Leaders and stalwarts of the American heavy metal scene since the early '80s, Armored Saint's eighth full-length Punching The Sky sees them returning with authority. A diverse, attitude-drenched collection, it's everything the band's faithful have come to expect from them while pushing their signature sound forward. Exploding to life with the crunchy, rousing "Standing On The Shoulders Of Giants" and not letting up until the closing ruthless riff of "Never You Fret," the record is possessed of an urgency and vigor which very much places it in the right now, but could only be the work of bassist Joey Vera, guitarists Phil Sandoval and Jeff Duncan, drummer Gonzo Sandoval and vocalist John Bush. Punching The Sky was produced by Vera and mixed by Jay Ruston (Amon Amarth, Anthrax, Coheed and Cambria, Avatar). Guitars were recorded by the legendary Bill Metoyer (Slayer, Body Count, Corrosion of Conformity). Guests performances come courtesy of Dizzy Reed, Patrick D'Arcy and Jacob Ayala.