What makes Symbol of Salvation by Armored Saint notable?

Symbol of Salvation is significant for its critical acclaim, often praised in publications like Metal Hammer and Kerrang! for its cohesive songwriting and production quality. The album features the hit single 'Last Train Home,' which helped the band gain wider recognition, peaking at number 15 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. Released in 1991, Symbol of Salvation marked Armored Saint's fourth studio album and came after a five-year hiatus following their previous album, Delirious Nomad. The band was navigating the changing landscape of heavy metal during the early '90s, seeking to solidify their sound while maintaining a loyal fanbase.

Who is Symbol of Salvation for?

Symbol of Salvation works well if you're into dynamic journey with emotional peaks, introspective moments of reflection and powerful riffs for cathartic release.

How many songs are on Symbol of Salvation?

Symbol of Salvation has 13 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.

Symbol of Salvation

Armored Saint · 1991

57 min · 13 tracks · heavy metal

A powerful blend of melodic heavy metal with thought-provoking lyrics and anthemic choruses that resonate with the struggles of life.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Last Train Home — This track serves as the emotional centerpiece of the album, combining poignant lyrical themes with a memorable melodic structure that showcases the band's range.
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Symbol of Salvation — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of resilience and hope, featuring a powerful chorus that has become a fan favorite.
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Dropping Like Flies — With its aggressive riffing and urgent vocals, this song highlights Armored Saint's ability to blend heaviness with melody, making it a standout track.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong melodies and arrangements, with a mix of aggressive and introspective moments.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature driving tempos and aggressive guitar riffs, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more melodic section.
Several songs incorporate dual guitar harmonies, creating a rich texture that complements the lead vocals.
The album's final track features a gradual build-up, culminating in an explosive finish that contrasts with the introspective themes of earlier songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic journey with emotional peaks
introspective moments of reflection
powerful riffs for cathartic release
engaging storytelling throughout tracks

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1991, Symbol of Salvation marked Armored Saint's fourth studio album and came after a five-year hiatus following their previous album, Delirious Nomad. The band was navigating the changing landscape of heavy metal during the early '90s, seeking to solidify their sound while maintaining a loyal fanbase.
Stylistic neighbors: Metallica· Anthrax· Judas Priest