Sometimes, everything just falls into place so perfectly you cannot explain it. Coming out of one of the worst tragedies in music, the passing of main songwriter and lead guitar player Dave Prichard, Armored Saint regrouped, collected the best songs written before, and a couple after, his passing and put together what has proven to be perhaps the greatest heavy metal/hard rock album ever recorded. Every track is instantly memorable and an important piece of the overall picture. The production is pristine, although slightly missing some bottom, and the performance executed with precision. The vocals are aggressive enough, yet retain that melodic-aire that makes this release immensely addictive. The cover is a tad underwhelming, but does not take anything away from the music contained within. Surely, without a doubt, a stone-cold-classic in every respect and a fitting dedication to the man who wrote all but 3 songs on this near-perfect record.
01 Reign Of Fire 02 Dropping Like Flies 03 Last Train Home 04 Tribal Dance 05 The Truth Always Hurts 06 Half Drawn Bridge 07 Another Day 08 Symbol Of Salvation 09 Hanging Judge 10 Warzone 11 Burning Question 12 Tainted Past