Armored Saint frontman John Bush recently discussed the band’s upcoming album in an interview shared on 101 WRIF. He revealed that the record is finished and mastered. Bush explained the creative decisions behind the album’s final track count and format.
Bush addressed the band’s songwriting approach and the label’s feedback on track length. The band initially struggled with Armored Saint’s tendency to write longer songs. After receiving guidance from Metal Blade Records, they adjusted their approach accordingly.
“It is done. It’s mastered and completed,” Bush said. “There’s like 11 tunes on it, which was something we were struggling with because sometimes Armored Saint has a tendency to write songs a little too long. Our label was saying, like, come on, man, shorter tunes, shorter tunes. We’re like, okay, okay, we’re going to focus on shorter songs and just come in with a slug in the face and make it brief. Which we did, actually.”
Bush emphasized that the band prioritized including enough material for their fanbase. Considerations about vinyl packaging initially suggested a smaller track count. However, the band ultimately decided against limiting the release.
“We haven’t put out a record in six years. We cannot put out nine songs. Our fans will kill us if we do that. We need to have all the songs that we wrote that we finished. We ended up doing that. So it’s going to be at least 11 tunes,” Bush explained.
The album features new artwork. It was originally scheduled for release around April 8th or 9th, though Bush indicated that timeline may still be subject to change. This marks a significant moment for the legendary metal band as they prepare to deliver their ninth studio album to eager fans.
Blabbermouth reported that the new Armored Saint album is scheduled for release in April 2026 via Metal Blade Records. This represents the band’s long-awaited return to the studio. Wikipedia notes that Armored Saint announced plans in April 2025 to enter the studio in May to begin recording their ninth album for a spring 2026 release.
The band has been working diligently to meet this timeline. BraveWords revealed in September 2025 that the album had entered the mixing phase. The plan still stands for an early spring 2026 release, confirming that the project is moving forward as scheduled.
While Bush mentioned an April 8th or 9th date in his recent interview, the official release window remains April 2026. The band has also been active on the festival circuit. Their official website lists upcoming performances at major metal festivals including Bangers Open Air and Sonic Temple Festival in May 2026. This suggests the album will be available by that time.
No official announcement has been made regarding the specific track listing and album title. Details such as the complete artwork, song titles, and full track listing are expected to be revealed in the coming months as the April 2026 release date approaches. This will build anticipation among the band’s dedicated fanbase.
