LA Legends Armored Saint have been around since 1982, about the same time as this record label. Whilst this band has produced many a classic album, it has been a long wait for a new studio album; 10 years is a long time. John Bush has been in and out of Anthrax give or take a few years in the decade, and in 2006 those whom witnessed a legendary show at the Camden Underworld (the same day Portugal knocked England out of the EURO finals) will be waiting with baited breath for this release.
Upon first listen, I must say, it was not that magical. Nothing really blew the doors off, it is like the last 10 years have not happened and this is merely a continuation of ‘Revelation’. Give this album a couple more listens and it begins to make sense. ‘Head On’, ‘Left Hook from Right Field’ and ‘Little Monkey’ for me stand out as memorable, high class tunes; you can certainly hear the experience in song writing. John Bush’s voice is ever the powerful warrior but the traditional metal ends up being crossed with a few “modern” guitar influences. Well, I say modern; early 1990’s Seattle would be appropriate in feedback and loose note terms. The last ten years appear to come flooding out on the CD, I find it difficult to find a flow; this album comes across as individual tracks added to a compilation album. There are some Latin flavours as the album title suggests, but not enough of the sheer metal glory I was expecting after such a long hiatus. It is what other bands would have done, so in one hand you have to respect them for not taking this approach, but unfortunately, what they have offered in ‘La Raza’ does not cut the mustard this time around.
Whilst it will never replace the classic albums of ‘March of the Saint’ or ‘Symbol of Salvation’, ‘La Raza’ displays concise musical arrangements and class in abundance, but lacks the coherence and musical relevance on the said albums.
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