PHIL SANDOVAL: ARMORED SAINT Briefly Considered Replacing JOHN BUSH After He Left To Join ANTHRAX

ARMORED SAINT briefly considered recruiting a replacement for John Bush after the singer left the band to join ANTHRAX in 1992, but the idea was ultimately abandoned because of the deep bond between the ARMORED SAINT bandmembers.

In a new interview with Eonmusic's Eamon O'Neill, ARMORED SAINT guitarist Phil Sandoval opened up about the difficult period, describing Bush's departure as a devastating blow while explaining why the band ultimately chose not to move forward with another vocalist.

Asked whether ARMORED SAINT had considered finding a new singer following Bush's exit, Sandoval confirmed that the possibility had been discussed, but that the idea quickly faded.

"Yeah, I think there was [thought of that], but ultimately it was like a thought, and then it just left because John just is such an integral part of our team," he explained.

"We love Johnny. We all love each other, and it's a cool thing. ARMORED SAINT is like a brotherhood, a family."

Bush's departure came at a pivotal moment for the Los Angeles metal band. Following the release of their acclaimed 1991 album "Symbol Of Salvation", ARMORED SAINT appeared to be building momentum, having overcome the devastating loss of guitarist Dave Prichard, who died in 1990 from leukemia.

Sandoval reflected on the significance of that period, highlighting Prichard's lasting influence on the group and the sense of optimism surrounding the album before Bush's decision to join ANTHRAX changed everything.

"We thought things were going to be going good," he recalled, before describing Bush's move as "the big atom bomb".

Although the singer's departure hurt the band, Sandoval acknowledged that Bush was pursuing his own path. His move to ANTHRAX saw him become the voice of the New York thrash metal group for more than a decade, while ARMORED SAINT's future became uncertain.

ARMORED SAINT subsequently disbanded, although the group reunited the surviving members of the "Symbol Of Salvation" lineup long enough to record the 2000 album "Revelation". Their 2010 LP "La Raza" proved an important step towards the stable, creative force they have since become.

For Sandoval, the fact that ARMORED SAINT are still active decades later is something to celebrate. With Bush back at the microphone, the band have continued releasing new music, including their 2026 album "Emotion Factory Reset". He also stressed the importance of the fans who remained loyal throughout the group's unpredictable history, while acknowledging that attracting new listeners remains a priority.

Elsewhere in the interview, Sandoval reflected on ARMORED SAINT's early days alongside METALLICA, SLAYER and MÖTLEY CRÜE in Los Angeles, recalling a time when the city's metal scene was flourishing and the genre was still largely underground. The guitarist also discussed touring with METALLICA during the "Ride The Lightning" era, witnessing the emergence of the mosh pit, and the band's hopes for further touring in Europe.

Looking back, Sandoval's comments underline just how central Bush has remained to ARMORED SAINT's identity. Rather than simply finding another voice and carrying on, the band's close personal relationships ultimately helped shape their decision to step away rather than replace him.

More than three decades after Bush's departure for ANTHRAX, that decision has come full circle: he is once again leading ARMORED SAINT, a band Sandoval continues to describe as a family.

Read the full interview at Eonmusic.

Photo by Travis Shinn