Album Review: Armored Saint - Punching The Sky

Those of us here at Bloody Good Music share an uncommon opinion; we prefer the John Bush era of Anthrax to the 'classic' period. I don't say that to be provocative, but to preface everything that will come with a explanation that I do like John Bush. While those Anthrax records are interesting, I have never once found Armored Saint to fit that description. I've come across several of their records over the years, and every time I come away asking what it is that makes certain segments of the metal population consider them underground heroes. They have always been a perfectly average band, but with their recent records trying to modernize, they haven't worn well.

What's weird about Armored Saint is that they have in a sense morphed into Anthrax of the 90s, shedding their classic metal roots for a more groove-heavy sound, replete with the swaggering bravado of flase machismo. They aren't as bad as the 'Monster energy drinks' crew of bands in that regard, but I can't listen to them without hearing some unnecessary posturing.

What's interesting is that they have in a sense morphed into Anthrax of the 90s. For those of us who preferred that era to Joey Belladonna's, this is the first record in many years that fits the bill, that reminds me of that rather unique period of music. There's a bit more groove, and a bit less thrash, but the basics of the sound are there. It's rather refreshing to hear, especially when compared to the last Anthrax record. Bush still has that mixture of metal and punk to his vocals that stands apart from most singers, and these songs find the spot where he's most comfortable.

Maybe it's odd to say, since it is his first band, but Armored Saint never sounded quite right for Bush's voice. Until now, that is. They have shifted their personality enough to finally lock everything into place. That comfort extends to the songwriting, where the band is able to blend their chugging rhythms with stronger melodies, which results in more direct, and more memorable, songs for us. Some of their more progressive and experimental tendencies have been stripped away, which is all for the best. With more focus, the band sounds more engaged with the songs. It comes through on the record.

Needless to say, all of that makes this the most I have ever enjoyed an Armored Saint record. I don't recall if there's ever been a case where I enjoyed a band more once they started to sound like someone else, but I suppose it's natural for a band that's been around this long to soak up influence from the other bands the members have played in. I just find it odd they are a throwback to twenty-plus years ago, updating from their original thirty-plus year old sound. The cycle of nostalgia is moving forward, finally, perhaps.

It's no suprise the worst song in the album is "Bark No Bite", where Bush can't help himself and lowers his register into almost a bark. It's that tough-guy persona that plays well with once crowd, and utterly loses me. The song is nothing but a pulsing rhythm and Bush's monosyllabic gruffness. It doesn't play well, and sounds even worse among the rest of what is a pretty good album.

Look, I've never thought Armored Saint was a great band. This record is a definite improvement for them, in my eyes, but they still have enough flaws to hold them back. "Punching The Sky" is a nice reminder of a sound and time we don't get to experience anymore, but I think that's the fair level of praise. After being a band for almosrt forty years, I'm not sure that's enough.