Though an underground concern (especially in the ’80s), the impact Saint Vitus had cannot be overstated, most often noted as perhaps the most important doom metal band of all time after Black Sabbath. Originally formed of Mark, Dave Chandler, singer Scott Reagers and drummer Armando Acosta in 1978 as Tyrant (changing to Saint Vitus in 1981, and recruiting Scott 'Wino' Weinrich as singer in 1985), their name has become synonymous for metal that's slow, dirty, soulful, and able to say and convey vast amounts of emotion through a couple of notes and a distorted amp.
Early on, the band fell between scenes somewhat. Metal fans were often perplexed by their tempos and punk edge, not to mention an overall slacker, stoner vibe. Hardcore fans were only slightly better – the band did, at least, have a clutch of fast songs as well – but with the patronage of LA legends Black Flag, with whom they toured as well as covering their classic Thirsty And Miserable and releasing albums on guitarist Greg Ginn's SST label, they carved a line in the U.S. underground. Even when they were difficult to track down, their albums – particularly their self-titled debut, 1986's essential Born Too Late, 1990's V and 1995's Die Healing – became essential documents of a band who could conjure magic out of pure simplicity.