Customer Reviews

La Raza

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was going to go into a whole analysis of this disc, do a track by track synopsis etc but I have decided to stick with a single word, AWESOME.

A more mature offering than Revelation, which I loved, the Saint aren't trying to sound like anything but what, and who, they are now and it's a pleasure to hear. It is so obvious upon the first listen that these guys are doing it for the love of the music and because they enjoy working with each other (and dare I say for the sake of heaviness?. Kudos to Bush and Vera for writing ten killer tracks, congrats to Armored Saint as a unit for turning in a stellar performance on these recordings and great job to Joey Vera for producing this most excellent CD.

OK, far more than one word but it is awesome and more than that it made me glad to be alive. All I have to add is, if you haven't already check out DC4's album Explode featuring Saint's Jeff Duncan (also of Odin).

this new Armored Saint album was 9 years in the making, and it is well worth the wait. they still sound the same after all this time. John Bush's singing voice still sounds the same. song no.2 "Head On" begins with an organ riff and then rocks, albeit a little slower than the rest, and then speeds up after that. it is so awesome that Armored Saint took 9 years to write this album, kind of like how Boston took 6 years to write Third Stage. listening to this band is like going back to the 1980's. they make us remember what is like to listen to some real music. every song sounds fat, greasy, and delicious. song no. 3 "Left Hook From Right Field" sounds like it would be appropriate at sporting events. all the guitar solos are in place and sound like they never lost their power.

I been a fan since the first ep came out with "A Lesson Well Learn". I own all of there stuff and been waiting on this cd for years. It was worth the wait. This is a great album with great song writing. If you're a fan of Saint pick it up and get ready to jam. I'm hoping they will tour I heard that John Bush went back to Anthrax. Not taking anything away from Anthrax; but I think John is much better with his band. Long Live Saint!!!!!!!!

As an Armored Saint fan from the early days of the band, I appreciate their approach and sound. Catchy hooks abound yet again in La Raza, as you would expect. Doesn't seem to be quite as heavy as "Revelation", but has a great sound with the usual outstanding riffs, and exquisite vocal work by John Bush thrown into the mix. Makes for a memorable listen. Classic dueling guitar harmonies, and great acoustic work in selected spots. A very gifted group of metal musicians with another great work to their credit.

I read the reviews that stated this was a departure from what had become expected from Saint... While it's not bad, it isn't Armored Saint. This should have been a Joey Vera solo album. The production lacks the dynamics of past Saint records and I agree with the person below that stated the production is "flat"... good.... but flat. I would really like to know how much input Phil Sandoval and Jeff Duncan had in this album. I know Bush wrote lyrics and sang but again I think this was a Joey Vera solo album with members of Saint as guest artists. I'm not even sure Gonzo is on this record. The first thing I noticed when I first listened to this album was that the drumming was very polished, consistent and mechanical. I thought "WOW!!! Gonzo has come a long way!!!!"... I have since come to the conclusion that it's much too polished and consistent and I think it's all Vera programmed drum machine tracks... Overall it's not a bad record but it is a disappointing effort when held up to the standards of past Saint records.

Wow!!! This album was more than I expected. First off it is a bit different than the Armored Saint I was expecting but this is not a bad thing. They seem to have been rejuvenated. Might I add that it is also to great to hear Bush's pipes again, it has been far to long. These guys delivered what I would call the best album yet by them. Vera's song writing talent never gets lazy and this is full on a great rock album. It just feels like they are pumping life back into you!

Despite all the fanboys raving this is a 5 star album, I find it severely lacking in the "metalness" category. I do love this band, think this album is well written but in the end I don't go back to it very often like many other albums released this year. I respect what the band is doing but the album doesn't motivate me all that much after repeated listens. Compared to Symbol of Salvation or Revelation this is just too tame. 3.5 stars sounds right.

La Raza takes at least two listens because it is different than all past releases. After the 2nd listen you will be hard pressed to not consider this one of their best.

First off, I have loved Armored Saint since 1984 but: Does anyone else think the production is flat? I like the songs and playing but the drum sounds need more umph. I am NOT listening through a Ipod, is that the problem?

I always liked these guys. Bought all the stuff from the first EP up to Revelation. Love Anthrax with Bush and like Fates Warning with Vera. I know this band and I am kind of surprised. Not of the musicianship on here as there are some decent funky riffs, good playing, a few good 'Hooks' and a decent Vocal performance, but there is a serious lack of direction. Maybe an outside producer would have helped? Don't know or claim to...

Lyrically, some of the songs are pretty weak. From the redundant 'Get Off The Fence' to the below average 'Little Monkey', its hard to get a real flow to this disc. These tracks simply don't do much. Average Saint. Something I would think these guys could do in their sleep. This is the feel I get from a few of the tracks. AKA= Filler.

There are a few good ones. The opening track 'Loose Cannon' is cool with a strange, straight forward drum beat throughout. Different sound that I really like. Sound wise, I think it is pretty good with a few tweaks of an equalizer.

'Head On' is, eehh, avg..

'Left Hook....' is a good old fashioned Saint song, with a nice chorus that stays in your head. As close to real old style Saint on here.

'Get Off The Fence' starts OK, but drones on. Not their best. Surprised it made the cut.

The Title song is good, but strays a bit in its Latin style mid-section. 'Chilled' is pretty good, but lyrically challenged. Different style for the band.

'Black Feet' and 'Little Monkey' are ultimately forgettable.

You get the idea. Hit and Miss, which surprises me with their history and their abilities. I know they were not exclusively working on this for all these years. If anything it sounds rushed and in need of refinement. Some of the lyrics are just bad. A few songs really don't beg for repeated listens. This was never the case with previous material. I'm surprised, with all the talent, that they did not notice these inconsistencies.

Or maybe they are simply trying some different angles and it isn't working for me..

About half of it is decent though. I just expect the bar to be set a bit higher for the Saint. 'Delirious Nomad II' this is NOT. But as an old fan, I will cut them some slack on this one. Maybe it will grow on me more months down the road. I WANT to like it, but am being honest. If it does grow I will gladly remove the rating.