New ARMORED SAINT - La Raza

The envelope annoys me more than anything. Besides being difficult to get out while driving, it's inevitable that the disc will get scratched.

tohostudios wrote:

I can't believe no one has commented on this stupid packaging.

First off, who ever heard of a digipak slipcase? WTF? Secondly, I absolutely hate that the disc is stored in a cardboard envelope. It's only a matter of time until the disc gets scratched from sliding it in and out.

Seems to be the most common complaint about the new Armored Saint. I guess if the packaging is the worst complaint, the band is doing ok. Actually, the packaging is not cheap. This is actually a pretty elaborate package, complete with what looks like a spot, dry-trap gloss varnish. I actually like the slipcase over the digi. Keeps it together and there are less chances of it getting mangled. I do agree that I'd rather they included a tray than just a pocket to slide the disc into. The tray keeps the disc from getting scratched over time, whereas the sleeve will not.

I picked this one up yesterday at the mall. Been spinning it all morning. Decent, but so far nothing is really standing out grabbing my attention. It's not bad at all, but just might take a little time to sink in.

I could see how the younger generation might say this is more hard rock than heavy metal by today's standards. Doesn't mean I like it any more or less, but it's not "Lamb of God" heavy. It's just a matter of opinion, but when you look at what most people consider heavy metal in 2010, La Raza definatley falls on the lighter side of that.

As for the packaging, I too dislike the folder as opposed to a plastic tray, but I agree with Ult. It's a very nicely done digipack. They didn't cheap out on the production values in that respect.

Quote :

Decent, but so far nothing is really standing out grabbing my attention. It's not bad at all, but just might take a little time to sink in.

That's where I'm at with it too.

Wow! Lots of catchy songs IMO.

I don't hear very much "catchy" yet. It's not bad but it all just kinda goes by and when it's done I don't remember very much.

In fact I tried spinning it again today and gave up after 4 tracks and replaced it with WASP's Babylon.

It does kind of run together but again, I've only listened to it once. The packaging does suck, but I've seen much worse.

I thought the packaging was the best part of the whole thing. I really liked the white with the colored pictures. I don't have to worry about mine getting scratched all that much. It basically went straight into the computer to get burned onto my ipod.

tohostudios wrote:

I don't hear very much "catchy" yet. It's not bad but it all just kinda goes by and when it's done I don't remember very much.

I agree. I've started this album a few times and kept turning it off because it didn't interest me. I've only gotten halfway through and the only song that grabbed me so far is "Chilled".

Packaging is pretty nice for this kind of release although I think the theme is a bit weird. Looks like something you'd see from Fall Out Boy or some lame modern rock band like that.

You guys are nuts! How can you not like a song like "Head On". It's heavy, it has groove, it sounds like classic Armored Saint and it's got hook! "Bandit Country" is another massive song.

I really like Left Hook from Right Field, I think it is a good album, not my favorite but it will get play from me

Maybe i'm just easy but i'm loving this.

2 weeks later and this one still ain't grabbing me. It's a good album while I'm listening to it, but as soon as it's over, I don't remember a thing about it.

It's a little disappointing as I had high expectations for this one.

Listening to it right now and for those that think it's not memorable: Old age does that to ya.

I didn't know it came out already, so when I was on a local store ready to pay some albums, I found this one and left behind the other discs I had.

So far the packaging and music are doing a right job for my expectations. I Armored Saint are one my fave bands, so I can't wait to see this guys any day

TheNazgul wrote:

Maybe i'm just easy but i'm loving this.

+1