Veteran metallers Armored Saint never seem to miss a beat. Five years after the sturdy Win Hands Down, new salvo Punching The Sky doesn’t whiff as the long-running lineup of John Bush, Gonzo Sandoval, Phil Sandoval, Jeff Duncan, and Joey Vera have again high-quality heavy metal. No weak jabs to found here as the Saint lands their punches with great ferocity. The guitar tandem of Sandoval and Duncan stands out with phenomenal riff work and Bush as usual kills it vocally, proving once again he is one of the best singers in metal. Punching The Sky is a pure knockout and sees the Saint standing tall once again with their fist raised in the air. 

Scribe Rich Catino praised the album in his review: And talk about settling into a groove, damn, if "End Of the Attention Span" instantly doesn't grab you to bang your head and sing, well then maybe you are losing your metal ear. Lots of great solo work too in this one. Drums begin "Bubble", the music more of a modern rock radio interplay between the rhythmic riffs, bass, and drum patterns. Again, more well phrased lead work. Vera takes the helm for the moody "My Jurisdiction", while drums build up the punch (of the sky) for "Do Wrong To None", and wow how this one settles in the catchy, riffy, crunchy rhythm. Really enjoy how this flows between variety in the tempo, riffs, and delivery. "Missile To Gun", "Never You Fret" are the only two that have that direct old school ‘80s Saint feel. "Bark, No Bite" creates a counter balance with the melodic verses and angrier chorus. Bush singing really smooth and clean, grit-less for "Unfair", his moment in the spotlight.   

BravePicks 2020 Top 30