Armored Saint's latest album, Emotion Factory Reset, is a disappointing follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2020 release, Punching the Sky. While the band's early 80s energy and charisma are still present, the album feels like a step back in terms of both impact and musical direction. The album opens with the promising lead single, "Close to the Bone," which is a solid track that harkens back to the band's classic sound. However, this is the high-water mark for the album, as the rest of the tracks struggle to match the energy and memorability of their previous work. The album's sound is more in line with classic L.A. hard rock and safe dad rock than actual heavy metal, which is a disappointment for fans of the band's heavier material. The individual performances are all fine, with John Bush's charismatic frontman presence shining through, but the overall album feels like a phoned-in effort. The album's title and artwork are also underwhelming, which is a shame given the quality of the music. Overall, Emotion Factory Reset is a step back for Armored Saint, and fans of the band will likely be disappointed with the results. While the band's legacy is secure, this album does not live up to the standards set by their previous work.
