Armored Saint and Metal Church are taking new records on the road together for the Metal Saint Tour. For John Bush, that brings a familiar challenge: making room for fresh material alongside the classics fans expect.
Bush joins Metal Mayhem ROC to explore Emotion Factory Reset, the co-headlining tour, and the choices that shape an Armored Saint setlist.
Emotion Factory Reset: Plenty Inside Shorter Songs
Emotion Factory Reset fits intricate arrangements and instrumental detours into compact songs. What drove the band to pack so much into tracks that get in and get out?
Jon Verno’s observation about a Stone Temple Pilots feel in “Buckeye” opens a more personal conversation. “Hit a Moonshot” brings its outlandish video into focus, while “Compromise” puts Joey Vera’s bass playing and the song’s adventurous middle section under the spotlight.
Metal Church and the Setlist Question
The Metal Saint Tour pairs the bands for a western run in November 2026 and another leg in spring 2027. Bush explores how the partnership developed and what the co-headlining arrangement means for the shows.
But which songs make the cut? The conversation weighs new material against familiar favorites—and asks whether an overlooked older track has an advantage over a new song when some listeners know neither.
Category 7, Anthrax, and Electric Spaghetti
Beyond Armored Saint, Bush addresses Category 7’s next record, more performances celebrating his Anthrax years, and his appearance on Accept’s 50th-anniversary tribute.
Then there’s Electric Spaghetti. Blues, country, and soul point toward a different side of his voice, raising another question: what happens when Bush steps outside the metal setting listeners know best?
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Watch the Full Interview
Play the interview below for Bush’s perspective on the new songs, the upcoming tour, and the projects ahead.
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