Pasadena's late 70s Heavy Metal band RHAPSODY was a formative staging post for ARMORED SAINT, an act that made a sizable impression on the US Metal market courtesy of a series of hard hitting albums for Chrysalis and Metal Blade Records, and ultimately gave vocalist John Bush to ANTHRAX. Famously, the singer had also been under consideration for the lead vocal position with METALLICA but had turned the offer down.

Bass player JOEY VERA, then a guitarist, and vocalist John Bush first got together in their El Sereno school band RHAPSODY. A covers act including songs by the likes of FOREIGNER and DEEP PURPLE in their act, RHAPSODY also included guitarist David Avila, bassist Channing, keyboard player Mark Patton and drummer Martin Zuniga.

Vera and Bush stuck together to create their next school band ROYAL DECREE in an alliance with drummer Gonzo and guitarist Phil E. Sandoval. Vera was now on bass after Bush initially made an attempt but got bored with the instrument. Upon ROYAL DECREE's demise Bush and Vera hooked up with SAPPHIRE, but shortly after Bush was ousted by vocalist Brad Parker. The band underwent numerous line-up changes but toward the end of the band's career Vera found himself playing alongside Tommy Lee.

Vera joined ex-DOKKEN guitarist Greg Leon in his GREG LEON INVASION following Lee's departure to MÖTLEY CRÜE. During this time Gonzo, Sandoval and Vera were jamming in a garage, latter day MX MACHINE and MOTOFURY man Diego Negrate having a brief stint on bass. This unnamed unit pulled John Bush in on vocals although were quite happy to inform the front man the only reason he got to join was because he owned an impressive PA system. This line-up began to formulate early ARMORED SAINT material as well as covering IRON MAIDEN tunes. One song that didn't make it to any official release was subtly titled 'You Suck My Anal Dry'.

Vera continued his bass duties with the GREG LEON INVASION whilst the mysterious Mike took his role in the garage band. In April of 1982 Vera officially joined the newly titled ARMORED SAINT. As legend has it, ARMORED SAINT's demo tape was paid for from compensation arising from injuries sustained by Joey Vera in an automobile accident whilst a passenger in a car driven by Tommy Lee.

ARMORED SAINT's first commercial recorded appearance came with a contribution to Metal Blade's 'Metal Massacre II' album. The group offered 'Lesson Well Learned'. Naturally, Metal Blade then stepped in with a deal for an EP, resulting in the 3 track 12" single issued the following year.