Year: 2020
Total Time: 53:29
Label: Metal Blade

ARMORED SAINT are back and they really look in great shape. Formed in 1982 in Los Angeles, California, they are one of the leading NWOAHM bands. “Punching The Sky” is their eighth full-length album and is probably their best since “Symbol Of Salvation”. This album is a beautiful complement to their two previous albums, “La Raza” and “Win Hands Down”. Musically, these three releases follow each other in terms of sound.

This is an album with songs that win you over from the first audition, such as “Standing On The Shoulders Of Giants”, “End Of The Attention Span” and “Missile To Gun”. Tracks like “Bubble”, “Bark, No Bite”, “Lone Wolf” may take a little longer to stand out, making “Punching The Sky” a unique album. One of the best tracks, is the almost serene “Unfair”, which is hidden towards the end of the album and will surely travel you.

ARMORED SAINT music is at its best. With awesome drums by Gonzo Sandoval and extremely heavy bass by Joey Vera, the rhythmic torso is more compact than ever. The guitar duo of Jeff Duncan and Phil Sandoval is also impressive on this album. The album’s wonderful closer, “Never You Fret” is a great example of how synchronized they are. John Bush’s lyrics and vocals are simply exceptional.

A very beautiful and dynamic release from these US metal legends, who show us why they are a reliably entertaining band that flies high the flag of the classic Heavy Metal. They do not live in the past, they continue to move forward. It makes them more human while at the same time raising them to new heights. One of the hallmarks of a truly great band is being able to retain their old audience and attract new fans. And ARMORED SAINT is really one of the big names in the genre.

Rating: 7,5/10
Editor: Fanouris Exintavelonis
Related Link: ARMORED SAINT – Official Page