Veteran heavy metal outfit Armored Saint have officially announced their ninth studio album, ‘Emotion Factory Reset’, arriving May 22nd via Metal Blade Records. Alongside the announcement, the band have debuted the first single, “Close To The Bone,” complete with a newly released music video.
Production on the upcoming record was handled by bassist/vocalist Joey Vera, while longtime collaborator Jay Ruston (Stone Sour, Anthrax) oversaw mixing duties.
Speaking on the album’s direction, Vera described each release as a reflection of where the band stands creatively at a given moment.
“Each Armored Saint record, to me, is like a new skin for the band — a different chapter. I don’t think we’ve ever repeated ourselves. Every album has been pretty different from the previous one, a snapshot in time. In 2026, ‘Emotion Factory Reset’ is where our heads are at.”
Frontman John Bush echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the group’s willingness to draw from a wide range of influences when writing new material.
“When we start coming up with songs, I always say we can do whatever we want. Use all our influences through the years, diverse music that we listen to and love, and let that seep in and bring something new out of us. It leads to something more adventurous.”
The album title itself originated with guitarist Phil Sandoval, who explained the concept as a mental reset — stepping back before reacting and regaining clarity amid external chaos.
Drummer Gonzo Sandoval expanded on that idea, framing the title as a broader reflection on modern society’s rapid technological evolution and the need for personal realignment.
Serving as the album’s introduction, “Close To The Bone” aims to balance classic and modern elements of the band’s sound. Bush described the track as embodying a familiar spirit while pushing forward creatively.
“The first track on the record sounds like vintage Armored Saint — yet vintage that comes out in 2026. Killer riffs, awesome rhythms and attacking vocals gets this train rolling.”
Vera added that the song draws inspiration from the era surrounding the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens, while guitarist Jeff Duncan noted the band’s continued effort to evolve rather than repeat past formulas.
The music video for the single was directed by David Brodsky (Cannibal Corpse, Cattle Decapitation) and marks the beginning of the band’s latest album cycle.
‘Emotion Factory Reset’ Track Listing
01 – “Close To The Bone”
02 – “Every Man-Any Man”
03 – “Not On Your Life”
04 – “Hit A Moonshot”
05 – “Buckeye”
06 – “Compromise”
07 – “It’s A Buzzkill”
08 – “Throwing Caution To The Wind”
09 – “Ladders And Slides”
10 – “Bottom Feeder”
11 – “Epilogue”
A bonus track, “One Chain (Don’t Make No Prison),” will appear on select editions, including the European CD digipak and a 7″ bundled with the European vinyl pressing.
Pre-orders are available now through Metal Blade Records.
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