ARMORED SAINT – Carpe Noctum (2016)

Since their inception in the early ’80s, ARMORED SAINT has always been a highly regarded live act — not only in their hometown of Los Angeles, but also around the world. The only official release to capture this, however, is 1989’s live album Saints Will Conquer — until now. Today, Armored Saint is releasing “Carpe Noctum“, their new live record. For a physical CD, you need to wait 02/24/2017 via MetalBlade.

After reforming with their original lineup in 1999 (John Bush – vocals, Joey Vera – bass, Phil Sandoval – guitar, Jeff Duncan – guitar, Gonzo Sandoval – drums), and recently releasing a couple of albums to critical acclaim, Armored Saint has been delivering their classic heavy metal mastery around the globe, joining the likes of Saxon, Metal Church — and even Queensryche in November/December 2016 — on the road.

Of all of these performances, the band recorded their 2015 Wacken Open Air festival set as well as their headlining show in Aschaffenburg, Germany, with the intention of giving fans another live album after twenty five years of the previous, showcasing how Armored Saint sounds today on stage.
The guys are in fine form despite the time, and singer John Bush my have lost some hair but not his vocal power for sure.
He rocks with opener ‘Win Hands Down’ from the band’s recent album, and whip the crowd into a frenzy during 1984’s classic ‘March of the Saint’ and ‘Last Train Home’, from their highly respected 1991 release, Symbol Oof Salvation.

Armored Saint incorporated their classics with new material, not only from Win Hands Down but also ‘Left Hook From Right Field’ from the highly underrated 2010 release, La Raza. The dual guitar team of Jeff Duncan & Phil Sandoval, along with bassist Joey Vera, deliver on this track some killer riffs that young bands should take lessons from.
Armored Saint finish the set with one of their biggest hit to date, ‘Reign of Fire’.

Listening to “Carpe Noctum” you can safely say that Armored Saint are alive & kickin’ 2016.
John Bush proves once again that he should be on the list of the all-time great metal vocalists, as he sings with energy, emotion and power, and he doesn’t rely on back tracks or processors. Bush is also a perfect example of a singer has taken care of his voice, which has prolonged his career, not only as a singer, but as a professional voice-over specialist.

This is an amazing performance by a band that should have been in the same conversation as the other metal greats, but due to timing and other factors didn’t reach those heights.
But in 2016, Armored Saint is back in the game with a vengeance, and if you’re lucky, they will be coming to a town near you… “With a Full Head of Steam.”
Armored Saint rocks, and this record is a clear statement.
Strongly Recommended

1 – Win Hands Down
2 – March of the Saint
3 – Stricken by Fate
4 – Last Train Home
5 – Mess
6 – Aftermath
7 – Left Hook from Right Field
8 – Reign of Fire

John Bush – Vocals
Phil Sandoval – Guitar
Jeff Duncan – Guitar
Joey Vera – Bass
Gonzo Sandoval – Drums

BUY IT !
www.amazon.com/Carpe-Noctum-Live-Armored-Saint/dp/B01M74RL58
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