Saint Vitus

For many festivalgoers, the last day at MDF likely ended with iconic doom outfit Saint Vitus, as nothing could possibly top them and their incredible performance. The band recently released Lillie: F-65, their first new album since 1995's Die Healing, but more importantly, with the new record comes the return of vocalist Scott "Wino" Weinrich, who is back with Vitus for the first time since 1990. Seeing this lineup (arguably their best) live was surreal and surpassed expectations, as these old hippie dudes definitely still got it. Who needs a Black Sabbath reunion when you have Saint Vitus? The band started their set with "I Bleed Black," which featured their classic sound of guitarist Dave Chandler's powerful, fuzzy riffs and Wino's coarse vocals. "Anybody ever trip on LSD?" asked Wino before the band blazed into "Clear Windowpane" off 1986's Born Too Late, which was followed by "Let Them Fall," one of their groovy, catchier new tracks. By this time, the sun had set and the clouds began to roll in. Cool, light rain began to fall just as Wino wailed, "Black smoke rising," the opening lyrics to "Mystic Lady" from Hallow's Victim. It was perfect timing. Despite organizers' attempts to get Vitus off stage early, the band continued on in the rain with "Dying Inside" and ended their set with a glowing performance of "Born Too Late." It was an epic end to the festival, to say the least.