Everyone thought that Saint Vitus was done for. Original frontman Scott “Wino” Weinrich had left a couple of records before Die Healing, leaving the band in a constant state of flux. By 1995, The major label repackaging of grunge was steamrolling all other "rock" music in the charts and bins, leaving little room for metal of any form in the marketplace. Saint Vitus chose to disband after recording one final album (at the time), which reunited their original lineup of vocalist Scott Reagers, guitarist Dave Chandler, bassist Mark Adams and drummer Armando Acosta. “Dark World” was the best song Saint Vitus had written in years, with Reagers bellowing in an operatic howl over slo-mo power chords and clean drum fills. “One Mind” is an interpolation of “Hand of Doom” by Sabbath with woozy guitar and choppy, phased-out solos. “Sloth” is an appropriately titled dirge, “In The Asylum” is melting, widescreen epic with what can only be described as Zappa-esque vocal delivery. Overall, this record maintains the deliberate pace of their previous efforts, with a few off-kilter excursions.

• first time in print since 2010
• crystal clear vinyl pressing
• gatefold sleeve with silver metallic accents
• limited to 300 copies worldwide
• music label: Season of Mist 2019

reviewed by YUNG STEWART 07/2019