It's not to often that 16 years after the release of the original album anticipation is as high, if not even more so, than it was all those years ago. Live albums are notorious for self indulgence, bad production and are seen as a means of cashing in on fans loyalty; not here however. Not that cashing in or selling out was ever a consideration for Saint Vitus. "Live", the long since deleted live album by possibly Doom's greatest exponents finally again sees the light of day and thanks mainly to Southern Lords Greg Anderson, a new generation can enjoy this long lost gem.

"Live" features the essential Vitus line-up of Wino, Chandler, Acosta and Adams, performing some of the groups most classic tunes; "Living Backwards", "White Stallions", "Born to Late", "Clear Windowpane" amongst others. Recorded during the bands second European tour, it really is hard to believe that this album is celebrating it's 16th Birthday. It seems only 5 minutes ago that those fans not lucky / privileged to be able to witness these Doom behemoths first hand drooled over every riff and drum fill on this record.

It is near on impossible to describe the impact Saint Vitus had, and continue to have on modern Doom music. This album is as vital today as it was 16 years ago. The 2005 version however has a significant advantage over it's 1989 counter part and that is the 32 page booklet and liner notes courtesy of Dave Chandler himself. The whole package has been lovely pieced together by Stephan O'Malley to give us this super deluxe re-designed slab of 100% proof Doom. Production is remarkably clear and crisp when you consider the whole record was recorded in one night, in one take. We are reliably informed that if it were not for a series of fuck ups on a number of songs, "Live" could have included a few more gems from the achieve. Let us not dwell however on the thought of what might have been, but live in the now and enjoy this album for what it is. Like Southern Lords previous Saint Vitus re-release "V", this is an absolute must have for all fans of true Doom metal.