What is the definition of a real band? How about brothers from beginning to eternity? If you ask me, it's Armored Saint. I maintain to this day that they are the only true original LA metal band from that fantastic period where metal exploded all over the world. They were truly born, bred, and raised together right here in El Lay. No other band has the true roots and rights to make this claim. Hell, they met each other when they were eight years old and stuck it out! Through heaven and hell they are still creating incredible music! The true believers, and I consider myself among the many, know that this has always been an incredible live band and that Symbol of Salvation (1991) is among the greatest metal records ever made. Armored Saint has endured now for twenty years (1981-2001) and Nod to the Old School is ample evidence why I pray this band will make many more albums.


The band has tastefully revealed all that they are with new original studio compositions, re-mixes, live recordings, covers, and even demos. But these are no real demos, these are keepers. The original four track-demos that Dave Prichard brilliantly recorded are priceless and have helped keep this important band alive far past his days. They are revealed here untouched. I asked producer/bassist Joey Vera about those famous demos (they made many metal critics year-end top ten album lists without being albums) and why they sounded so well recorded. "We never thought of them as demos when we made them," he said," we thought of them as an album we were making for ourselves." I remember being at that crossroads in Armored Saint's career. I heard all the naysayers, I heard the praise, I sensed the confusion, I saw the logistics and I am amazed at what Armored Saint have accomplished in the on and off time they have been allowed to be a rock and roll band. I think all great bands have their own soul, a flame that won't die, a big fire inside that is their own. In a perfect world they should play and play until they had nothing left to say.


I called over to the studio when the band was working on the final mixes of this album. I spoke to each of the members of a band I dearly love and I sensed a solid maturity, a feeling of serenity in a band that has lost many battles but could very well win the war. After all they are the only who took the world on as Armored Saint! Interestingly everybody had a different take on this album. Joey called it a chance to put everything Armored Saint has done, the blistering live shows and the seminal albums in the proper light. "In the beginning we wanted to destroy everything in our path," Joey said, "now we have a greater sense of perspective." John Bush called the album "gravy". "If you have been an artist all your life and have had to struggle like we have to make a living, to make an album like this where you can do anything you want is a blessing." Phil was thankful and respectful. I asked him what was his first lasting impression of Saint's great red force, Dave Prichard. "He played so loud!" He answered quickly, "Maybe he wanted to be heard for eternity!" Phil continued, "I am really grateful that I can play in this band and contribute. I want to get better as a guitar player and I have to say there is no way this record would have been made without Joey's strength." The first thing Jeff said when I spoke into the phone was, "It's good to hear your voice!" He too was happy to be in a band that has given him the freedom to pursue the heavier side of sonic life. However only someone who is truly named Gonzo (Gonzalo) could have expressed what Armored Saint is all about when in perfect metal 'dudespeak' he said, "There are no dreams if you bail!" I rest their case. I sign off in sincere life-long appreciation for this great band, Armored Saint. Now, turn the CD up louder!

Source: Label Officiel: http://www.metalblade.com