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ARMORED SAINT Command San Francisco with a Blistering Set of Classic Metal Glory – Concert Review & Photos

By capitalchaostv on October 7, 2025 • ( 0 )

The grandeur of the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco—a gilded, century-old gem of balconies, mirrors, and timeless charm—set the stage for an unforgettable night of heavy metal heroics. But while the venue shimmered with vintage splendor, its notorious lack of ventilation quickly turned the packed crowd into a sauna of sweat, steam, and pure rock devotion.

Armored Saint stormed the stage first, reminding everyone why they remain one of the most respected and enduring forces in American heavy metal. Kicking things off with a thunderous “March of the Saint,” John Bush immediately asserted dominance—his voice cutting through the heat and haze with commanding grit and conviction. Decades on, Bush’s roar is still a weapon, and the band around him—Joey Vera, Phil Sandoval, Jeff Duncan, and Gonzo Sandoval—matched that fire with precision and passion.

From the anthemic drive of “End of the Attention Span” to the emotional weight of “Last Train Home,” Armored Saint balanced muscle with melody, showing the kind of chemistry only a veteran lineup can muster. Vera’s bass tone anchored every riff, while the twin-guitar assault of Duncan and Sandoval gave each song its edge and swagger. The crowd, packed shoulder to shoulder, erupted for “Can U Deliver” and “Reign of Fire,” both of which hit with the force of a freight train.

There was no sense of nostalgia or going through the motions—this was a band that still means it. Every note carried conviction, every chorus a rallying cry. Armored Saint didn’t just warm up the stage—they scorched it.

When Michael Schenker and his band took over, it felt like a torch being passed between generations of hard rock greatness. Schenker’s UFO-heavy set was a guitar lover’s dream, featuring “Natural Thing,” “Only You Can Rock Me,” and an absolutely transcendent “Love to Love.” His playing was fluid and fiery, his joy obvious, and his band locked in tight behind him.

The Great American Music Hall may have tested everyone’s endurance, but in that golden room, Armored Saint reminded San Francisco why they’re still the real deal—a living, breathing embodiment of pure heavy metal spirit.

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