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For a time period, probably between four and six years ago, Saint Vitus was one of the coolest bands in metal. Labels started repressing the group’s long out-of-print discography, and the band’s name became a watchword in press releases. The band reformed with their second, and most famous vocalist, Scott “Wino” Weinrich, who enjoyed a little popularity boost from his work in Probot as well as some well-received solo albums. The St. Vitus revival culminated in the band releasing a new album in 2012 after a 17-year hiatus.

One person who hasn’t benefited so much from the reappraisal of St. Vitus is singer Chritus (once Christian) Linderson, who sang with Vitus in 1992. Perhaps 2016 will be the year that Linderson gets his due as the singer of Goatess, whose upcoming sophomore LP, Goatess II: Purgatory Under New Management is the best doom album I’ve heard all year. Linderson and Co. aim for the more bluesy side of the doom spectrum, but unlike so many of their peers they never let their songs meander into the doldrums. Considering how long each individual riff takes, these are quite concise and direct tracks, even at six or eight minutes in length. Linderson in particular stands out. His delivery on songs like "Silent War” and closer “Good Moaning” serve as reminders that doom has its roots in American soul music. He’s not the only singer to be thinking this way right now--notably Dorthia Cottrell mines similar veins, but Linderson sings more immediate choruses and his bandmates don’t overburden their craft with reverb and other effects. Stream the title track below and prepare yourself for some pleasant workplace restructuring.

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Goatess II: Purgatory Under New Management comes out on April 15 via Svart Records. Follow Goatess on Facebook.

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