Armored Saint is an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1982. Since 1990, the band has consisted of vocalist John Bush, bassist Joey Vera, guitarist Jeff Duncan, drummer Gonzo Sandoval, and guitarist Phil Sandoval. Bush and Vera are the only constant members of the group's lineup. Armored Saint has released nine studio albums, one EP, two live albums, and one compilation album.
The band emerged as part of the Los Angeles heavy metal scene during the early 1980s. Their first releases included the self-titled EP "Armored Saint" (1983) and the studio albums "March of the Saint" (1984), "Delirious Nomad" (1985), and "Raising Fear" (1987). Prior to the release of their fourth studio album, "Symbol of Salvation" (1991), the band experienced a period of inactivity caused by record label issues and the death of guitarist Dave Prichard, who died of leukemia in 1990. Armored Saint disbanded in 1992 after Bush joined Anthrax as vocalist, but reunited in 1999 and subsequently resumed touring and recording.
Armored Saint was founded by brothers Phil Sandoval and Gonzo Sandoval, together with Dave Prichard, John Bush, and Joey Vera. Several members had previously played together in a short-lived band called Royal Decree. According to Gonzo Sandoval, the name "Armored Saint" was inspired by the film "Excalibur". In 1983, Bush was invited by Lars Ulrich to audition for Metallica after the release of "Kill 'Em All", but declined in order to remain with Armored Saint.
The band recorded a five-song demo that included the track "Lesson Well Learned", which appeared on the compilation album "Metal Massacre II". Three songs from the demo were later included on the EP "Armored Saint", released by Metal Blade Records in 1983.
Metal ChurchView profile
AnvilView profile
Lex LegionView profile
RavenView profile