Armored Saint Ride The Perfect Storm In Boston!

by Matman

With my ears still ringing so much I can't do anything but write a review of the show I just left a few hours ago, Armored Saint performing their classic album SYMBOL OF SALVATION in it's entirety.  I will admit I am late to the Saint party, picking up my first A.S. album in 2015, the brilliant WIN HANDS DOWN! Following that I took a crash course in their entire catalog and thought "why wasn't I into these guys in the 80's - 90's ?"     

Without beating around the bush (a little pun intended), Armored Saint absolutely delivered on the stages at the Brighton Music Hall just a bit outside of Boston, MA.  Musically they just brought it, song after song and electrified the audience who singer John Bush had in his hands from opener to closer.  The set was made up of the full SYMBOL OF SALVATION album, played in it's running order, too which created a nice balance in their attack.  The set sandwiched this with classic and beloved material from their entire past including March Of The Saint, Can U Deliver and Win Hands Down.  The band played a total of 20 songs that also featured the expected and crowd favorites, the emotional Last Train Home and the cruncher Reign Of Fire. 

On stage the band; John Bush (vocals), Jeff Duncan and Phil Sandoval (guitars), Joey Vera (bass) and Gonzo Sandoval (drums) are as tight and heavy as most bands out there!  They attack without being just heavy and loud, they play with heart and soul without changing things all up and despite the over serious image I thought they have, they have fun on stage and let the crowd have fun, too. Bush took the time between songs to tell some amazing and some very emotional stories about the songs, the process, past tours and the sad loss of original guitarist, Dave Prichard to leukemia in 1990. 

The venue, Brighton Music Hall in Boston is a small and incredibly intimate venue with a crystal clear sound system, perfect acoustics and built for a band like Armored Saint.  The audience was made up of folks like us who just wanted to listen and see some live music at its best, chat with others about the music we all love and just share a collective experience.  Mission accomplished!!!

Following the show all Brian LeTendre and I could talk about was how, as a live band, Armored Saint may be one of the best bands we have seen live.  I'm sure we weren't the only ones saying it.

Sorry boys I was so late to the party!!!!! 

     SET LIST

• March of the Saint
• Long Before I Die
• Chemical Euphoria
• Reign of Fire
• Dropping Like Flies
• Last Train Home
• Tribal Dance
• The Truth Always Hurts
• Half Drawn Bridge
• Another Day
• Symbol of Salvation
• Hanging Judge
• Warzone
• Burning Question
• Tainted Past
• Spineless
• Pay Dirt
• Win Hands Down
• Can U Deliver
• Mad House