the back by the soundboard. Glad we did. Talked to a guy filming for Saint. Friends with the drummer, Gonzo Sandoval, and apparently he's shooting several shows for Gonzo and the band for the archives. Multi-cam, too. There was one by us, and another close to the stage.
The place filled up when Saint hit the stage at about 8:05 or so. They were done by 9, and we split. The guy running sound was nice enough to give me the setlist from the show, and we left pretty thrilled with the show.
So, the pre-show meet and greet was totally worth it. It's 100 per person. But that includes a t-shirt of your choice. The shirts are running $40 these days, so if you're planning to get a shirt, the M&G really was only 60 per person if you think about it. They bring you into the merch area, and you hang with the band for about 20 minutes. They just all sort of mill about real casual. The one thing I love is how personable they are. Phil Sandoval asked about what my wife and I did for a living, and he was honestly interested in what we had to say (you can tell if it's just asking to ask). Jeff Duncan was chill. He said he's a total road dog. Loves being on the road (after I asked him if he's ready to get home). Gonzo is like the don of the band, man. Chief Gonzo. Love the guy. He loves everyone right back. Joey Very I've met many times. Class act. Indulged me on questions about Fates Warning and Mercyful Fate.
But John Bush. Hahahahahaha. Before the band came in, my wife is standing there listening to me talk pretty quickly about Bush and what I want to say. She turns to me and goes "All these decades of marriage and meeting all these rockstars, and this is the first time I've seen you fanboy. The stoic Italian-New Yorker has lost it for John Bush." :rollin :rollin :rollin
She was dead-on. ha ha. But once we actually met him, I was fine. John and I went to shake hands, he had a fist bump, I extended my hand, then we reversed, laughed, and then he brought me in for a hug. :lol Then he hugged the Mrs. and we talked for a bit about Anthrax. He tries to be respectful, and is, and is glad they are doing what they are doing, but he misses the songs he did with them too. He signed my wife's vinyl of Sound of White Noise, and my vinyl of Volume Eight: The Threat is Real. He talked about the tour a bit, and how while he can't say the band or any of the details (I am assuming it is still WASP), that it looks like they are going out again in the spring. The other thing we talked about was how we're really happy that Saint keeps doing new music and how that's really important. No b.s., I have found the last couple Saint record to be some of their best.
After all that signing and chat, we each (there were about 10 total) took individual pics with the band. My wife and I wanted to use the restroom, so apparently we missed the group pic with all the other VIPs and the band, but whatever, I really didn't care about that. Once Mrs. Samsara and I returned, we said goodbye to the band, cracked some more jokes with Phil, and that was that. of course, 15 minutes later we ran into Jeff Duncan going to get some early dinner, and joked that we're really not stalking him, which was a good laugh.
All in all, a worthwhile experience for $100 bucks (plus the ticket, the hundo is just for the m&g). So when they tour this spring, if you're a fan and you've never met them, and plan on buying a shirt, do the m&g. It's worth the price.
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Pretty awesome write up!! Sounds like it was lots of fun.
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I even posted this on Facebook at some point - the Armored Saint meet and greet is TOTALLY worth it. The one time I saw this I was waiting at the venue to interview John, and they go out of their way to talk to everyone, exchange stories, sign tons of merch, and they played a different song during soundcheck, that wasn't played during the show. Simply amazing.
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Pretty awesome write up!! Sounds like it was lots of fun.
Thanks. It was a total blast. Armored Saint always is. Looking forward to seeing them again next year. :metal