American heavy metal veterans Armored Saint have announced their ninth studio album, Emotion Factory Reset, set for release on May 22 via Metal Blade Records.
Marking the band’s first full-length since 2020’s Punching the Sky, the new record continues their decades-long legacy of evolving songwriting while staying rooted in classic heavy metal traditions first established with 1984’s March Of The Saint.
“Close To The Bone” Streaming Now
Alongside the announcement, Armored Saint have unveiled the album’s opening track, “Close To The Bone”, offering a powerful first glimpse into the record’s direction.
According to vocalist John Bush, the track captures a balance between past and present:
“The first track on the record sounds like vintage ARMORED SAINT — yet vintage that comes out in 2026.”
Driven by sharp riffs, dynamic rhythms, and commanding vocals, the song also explores themes of emotional restraint and internal conflict—ideas that tie directly into the album’s overarching concept.
A New Chapter for the Band
Produced by bassist Joey Vera and mixed by Jay Ruston (known for work with Anthrax and Stone Sour), Emotion Factory Reset sees the band continuing to push their sound forward.
Vera describes each release as a snapshot in time:
“Each ARMORED SAINT record… is like a new skin for the band, a different chapter.”
Musically, the album blends influences from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal era with a modern edge, reinforcing the band’s ability to evolve without repeating themselves.
Concept & Themes
The album’s title, coined by guitarist Phil Sandoval, reflects a philosophical approach to navigating modern life:
“Reset yourself back to clarity. Take a pause and breathe before you respond.”
Drummer Gonzo Sandoval expands on the idea, framing it in a broader, almost existential context, viewing the world itself as a “factory” in need of recalibration.
Tracklist for Emotion Factory Reset
- 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
Formats & Availability
Emotion Factory Reset will be available across multiple formats, including CD digipak, digital, and several limited-edition vinyl variants across the U.S. and Europe. A special European edition will also include the bonus track “One Chain (Don’t Make No Prison).”
With Emotion Factory Reset, Armored Saint once again prove their staying power—bridging decades of heavy metal history while continuing to carve out new creative territory.