Review by JD on October 16, 2012.

Los Angeles based Saint Vitus are one of the forefathers of Doom Metal (after Black Sabbath of course) and have been a inspiration to hundreds of bands over its thirty two years kicking our asses. After almost seventeen years since their last album, this larger than life metallic icon band has released its latest opus to a hungry and waiting multitudes of metalheads.

Originally formed in 1978 under the name Tyrant (not to be confused with the other four bands with the same moniker) banner, they changed their name over to Saint Vitus and a bonafide legend was born. With their first two classic albums that defined the whole Doom Metal sound and powerful live shows that set the standards for what would end up being this new genre. Years later after much strife and turmoil along with the passing of long term drummer Armando Acosta... it is clear that St. Vitus still kick ass!

From start to finish, "Lillie: F-65" is a pure Doom Metal classic, fitting for any metallists collection. From the pulsating slow motion assault of 'Let Them Fall' that seems to creep into your mind - to the album ending and mind numbing instrumental piece aptly called 'Withdrawa'l... Saint Vitus has re-shown the blueprint they have made which every last Doom band has followed at one point or another. As a concept album, it is amazing, but for a Doom album, amazing is not a strong enough of a word to explain it right.

You cannot dismiss what these metal veterans contributions to the world of metal over the years or not being aware of what may still be coming down the pipe from a band that seems to be as relevant as ever. They are a band that still can teach us a thing or two, and damn it, we need to fuckin’ listen for a change. They are Saint Vitus... know them!!

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9.5
Production: 9.5
Originality:10
Overall: 9.5

Rating: 9.6 out of 10

Review by JD on November 30, 2010.

What do you get when you mix stuff like Grindcore, Metalcore, Punk, Death and raging Tech Metal then lace them together with some smatterings of Jazz?. You would probably give life to Germany based War From A Harlot’s Mouth. Truly this is a potpourri of sonic insanity on level ten.

I have heard aggressive music, and I have heard near psychotic sounding extreme metal too but not many bands can match War From A Harlot’s Mouth dynamic and downright chaotic sounds. The band take every part of their influences and then combine them all into a framework that on the surface is on the verge of exploding like a huge Super Nova out in the blackness of space or a vial of nitroglycerin thrown against a wall.

Sounding like Death Metal and Hardcore gone beyond nuclear detonation WFAHM are completely overwhelming to anyone listening to their album. The album sounds so amazing at first as it blazes through your mind and pummels your senses, but after awhile, you find your attention wander off and all of that power becomes moot. With a lack of musical variety in the music, it comes quickly clear that there is not enough meat on the metal bone to keep anyone listening for too long.

Trying to go the an ultimate level of extreme has a price, especially when it is done too much. Musically, WFAHM are a one trick pony. All blast and no substance to back it all up and that is all they have to offer. If they can add in other things, and learn to use more melodies and know how to fashion their music into a better framework they could be taking over. Just like with the sound of a jet engine revving you can tolerate it for only so long. The band tried, and falls flat.

I’d rather listen to sixty minutes of white noise (or bad rap) than deal with this style of metal.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 5.5 (nice, but goes nowhere)
Production: 6 (too much)
Originality: 7
Overall: 6.5

Rating: 6.6 out of 10