872. Armored Saint / Win Hands Down. 2015. 4/5

For a band that has been around for over 30 years - even given the down time that it had with John Bush plying his trade in Anthrax during the 1990's and into the early 2000's - it is quite an achievement to be able to come up with material in the current time that can compare favourably with that which the band released into its early years, and with which most fans will identify the band. It's not unheard of, but it is rare and no doubt difficult. But here is a case in point. Armored Saint may not have released a lot of new material in recent years, but Win Hands Down makes up for that brilliantly, and contains some of the best work of their career.

The one thing that the band has done here better than most of their contemporaries is not forget where they came from. The music isn't the same as what they produced in the past, but it has all of its roots there. This is a modern upgrading of the heavy material the band has always performed, with great production and performances as well as great songs overall.
The most impressive thing about the album is the way it all fits together, not motoring along like a thrash metal album but not pausing breath either. The title track "Win Hands Down" starts the album off perfectly, before great songs such as "Mess", "An Exercise in Debauchery" and the brilliant "Muscle Memory" crash you through the first half of the album. "That Was Then, Way Back When" is highlighted by Gonzo's 16/4 tom-driven drumming, sounding like a freight train, while "With a Full Head of Steam" moves even faster. This is then followed by the headbanging beauty of "In An Instant". "Dive" is the slower and mellower song on the album, with a melancholic feel to the song and driven by that style of guitar riff. While it generally isn't my style of song, and on its own I would be rather ambivalent about it, but it does seem to fit the structure of the album such that I don't feel it has an overly negative effect on how I feel about it within the album. The closer "Up Yours" comes back in your face to finish the album on a positive note.
It's a triumph. This is comfortably a heavy metal album that doesn't go beyond the music the band has always released. It doesn't pretend to be what it isn't. The energy levels of all performers is top notch, each SOUNDS like they are having a ball and as a result they are putting their best musical foot forward. The drumming of Gonzo Sandoval is awe-inspiring. The sound he has got on this album is perfect, and along with Joey Vera's bass provide the solid foundation that keeps the bottom end sounding brutal. His drumming is terrific, technically using each part of his drum kit without it ever sounding like he is trying to dominate or overshadow the band. Along with his bass guitar Joey Vera also rallies to the production table everything he has learned through the years, and brings everything together with a great vibe and magnificent sounding album, instrumentally and vocally brilliant. Phil Sandoval and Jeff Duncan trade licks and riffs throughout like the well-oiled machine they are. This is all brought together by John Bush, who continues to impress on vocals, sticking to his range and his abilities, and belting out each song with gusto, but still able to sing a song such as "Dive" without compromising his talents.

As much as I love Armored Saint's early albums, this came as more than a pleasant surprise when I first got it. The fact that it still sounds like the classic Armored Saint but with that modern production makes it an instant classic. As a result it should appeal to both old and new fans alike, and for me is one of the best albums of 2015.

Rating: Seeking adventure every which way, knowing full well there may be hell to pay.  4/5