What makes The Walking Dead by Saint Vitus notable?

The Walking Dead is notable for its role in shaping the doom metal genre, helping to define the heavy, sludgy sound that would influence countless bands. The title track received particular acclaim and has been cited as a significant influence on later musicians within the genre. Released in 1985, The Walking Dead was Saint Vitus' second EP, following their debut, Haunting the Chapel. At this point, the band was solidifying their presence in the burgeoning doom metal scene, influencing a generation of heavy music with their distinct sound and lyrical themes.

How many songs are on The Walking Dead?

The Walking Dead has 3 tracks, running approximately 20 minutes.

Released 41 years ago this October

The Walking Dead

Saint Vitus · 1985

20 min · 3 tracks · doom metal

A heavy, brooding exploration of despair, underscored by slow, crushing riffs and haunting vocals.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Darkness — This opening track sets the tone for the EP with its slow tempo and dark lyrics, immediately immersing listeners in the band's signature sound.
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White Stallions — With its compelling narrative and heavy instrumentation, this song showcases the band's ability to blend storytelling with powerful riffs.
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The Walking Dead — The title track serves as a monumental centerpiece, featuring an extended runtime that highlights the band's capability for atmospheric progression and lyrical depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The EP effectively captures the essence of doom metal with its heavy riffs and atmospheric vocals.

What we noticed

The title track features a slow build-up with layered guitar riffs that create a dense atmosphere.
Vocals are delivered in a haunting style, often harmonizing with the instrumental sections to enhance the sense of despair.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Tracklist

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

1 Darkness 3:26
2 White Stallions 5:24
3 The Walking Dead 11:32

What to play next

Listen next

Hallow's Victim

1985

Go back to

Saint Vitus

1984

Full Saint Vitus discography Artists like Saint Vitus

doom metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata