Description

Lost Breed – Save Yourself – Compact Disc

Lost Breed’s Save Yourself, released in 1995 through Hellhound Records, is a defining example of traditional doom metal with a hard-rock edge. Known for its blend of crushing riffs, bluesy undertones, and gritty vocal style, the album captures Lost Breed’s attempt to revive the raw, heavy sounds of the late ’70s and early ’80s. Hailing from Albany, New York, Lost Breed brought together elements of hard rock, proto-doom, and blues-influenced metal, earning a small but devoted following among doom metal enthusiasts.

Recorded at S.P.L. Studio in Van Nuys, California, Save Yourself showcases Lost Breed’s throwback style, heavily inspired by bands like Black Sabbath and Saint Vitus. The album is defined by its down-tuned, sludgy guitar tones and mid-tempo grooves, with occasional upticks that add an element of classic rock energy. Lead guitarist Eric Baestlein’s riff work brings a mix of melodic leads and crushing rhythms, while Pat Lydon’s vocals and rhythm guitar add a gruff intensity, reminiscent of early doom vocalists like Ozzy Osbourne and Scott ‘Wino’ Weinrich.

The album’s production has a raw, unpolished quality that complements its throwback style. The guitar tones are deliberately heavy and slightly ‘rubbery,’ while the rhythm section—driven by Jamie Silver on drums and Vinny Augustine on bass—maintains a steady, powerful foundation. The production choices, while appealing to fans of vintage-sounding metal, were seen by some critics as overly retro, contributing to the album’s somewhat underground status.

Track Highlights

‘Circles’ – Opening with a brooding riff, “Circles” sets the tone for the album with its relentless pace and heavy, blues-inflected rhythm. The song’s structure leans on traditional verse-chorus sequences, allowing Baestlein’s soloing to take center stage.

‘B.A.C. (What You Fear)’ – With a more up-tempo approach, this track showcases Lost Breed’s hard rock influences. Its driving rhythm and infectious hook make it one of the more accessible songs on the album.

‘Dragon of Chaos’ – One of the darker tracks, “Dragon of Chaos” dives into doom-laden, Sabbath-like territory. Slow and foreboding, the song is marked by Lydon’s haunting vocal delivery and a thunderous, repetitive riff.

‘Tonga Slut’ – This track brings a raw, punkish energy to the mix, with a faster tempo and raw, gritty riffs. Its title and irreverent style highlight the band’s inclination to inject humor and attitude into the doom genre.

‘Up the Hill’ – The album’s closing track is one of its longest and most atmospheric. Building tension with a hypnotic, slow riff, the song encapsulates the weighty, reflective side of the album, delivering a memorable finish.

Save Yourself explores themes of inner struggle, rebellion, and self-reliance, often delivered through gritty, blues-inspired storytelling. The band’s influences are drawn from classic rock and doom metal forefathers, combining heavy, riff-centric songwriting with introspective, sometimes dark lyrics that echo the doom genre’s tendency toward existential reflection.

Lost Breed’s blend of doom and blues-rock feels like a nod to bands such as Blue Cheer and Deep Purple, and their influence is apparent in the song structures and extended instrumental sections that allow each member to showcase their musicianship.

Though Save Yourself received modest attention upon its release, it has since gained a reputation as a hidden gem within traditional doom metal circles. The timing of the album’s release in the mid-90s—a period when doom metal was overshadowed by the grunge and alternative rock explosion—likely contributed to its initial under appreciation. However, in the years following, fans of vintage doom and heavy metal have come to appreciate Lost Breed’s unique blend of genres and dedication to the old-school sound.

Critics note that while Save Yourself may not bring many surprises to seasoned doom listeners, it succeeds in delivering solid, no-frills metal that appeals to fans of Black Sabbath, Trouble, and other early doom bands. The album has been described as “solid, fun old-school doom” that manages to avoid falling into repetitive doom tropes by integrating elements of hard rock and blues​

Save Yourself remains an album for those who appreciate doom metal’s roots in hard rock and blues. Its gritty production, steady tempo, and traditionalist approach have given it a cult status among fans who seek out lesser-known entries in the genre. Reissued by Shadow Kingdom Records in 2013, Save Yourself continues to attract new listeners and preserve Lost Breed’s place in the underground metal pantheon.

Brand new, never played ans still in the factory plastic

Hellhound Records 1995

Song List
1. Circles
2. B.A.C (What You Fear)
3. The Gears
4. Going Strong
5. 472 c.i. of Death
6. Lease on Life
7. Chop
8. Dragon on Chaos
9. You Don’t Need to Live
10. Tonga Slut
11. Simulator
12. Up the Hill