Armored Saint returns to the Steel city this past Wednesday, November 20th, supporting W.A.S.P. On their Album one Alive tour.

Article by: Sean Mickel

Photographs by: Rose Mickel

This powerful tour made its way to the ‘Burgh to be played at Stage AE, an indoor/outdoor music venue nestled right between Acisure Stadium, home of the Steelers, and PNC Park, home to the Pirates. It’s definitely one of our favorite venues as we’ve attended many concerts there, both indoor, and outdoor. Kim and I rolled into town early as we purchased a VIP meet and greet package for Armored Saint, and had to be at the venue by 3pm. We were quickly brought in, and taken right to the band for an amazing, personal meet and greet. Luckily for us, we were the only two with the VIP pass, so everything was chill and relaxed. They signed all of our stuff, and I had a discussion with John about a gig they had in our home town of Altoona in 1986 while Kim and Gonzo were talking cameras and photography.

After a few pics, we thanked all the guys again for their incredible hospitality before we were able to stop at the merch table without another soul in the building, and stock up on some cool new merch designed for this tour. Then we had to leave until doors opened, so we decided to grab a quick bite to eat before going back to relax at the hotel before the show.

Between the time we arrived, and the time we lined up, the temperature had dropped 40 degrees, and it was very brisk in the line. 7pm finally rolls around and the doors open, and I get a good spot on the rail on the left side of the stage.

Next up, the waiting. And we all know the waiting is the hardest part. An hour after doors the first notes of Priest’s Delivering the Goods come through the PA , and it’s about to begin.

The band comes onstage and opens up with their new song End of the Attention Span, a song that has its finger on the pulse of the state of the world, and our obsessions with our phones and technology. The irony of watching people record this song with their phones, watching through their screens, is not lost on me, and the band, I feel quite sure. John had a slight microphone issue for the first few minutes of the song, but after a few mic switches, was good to go and that seemed to be the only snafu of the evening.

After an energetic opener, it’s time to go back to the 1985 Delirious Nomad record for one of my all time favorites, Nervous Man, a song with a great groovy riff in which John gets to really demonstrate his powerful vocals.

Next up is the song Pay Dirt from 2000’s Revelation album , a song that kicks it right out of the gate with Gonzo’s drum intro right into a hard hitting, driving riff that doesn’t let up till the end.

At this point I could see and hear the people that were here for W.A.S.P. definitely gaining a new appreciation for Armored Saint. Making new fans every night, I feel quite sure. Then it’s back to the roots, March of the Saint, the title song from the debut album from 1984 is up next. During the intro John talks about how young they were when they recorded this record, and how he had long, flowing hair, and asked “What happened?” I pointed at my own head and shrugged my shoulders. This song is a crowd favorite for sure as the energy of the crowd picks up with everyone singing the chorus in unison. Jeff Duncan steps up on the drum riser and shreds his way through the blistering solo, and the song ends with one of John’s incredibly powerful screams.

We are about halfway through the set, and the band is definitely feeling the energy of the crowd, and they were in the zone. Then, the first spooky notes of Book of Blood ring out, a deeper cut from 1987’s Raising Fear, and one of my absolute favorite Saint songs. A real surprise that definitely gave me a goose bumps moment!! A song with a real catchy riff, amazing guitar solos, and a cool tempo change, that definitely showcases John’s vocal range.

Standing on the Shoulders of Giants from their newest recording Punching the Sky is up next. Definitely destined to be classic Armored Saint song.

The title track from 2015’s Win Hands Down is on deck. A fast paced, fist punching song that definitely showcases both Phil and Jeff’s outrageously talented guitar skills. Joey was right up in front of me, definitely feeling the vibe of the song, and slapping that bass like it owed him money.

John then heads off stage as the first notes of Can U Deliver commence, the very first Armored Saint song I ever heard, and reappears on the balcony just before the lyrics kick in. It takes the crowd a few moments until they realize what is happening. The spotlight is on him on the balcony as he belts through song among the crowd from early in their career. Can he deliver? You bet your ass he can!!!!

At this point, the crowd is pumped up, and feeling the energy the band has brought onto the stage as John runs back to the stage for one final song, Reign of Fire, the first track off of 1991’s Symbol of Salvation. A crowd pleasing, sing along banger to end the set and get the fans ready for the headliner W.A.S.P..

The band absolutely killed it tonight with an amazing setlist. This was their third visit to Pittsburgh in two years, and they keep switching it up a little for the fans, and it does not go unnoticed.

Kudos to John, Phil, Gonzo, Joey, and Jeff for kicking our ass tonight, and we are already looking forward to the next tour!!! This tour still has a good amount of dates left, so if you were on the fence about going, do it. You won’t regret it.

Rock on!!