Band:	Armored Saint
Album:	Revelation
Style:	Heavy metal
Release date:	March 2000

01. Pay Dirt
02. The Pillar
03. After Me, The Flood
04. Tension
05. Creepy Feelings
06. Damaged
07. Den Of Thieves
08. Control Issues
09. No Me Digas
10. Deep Rooted Anger
11. What'S Your Pleasure
12. Upon My Departure

In 2000 John Bush and Joey Vera finally get some free time from their respective bands Anthrax and Fates Warning. Best time to reactivate the old line-up that produced the masterpiece Symbol Of Salvation. And so Revelation was released to the delight of the remaining Armored Saint fans that have still haven't given up on the band.

On the surface, nothing is terribly wrong with the album. The band chose the same approach they did nine years ago, with perhaps a slightly updated production. However, while every rocker on Symbol Of Salvation bristled with energy and sported pummelling riffs whose impact was still felt even after the song was over, the same effect does not appear on Revelation. Generally, the melodies are not nearly catchy and the riffs are not nearly as intense as they used to be. In fact, most of the material sounds like leftovers of the Symbol Of Salvation sessions that have been lying around unused up to that point.

However, this album is not nearly as unlistenable as the last paragraph might suggest. Even if Revelation is a bit underdeveloped and certainly not en par with Symbol Of Salvation, it is a decent listen while it lasts. The Pillar is built around a powerful, muscular riff with some very nice melodic leads. After Me, The Flood would be good if not for the sub par pre chorus. And with Creepy Feelings and Den Of Thieves the band actually managed to produce two songs that compare favourably to their old stuff.

Revelation will probably not win over any new fans and it is not the masterpiece Armored Saint fans have been hoping for, but that misses the point. Armored Saint recorded this album to the benefit of their fans which is something few bands can credit themselves with.