Armored Saint Symbol Of Salvation LP Brazil Saxon Dio Omen Riot Heavy Metal Oz

$

65

ARTIST: Armored Saint  
TITLE: Symbol Of Salvation

LABEL: Metal Blade Records, Warner Brothers 
RECORD GRADING: VG or VG+ SLEEVE GRADING: VG (very small writing on cover)


NOTES: Brazilian pressing from 1991. Official. RARE Includes printed inner. See pics.  ____
All records ship both domestically (USPS Media Mail) and Internationally (USPS), and will be packed/protected like a pro with experience. 

Of course. Here is an overview of Armored Saint and their seminal album, *Symbol of Salvation*, followed by a list of similar artists.
### Armored Saint & *Symbol of Salvation* Overview
Armored Saint formed in Los Angeles in 1982, emerging from the same fertile Sunset Strip scene that spawned glam metal acts, but they carved a path entirely their own. With a name inspired by the animated film *Excalibur* and a sound rooted in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, the Saint stood out with a tougher, more traditional metal approach. They were built on the twin-guitar attack of Phil Sandoval and Dave Prichard, the powerful and melodically robust vocals of John Bush, and a rhythm section that prioritized gritty groove over blinding speed. Despite critical acclaim for early releases like *March of the Saint* (1984) and *Raising Fear* (1987), the band struggled with label issues and never achieved the commercial breakthrough of their peers, yet they cultivated a dedicated following and a reputation as a musician's band, revered for their integrity and pure heavy metal spirit.
The creation of *Symbol of Salvation* in 1991 is a story of profound triumph over tragedy. During the album's pre-production, the band's visionary guitarist and primary songwriter, Dave Prichard, was diagnosed with leukemia and passed away in 1990. Rather than disband, Armored Saint channeled their grief and determination into finishing the album, using the riffs and ideas Prichard had left behind as their foundation. They enlisted guitarist Jeff Duncan to complete the lineup and, with legendary producer Dave Jerden, crafted what would become their defining masterpiece. The album was released at the height of the grunge explosion, a testament to the band's unwavering commitment to their craft in the face of shifting musical tides and personal heartbreak.
*Symbol of Salvation* is a flawless fusion of American muscle and British melodic sensibilities. The songwriting is exceptionally diverse, ranging from the relentless, thrash-tinged opener "Reign of Fire" to the epic, melancholic "Last Train Home" and the swaggering, groove-laden "Hanging Judge." John Bush delivers a career-best performance, his voice a unique blend of gritty power and soulful clarity, conveying defiance, sorrow, and resilience. The guitar work is intricate and powerful, a fitting tribute to Prichard's legacy, weaving twin harmonies and fiery solos into a dense, textured wall of sound. Lyrically, the album grapples with themes of loss, perseverance, and existential questioning, giving it an emotional weight rarely achieved in the genre.
The legacy of *Symbol of Salvation* has only grown with time. It is widely regarded not only as Armored Saint's magnum opus but also as one of the greatest American heavy metal albums ever recorded. It showcased a band operating at their absolute creative peak, transforming personal catastrophe into a timeless work of art. For fans, it represents the pinnacle of the band's journey, a perfect "what if" story that ended with a definitive answer. While Armored Saint would go on hiatus as Bush fronted Anthrax for a decade, they eventually reunited and continue to create strong music, but they have always been, and will always be, defined by the powerful, enduring *Symbol of Salvation*.
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### 50 Artists Similar to Armored Saint
1.  Anthrax (John Bush era) 2.  Metal Church 3.  Savatage 4.  Liege Lord 5.  Omen 6.  Iced Earth 7.  Judas Priest 8.  Saxon 9.  Dio 10. Virgin Steele 11. Fates Warning (John Arch era) 12. Warlord 13. Crimson Glory 14. Riot 15. Vicious Rumors 16. Jag Panzer 17. Helstar 18. Accept 19. Grave Digger 20. Flotsam and Jetsam 21. Sanctuary 22. Nevermore 23. Testament 24. Overkill 25. Exodus 26. Forbidden 27. Artillery 28. Annihilator 29. Helloween 30. Gamma Ray 31. Blind Guardian 32. Primal Fear 33. Halford 34. Dio-era Black Sabbath 35. Queensr che 36. Metalium 37. Stormwitch 38. Grim Reaper 39. Cloven Hoof 40. Tokyo Blade 41. Oliver Magnum 42. Leatherwolf 43. Heretic 44. Apocrypha 45. Shok Paris 46. Fifth Angel 47. Heir Apparent 48. Lȧȧz Rockit 49. Xentrix 50. Evile