Armored Saint was formed in 1982 by brothers Phil Sandoval (guitar) and Gonzo Sandoval (drums) with guitarist David Prichard, while attending South Pasadena High School. Next to join were singer John Bush - also a South Pasadena High School Alumnus - and bassist Joey Vera. Gonzo Sandoval came up with the name after getting stoned with the other band members and seeing the film Excalibur[citation needed] at a theater in Monterey Park. Armored Saint recorded a five song demo that landed the song "Lesson Well Learned" on the compilation album Metal Massacre II. Three of these demo songs were then used for the band's self-titled EP on Metal Blade Records in 1983. The group then signed with Chrysalis Records in 1984.
Armored Saint released their debut album March of the Saint in 1984 followed by 1985's Delirious Nomad. The debut album yielded a minor MTV hit with "Can U Deliver?". After the release of Delirious Nomad, guitarist Phil Sandoval left the group. Their third album, Raising Fear, was recorded by the remaining four members. Unhappy with their lack of success on the Chrysalis label, Armored Saint returned to Metal Blade in 1989. Soon after the release of their first live album Saints Will Conquer the band added Jeff Duncan formerly of the L.A. club band Odin as second guitarist who is still in the band to this day.
John Bush - Vocals (1982 - Present)
Gonzo Sandoval - Drums, Percussion, Backing Vocals (1982 - Present)
Phil Sandoval - Guitar (1982 - 1985, 1990 - Present)
Joey Vera - Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals (1982 - Present)
Jeff Duncan - Guitar, Backing Vocals (1989 - Present)