Live cover

Live

Saint Vitus · 1990

66 min · 11 tracks · doom metal

Raw and heavy, this live album captures the thunderous energy of doom metal in its most visceral form.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Born Too Late — The track epitomizes the band's signature style with its heavy riffs and introspective lyrics about feeling out of place in society.
  • →
    Dying Inside — This lengthy track showcases the band's ability to craft an epic atmosphere, blending despair with powerful instrumentation that resonates deeply with fans.
  • →
    Clear Windowpane — The song's intricate guitar work and haunting themes highlight Saint Vitus's skill at creating a somber yet captivating soundscape.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

52 /100
Foothills
Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

This live album captures the raw energy of Saint Vitus's performances, with strong instrumentation but less focus on lyrical clarity.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended instrumental sections, allowing the guitar solos to dominate and create a heavy atmosphere.
  • Vocals are often buried in the mix, emphasizing the raw power of the instrumentation over lyrical clarity.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • gradual build to powerful climax
  • thunderous intensity for live energy
  • emotional weight in extended tracks
  • immersive experience with raw authenticity

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek upbeat, fast-paced sessions

Where this album fits

Career context
By 1990, Saint Vitus had established themselves as a significant force in the doom metal genre with their third studio album, 'V.' 'Live' was recorded during a time when the band was solidifying their reputation for powerful performances, showcasing their ability to draw fervent crowds and embody the spirit of heavy metal.
Stylistic neighbors
Candlemass· Electric Wizard· My Dying Bride

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Living Backwards 2:31
  • 2 Born Too Late 7:12
  • 3 The War Starter 7:29
  • 4 Mind-Food 3:23
  • 5 Looking Glass 5:12
  • 6 White Stallions 5:52
  • 7 Look Behind You 4:16
  • 8 Dying Inside 9:00
  • 9 War Is Our Destiny 4:26
  • 10 Mystic Lady 8:52
  • 11 Clear Windowpane 8:32

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata