Saint Vitus (band)

Saint Vitus
Saint Vitus performing in Memphis, 2012. From left to right: Dave Chandler, Henry Vasquez, Mark Adams, Scott Weinrich.
Saint Vitus performing in Memphis, 2012. From left to right: Dave Chandler, Henry Vasquez, Mark Adams, Scott Weinrich.
Background information
Also known asTyrant (1978–1980)
OriginLos Angeles, California, U.S.
GenresDoom metal
Years active
  • 1978–1991
  • 1992–1996
  • 2003
  • 2008–present
Labels
MembersDave Chandler
Scott Reagers
Henry Vasquez
Pat Bruders
Past membersArmando Acosta
Scott Weinrich
Christian Linderson
Mark Adams
Websitesaintvitusband.com

Saint Vitus is an American doom metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1978.[1] They are considered to be one of the first doom metal bands,[2] and have been labeled as one of the "big four" of that genre, along with Candlemass, Pentagram and Trouble.[3][4][5][6] Having released nine studio albums to date, Saint Vitus never achieved a popular breakthrough, but have exerted great influence on the development of doom metal, sludge metal,[7] and stoner rock.[7]

The original lineup consisted of Dave Chandler (guitar), Mark Adams (bass), Armando Acosta (drums) and Scott Reagers (vocals). They recorded their first two albums before Scott Weinrich replaced Reagers in 1986. The lineup of Chandler, Adams, Acosta and Weinrich is the longest-lasting. The third album Born Too Late (1986) is generally acknowledged as their best release.[8]

After breaking up in 1996 and briefly reforming in 2003, Saint Vitus reunited again in 2008 with the band's "classic" lineup, featuring Weinrich, Chandler, Adams and Acosta, and embarked on a successful tour. However, after 30 years in the band, Acosta left Saint Vitus in 2009 due to worsening health, and was replaced by Henry Vasquez. By 2016, both Weinrich and Adams had left Saint Vitus and were replaced by Reagers and Pat Bruders respectively, leaving Chandler as the only constant member of the band and reuniting half of the original lineup.

  1. ^ "Dave Chandler of Saint Vitus – INTERVIEW" (video). youtube.com. Bay Area Rocks. April 3, 2011.
  2. ^ Doom Metal AllMusic
  3. ^ "Petition For Doom "Big Four" Tour Circulating – in Metal News". Metal Underground.com.
  4. ^ ""The Big 4 of Doom Metal" tour in the works?". IDIOTEQ.com. May 11, 2012. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
  5. ^ "The 10 Best Doom Metal Bands of All-Time". chaospin.com. May 28, 2021. Retrieved June 3, 2021.
  6. ^ "Eric Wagner, Lead Singer Of Doom Metal Legends Trouble, Has Died From Covid-19". Houston Press. August 24, 2021. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  7. ^ a b "The History Of Doom Metal Part One". metalstorm.net. December 21, 2012. Retrieved February 5, 2016.
  8. ^ Eduardo Rivadavia. "Saint Vitus". allmusic.com. Retrieved November 5, 2016.