One question I have been asked many times back in 1984 and today by non-afficianadoes of heavy metal is: Don't you get tired of listening to the same sound all the time? My answer is no. The stereotype on metal is that they all play the same four chords over and over. That might be true with some bands but at least every band chooses four different chords to play. That is what makes their sound unique. Plus, it also has a lot to do with the singer and lead guitarist as well. I was asked this question when I was listening to some Armoured Saint back in 84 and their debut album, "March of the Saint" proved my point. They were pure metal but at the same time, sounded unique.
Most people who have experienced Armoured Saint know of the title track to this album. It has become their trademark song pretty much and I was exceedingly glad when they played it at Bloodstock in 2015. Boy, how time flies. If one song were to be used to introduce anyone to Armoured Saint, it would be that one. A great song to bring in the album and a great song to hear live. Of course, everything they played live on that day sounded great.

Following the historic title cut are nine equally, well nearly equally, fantastic songs. Each song possesses the unmistakable vocals of John Bull and the guitars of Dave Prichard and Phil Sandoval backed up the rhythm section laid down by Joey Vera and Gonzo Sandoval. What you get is a total metal package. While most of the songs are pretty much equal in the kick ass stakes, I do think that "Seducer" does slightly rise above the rest in my opinion. I can't explain it but it just catches my vibe. However, there are lots of great things about the other songs. "Glory Hunter" is also a really cool track with some interesting little riffs in the middle of the song. Then again, there are some rather cool intro riffs in most of the songs. "Take a Turn" and "Envy" are great examples of that. That's the problem when I listen to this album. Every time I want to praise one particular track, the next one comes along and deserves equal praise. So, I have to go back to my previous statement, you get the total metal package on "March of the Saint."
Track Listing:
- March of the Saint
- Can U Deliver
- Mad House
- Take a Turn
- Seducer
- Mutiny on the World
- Glory Hunter
- Stricken by Fate
- Envy
- False Alarm
John Bull- lead vocals
Phil Sandoval- guitar
Dave Prichard- guitar
Joey Vera- bass
Gonzo Sandoval- drums
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L764e7zZQvU
Since "March of the Saint," the band have said that they were totally disappointed with the final mix of the album because it was too commercial for the more heavy metal sound the band wanted it. They would make up for that for sure in future albums. Still, I have always enjoyed this album and will continue to do so.
Next post: Another band I who impressed the hell out of me at Bloodstock 2013, Black Emerald, will be having their album launch party for their debut: "Hell Can't Handle All of Us" in Reading, UK this Saturday. I'm on their 'Special Guest' list to which I am truly honoured! See, a note to fellow bloggers, say great things about a band and you get invited to album launch parties. Although everything I have said about Black Emerald is certainly true. Don't worry, next post, you will all get a full account of the evening with plenty of photos.
To buy Rock and Roll Children, email me at: tobychainsaw@hotmail.com