Rapid Fire Reviews: The Obsessed

The Obsessed has pretty much grown to legendary status at this point. Led by frontman Scott "Wino" Weinrich, the trio has now expanded into a quartet. Active since 1976, but undergoing many lineup changes, splits, reunions, delayed record releases—having their first album recorded in 1985 to only see the light of day in 1990—The Obsessed is literally obsessed with leaving an indelible mark on the doom metal landscape. The current lineup features Wino on vocals/lead guitar, Brian Costantino on drums with newcomers Chris Angleberger on bass, and Jason Taylor on rhythm guitar. Gilded Sorrow, the band’s fifth LP, will be unleashed on February 16^th via Ripple Music. Wino already has one solo album with Ripple, the excellent 2020 release Forever Gone as a chapter of Blood and Strings: The Ripple Acoustic Series.

Gilded Sorrow has been seven years in the making, a follow-up to 2017’s Sacred on Relapse Records. In my opinion, Sorrow is a stronger album than its predecessor in almost every aspect. Wino feels rejuvenated here, more so than on Sacred, which in and of itself was a comeback album for the band at the time—twenty-four years had elapsed since their previous album. Right off the bat, “Daughter of an Echo” makes a strong statement, opening the LP with a menacing, addictive riff. One of my absolute favourite tracks on here. The first single, “It’s Not OK”, is a catchy song and the dual guitars really pack a punch on this track. “Realize a Dream”, the third and current single, is solid, followed by the title track, a slower, heavier, and doomier tune. It’s all about creating a foreboding atmosphere. “Stoned Back to the Bomb Age”, the apt-titled second single, is sludgy and heavy as a mammoth. “Wellspring-Dark Sunshine” is a gloomy number with terrific guitar-play. “Jailine” is super catchy and probably the most accessible song on the album. “Yen Sleep” gets a new lease on life here, having originally appeared in 1999 on the “Incarnate” compilation of rare and unreleased tracks recorded between 1983 and 1994. I find it sounds even better in this iteration and I’ve always loved that song. “Lucky Free Nice Machine”, a one-minute instrumental, closes out the LP; it’s okay, but really doesn’t add much to the overall experience.

With Gilded Sorrow, The Obsessed delivers an album that gets better with every new spin. Its lyrical themes are aligned with the turmoil of recent times and only adds to the ominous doom metal mood of the album. Aside from their self-titled first LP, I’d say this is the best the band has ever sounded. Wino ages like a fine wine, both vocally and as a band leader. Gilded Sorrow truly is an album that was well worth the wait. Pre-order it with confidence at your earliest convenience.

Ripple Music’s Bandcamp Page for The Obsessed: https://ripplemusic.bandcamp.com/album/gilded-sorrow

The Obsessed on Bandcamp: https://theobsessed.bandcamp.com/music