– April 23rd, 2026 –

Watch ARMORED SAINT’s “Hit A Moonshot” HERE

American heavy metal icons, ARMORED SAINT, are pleased to present their new single, “Hit A Moonshot.” The track comes off the band’s upcoming new full-length, Emotion Factory Reset, set for release on May 22nd through Metal Blade Records.

“Hit A Moonshot” is a band favorite. A “moonshot” is a baseball term referencing a homerun that’s hit at a high angle and distance. An avid sports fan, vocalist John Bush was considering the parallels between sports and entertainment.

“It’s like you knocked something out of the park,” elaborates Bush, “I use a lot of sports analogies because I love sports. Sports IS entertainment…’Hit A Moonshot’ is inspired by the people who keep landing on their feet. Like, no matter what the fuck this person does… Some people just get lucky. This applies to anyone. And landing on your feet is commendable. So, I’m busting balls, but I’m also giving accolades. Sometimes people can do that all the way to their grave. Then there are other people who are so good or talented or creative, and they struggle forever. I don’t think life is balanced all the time, and I don’t think it’s fair.

“It has a ferocious riff, cool tempo changes, scorching leads, huge chorus with lots of backing vocals,” he continues. “We love Queen and The Sweet! It’s a cool breakdown with an epic ending. Once again, it sounds just like ARMORED SAINT.”

Says bassist Joey Vera, “The intro riff is an echo of a memory from age 17 when I was in a garage band in Los Angeles. After I came up with this new version, the familiarity of it revealed itself once I stood back and listened. The riff is very different from the original one but there’s no doubt the feel and vibe has stuck with me ever since then. I added a half-time feel to the chorus to steer the arrangement away from predictability. It feels like Classic SAINT to me.”

“I think the song defines what ARMORED SAINT sounds like now,” adds guitarist Jeff Duncan. “I used my Les Paul and an EVH amp for the rhythm guitars on everything. My solos were done with a couple different guitars; it’s simple, just good guitars plugged into a good amp and let it rip.”

Photo by Travis Shinn

Watch ARMORED SAINT‘s “Hit A Moonshot” video, directed by My Good Eye: Music Visuals, HERE.

Watch the band’s previously released video for “Close To The Bone,” directed by My Good Eye: Music Visuals, HERE.

Emotion Factory Reset, ARMORED SAINT‘s ninth studio album since 1984′s March Of The Saint, is a resurrection of sorts, a tearing down and a rebuilding in eleven songs of diverse musicality and lyrical themes. Produced, as were the previous four albums, by bassist Joey Vera and mixed by Jay Ruston (Anthrax, Stone Sour) the record finds the quintet challenging themselves. Songs like “Close To The Bone,” today’s single, “Hit A Moonshot,” and “Every Man-Any Man” have ARMORED SAINT honoring their past as one of the most respected and recognizable bands in heavy music while making forward-thinking music rooted in the present.

“When we start coming up with songs, I always say we can do whatever we want,” vocalist John Bush says. “Use all our influences through the years, diverse music that we listen to and love, and let that seep in and bring something new out of us. It leads to something more adventurous.”

“Each ARMORED SAINT record, to me, is like a new skin for the band, a different chapter. I don’t think we’ve ever repeated ourselves,” says Vera. “Every album has been pretty different from the previous one, a snapshot in time. In 2026, Emotion Factory Reset is where our heads are at.”

Bush, one of music’s most respected vocalists, operates from a place of passion and presence in the studio and on stage. In fact, about 85% of his vocals from the last three ARMORED SAINT records are taken from the demo sessions, capturing the raw power. While Vera is a granular and detailed writer, like Bush, the bassist says, “I try not to overthink and be right where I’m at that time. I really don’t look over my shoulder much, like, ‘what did I do in the past? What’s going on in the next lane?’ Once the ball starts rolling, I just sit back and let it happen.”

The collaborative nature of Emotion Factory Reset led to the album title, a phrase from Phil Sandoval. “To me, ‘Emotion Factory Reset’ means to reset yourself back to clarity. Take a pause and breathe before you respond or react. You can’t control outside events, but you can control your mind,” the guitarist says. “How you interpret things is what hurts you, not the event itself.“

His brother, drummer Gonzo notes, “the world is going through a technological upswing/awakening. I look at our planet as the factory and in the most positive way we need to realign, reimagine, reset for our better selves.”

ARMORED SAINT‘s Emotion Factory Reset was recorded across several studios including 606 Studios, Secret Hand Studios, Skullseven Studios, Constantine Studios, and Bridge Recording, engineered by Oliver Roman, Bill Metoyer, Joey Vera, and Jason Constantine, and features cover art by DDKing.

The record will be released on CD digipack (w/ 20-page booklet) and digital formats as well as vinyl in the following color variants:

Amber Marble (US)
Orange and Red Marble (US)
Boone’s Overstock Exclusive – Citron Smoke (US)
180g Black (EU)
Beige Gray Marbled (EU)
Clear Black Gold Smoke (EU – Ltd. 500)
Metallic Gold Black Dust (EU – Ltd. 300)
Clear Gold Splatter (EU – Ltd. 200)

Additionally, a special European edition of the CD digipak includes the bonus track “One Chain (Don’t Make No Prison),” only available digitally until now!

A special European edition of the single gatefold LP comes w/ insert and DL card + 7″ vinyl “One Chain (Don’t Make No Prison),” (only available digitally until now!) w/ an etching on the B-side, a poster, and slipmat.

Find all pre-orders at: metalblade.com/armoredsaint

ARMORED SAINT has confirmed performances spread throughout the Spring and Summer months, as well as a special free listening party on May 21st at Cafe Nord in Essen, Germany where fans can meet the band, hear the new album, and get the CD or vinyl signed (with purchase). The event will be followed by an Emotion Factory Reset record release show at Rock Hard Festival on May 22nd! More dates will be announced in the weeks to come. Stay alert.

ARMORED SAINT Live:
5/17/2026 San Luis Metal Fest – San Luis Potosí, MX
5/21/2026 Cafe Nord — Essen, DE * Free Listening Party *
5/22/2026 Rock Hard Festival – Gelsenkirchen, DE * Record Release Show *
6/06/2026 Milwaukee Metalfest @ The Rave/Eagles Club – Milwaukee, WI
7/30/2026 Pumpehuset – Copenhagen, DK w/ Metal Church
7/31/2026 Skogsrojet Festival – Rejmyre, SE
8/01/2026 Pustervik – Gothenburg, SE w/ Testament, Metal Church
8/02/2026 Mejeriet – Lund, SE * w/ Testament, Metal Church
8/05/2026 Brutal Assault – Jaroměř, CZ
8/07/2026 Alcatraz Festival – Dessel, BE
8/08/2026 Poppodium Boerderij – Zoetermeer, NL *ARMORED SAINT headlining show
8/09/2026 Keep It True Legions – Geiselwind, DE
8/11/2026 Progresja – Warsaw, PL w/ Savatage, Nevermore
8/12/2026 Collosseum – Kosice, SK w/ Vio-Lence
8/13/2026 Klub Studio – Krakow, PL w/ Testament, Metal Church
8/29/2026 Stonedead Festival – Newark, UK

ARMORED SAINT:
John Bush – Vocals
Joey Vera – Bass
Jeff Duncan – Guitars
Gonzo Sandoval – Drums
Phil Sandoval – Guitars

https://www.armoredsaint.com
https://www.facebook.com/thearmoredsaint
https://x.com/thearmoredsaint
https://www.instagram.com/thearmoredsaint

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(Vide’s unusual new album Aux enfants des ruines was released by the Antiq label in late February of this year, and it may have flown beneath the radar of many listeners who would appreciate it. But Comrade Aleks has done his best to elevate it through the following interview with its French solo creator.) French […]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WORLDWIDE PANIC FEATURED ON BRAVEWORDS WITH EXPLOSIVE DRUM PLAYTHROUGH FOR “THE GREATEST VILLAIN THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN”
Hard rock heavyweights Worldwide Panic are making serious noise once again, landing a feature on BraveWords with the release of a blistering new drum playthrough video for their track, “The Greatest Villain The World Has Ever Seen.”
Pulling back the curtain on the engine behind their crushing sound, the band delivers a no-holds-barred performance that showcases the precision, speed, and sheer power driving the track. The video throws fans straight into the action, offering a front-row seat to the intricate rhythms, thunderous fills, and razor-sharp transitions that define Worldwide Panic’s sonic assault.
Known for their hard-hitting style and relentless energy, Worldwide Panic continue to prove they are firing on all cylinders. This latest feature highlights not just their intensity, but the technical skill and passion that fuel every note.
The drum playthrough arrives alongside the release of their sophomore album, The Greatest Villain The World Has Ever Seen , a bold and dynamic record that pushes the band’s creative limits further than ever before. Packed with crushing riffs, cinematic depth, and unapologetic attitude, the album explores themes of power, corruption, inner conflict, and the blurred lines between heroes and villains in today’s world.
“This album marks an exciting time in Worldwide Panic history,” says vocalist and bassist Lane Steele. “This is a very eclectic, meaningful record filled with related themes and undeniable hooks. This record takes the band to new heights.”
With The Greatest Villain The World Has Ever Seen , Worldwide Panic aren’t just delivering a collection of songs—they’re crafting a full-scale experience. It’s loud, it’s intense, and it sticks with you long after the final note fades.
Fans can check out the featured drum playthrough now and dive into the full album to experience the chaos, control, and calculated aggression that define Worldwide Panic.
For press inquiries, interviews, or coverage opportunities, please contact:
Metal Devastation PR
zach@metaldevastationradio.com
Check it out here: https://bravewords.com/news/worldwide-panic-unleash-explosive-drum-playthrough-video-for-the-greatest-villain-the-world-has-ever-seen/


  Connect: 
https://linktr.ee/Worldwidepanic
Contact: Worldwidepanicband@gmail.com

The post NEQUIENT: Metal Injection Hosts Exclusive Stream Of Avarice, The Scathing Third LP From Chicago Grindcore/Hardcore Band; Album Out Friday On Nefarious Industries + New Tour Dates Announced appeared first on INFRARED MAGAZINE.

The definitive ranking of Death albums usually starts with the 1995 technical masterpiece Symbolic, widely considered the pinnacle of Chuck Schuldiner’s career. Other essential entries include the genre-birthing Scream Bloody Gore (1987), the progressive leap of Human (1991), and the sophisticated finality of The Sound of Perseverance (1998). In 2026, these records remain the “Holy Grail” for technical death metal fans, as Death is one of the few bands in history to boast a “perfect discography” with no misses over seven studio releases. From the raw, gore-soaked basement tapes of the 80s to the jazzy, philosophical architecture of the late 90s, we’ve ranked the records that built the foundation of extreme music.

TL;DR:

Chuck Schuldiner didn’t just invent death metal; he spent seven albums trying to escape its limitations. From the raw, gore-soaked 80s to the jazzy, philosophical architecture of the late 90s, we’ve ranked the records that built the foundation of extreme music. Find out why ‘Human‘ changed the rules of music and why ‘Symbolic‘ remains the undisputed melodic masterpiece of the genre.

Loaded Radio Recommends: 13 Chuck Schuldiner Facts That Reveal the Man Behind the Growl

Ranking Perfection: A Guide to Chuck Schuldiner’s Unstoppable Evolution

Ranking the seven studio albums from Death is one of the most difficult tasks in all of metal. There are no “bad” albums; there are only classics, game-changers, and masterpieces. Led by the legendary Chuck Schuldiner, the band’s journey is a perfect evolution from raw, genre-defining death metal to sophisticated, progressive art.

This is the story of an artist who refused to stand still, pushing himself and his ever-changing lineup of virtuoso musicians to new heights with every release.

#7. Scream Bloody Gore (1987)

The Verdict: The “Ground Zero” for the entire death metal genre.

The Loaded Radio Take: Landing at #7 is not an insult. Scream Bloody Gore is a masterpiece of raw, primal energy recorded when Chuck was just 19. Handling guitar, bass, and vocals alongside drummer Chris Reifert (Autopsy), Chuck created the blueprint: guttural vocals, blast beats, and horror-flick imagery. Tracks like “Zombie Ritual” are the stuff of legend, but it lands here only because Chuck’s evolution as a songwriter was just beginning.

Key Tracks: “Zombie Ritual,” “Baptized in Blood”

#6. Leprosy (1988)

The Verdict: This is where Death became a “real” band and defined the Florida sound.

The Loaded Radio Take: If the debut was a raw demo, Leprosy was the blockbuster. Featuring guitarist Rick Rozz and the iconic rhythm section of Terry Butler and Bill Andrews, this album established the Morrisound aesthetic. Songs like “Pull the Plug” became anthems that bridged the gap between thrash and death metal. It’s a foundational classic, but it lacks the technical wizardry that Chuck would soon recruit.

Key Tracks: “Pull the Plug,” “Leprosy”

#5. Spiritual Healing (1990)

The Verdict: The bridge between gore and philosophy.

The Loaded Radio Take: This is the most underrated pivot point in metal history. Recruiting seminal shredder James Murphy, Chuck began to shed the B-movie horror skin for social commentary. Tackling topics like drug addiction and religious manipulation, Spiritual Healing introduced a mid-tempo, melodic complexity that would define the band’s second era. It made everything else on this list possible.

Key Tracks: “Spiritual Healing,” “Living Monstrosity”

#4. The Sound of Perseverance (1998)

The Verdict: A polarizing, progressive swan song.

The Loaded Radio Take: Originally intended to be a Control Denied record, Chuck’s final offering under the Death mantle is a work of sheer, demanding genius. With the inhuman Richard Christy on drums and Chuck’s piercing, higher-pitched shriek, tracks like “Flesh and the Power It Holds” border on progressive power metal. The instrumental “Voice of the Soul” remains one of the most beautiful compositions in the history of extreme music.

Key Tracks: “Spirit Crusher,” “Flesh and the Power It Holds,” “Voice of the Soul”

#3. Individual Thought Patterns (1993)

The Verdict: The technical “supergroup” lineup.

The Loaded Radio Take: How do you follow a perfect album? You hire Gene Hoglan (The Atomic Clock) and Andy LaRocque (King Diamond). Individual Thought Patterns is Death’s “jazzy” record, anchored by Steve DiGiorgio’s legendary fretless bass work. It’s a dizzying display of prowess featuring the MTV staple “The Philosopher.”

Key Tracks: “The Philosopher,” “Overactive Imagination,” “Trapped in a Corner”

#2. Human (1991)

The Verdict: The quantum leap that created technical death metal.

The Loaded Radio Take: Human is the sound of a revolution. Chuck wiped the slate clean and recruited Paul Masvidal and Sean Reinert from Cynic, alongside Steve DiGiorgio. This 34-minute assault of mind-bending, jazz-infused extremity changed everything. It influenced everyone from Gojira to Opeth, proving that death metal could be sophisticated and intellectual.

Key Tracks: “Flattening of Emotions,” “Lack of Comprehension,” “See Through Dreams”

#1. Symbolic (1995)

The Verdict: The magnum opus. The perfect synthesis of melody and brutality.

The Loaded Radio Take: Symbolic is flawless. If Human was the technical revolution, Symbolic is the melodic masterpiece. Gene Hoglan returned on drums to provide a “less mechanical” but equally powerful foundation. From the opening title track to the iconic “Crystal Mountain,” every second of this album represents the perfect fusion Chuck spent his career striving for. It is arguably the greatest death metal album ever recorded.

Key Tracks: “Symbolic,” “Crystal Mountain,” “Zero Tolerance”

Check This Out: The 13 Most Legendary Death Metal Bands of All Time

Make sure to tune in to the Loaded Radio 24-hour heavy metal stream and catch the Loaded Radio Podcast every week for unfiltered, high-octane interviews with the biggest names in hard rock and metal.

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They sounded like everybody — and nobody — else. Continue reading…

Duran Duran and Chic legend Nile Rodgers go way, way back together. When they first started, Duran Duran described their own sound as Chic meets the Sex Pistols, and they scored their first #1 hit in the US when Rodgers remixed their 1984 single “The Reflex.” Rodgers and Duran Duran went on to work together…

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Korn has shattered a five-year silence with the surprise release of “Reward The Scars,” a pummeling new track recorded in collaboration with Blizzard Entertainment for the upcoming Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred expansion. Marking their first original material since 2022’s Requiem, the pioneering nu-metal legends have officially returned to the studio with producer Nick Raskulinecz—the man behind their critically acclaimed 2019 effort The Nothing. The track, specifically written to capture the dark, atmospheric dread of the Diablo universe, arrives just as the band prepares to headline the massive Sick New World festival in Las Vegas this weekend.

The partnership is a natural fit for frontman Jonathan Davis, a notorious high-stakes gamer who has spent decades integrating dark, industrial aesthetics into Korn’s sound. With the Lord of Hatred expansion set to drop on April 28, “Reward The Scars” serves as the official sonic gateway to the game’s newest chapter. Fans won’t have to wait long to hear the band’s refreshed energy live, as the group’s return to the stage on April 25 kicks off a relentless 2026 world tour that spans South America, Europe, and the UK.

The Raskulinecz Connection: Korn’s Sonic Return

For “Reward The Scars,” Korn reunited with producer Nick Raskulinecz (Deftones, Evanescence), a move that signals a return to the heavy, layered intensity that defined the band’s late-2010s output. Raskulinecz famously helped steer the band back to their roots on 2016’s The Serenity of Suffering and 2019’s The Nothing, and his influence is palpable on the new track’s gritty, downtuned production.

While the band has spent the last several years focusing on solo projects and legacy tours, “Reward The Scars” marks a pivotal moment of creative growth. Written specifically for the Diablo IV universe, the track leans into the “Lord of Hatred” theme, providing a haunting backdrop for the expansion’s new classes—the Paladin and the Warlock—which are set to debut on April 28.

We Also Recommend – All 14 Korn Albums Ranked Worst to Best (The Definitive Nu-Metal Guide)

Sick New World and the 2026 World Tour

The surprise release comes just days before Korn headlines the Sick New World festival in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 25. The festival appearance serves as the official launch of a massive global itinerary that will see the band touring through South America in May with support from Spiritbox, followed by a sprawling European and UK arena run this fall alongside Architects. Get your tickets here.

Korn 2026 Tour Dates

(Full European schedule includes stops in Stuttgart, Munich, Paris, Berlin, and Milan through November 21.)

Jonathan Davis: The Gaming Frontman

Jonathan Davis’s involvement with Diablo IV is the latest chapter in his long-standing history with gaming culture. While the frontman’s specific fandom for the Diablo series has been a topic of debate among fans, his status as an avid gamer is undisputed. By “rewarding the scars” of the Diablo player base, Korn is bridging the gap between heavy metal and the dark-fantasy gaming community, ensuring their five-year hiatus ends with a definitive, atmospheric bang.

Make sure to tune in to the Loaded Radio 24-hour heavy metal stream and catch the Loaded Radio Podcast every week for unfiltered, high-octane interviews with the biggest names in hard rock and metal.

TL;DR:

Korn has released “Reward The Scars,” their first new song in five years, created for the Diablo IV: Lord of Hatred expansion pack (out April 28). Produced by Nick Raskulinecz, the track debuts just before the band’s headlining set at Sick New World in Las Vegas on April 25, which kicks off a global world tour including South America and Europe.

The post The Wait is Over: Korn Surprise Release “Reward The Scars”—Their First New Song in Five Years! appeared first on Loaded Radio.