The Obsessed-Sacred

Relapse
2017

Hailing form my home state of Maryland, The Obsessed have existed in different versions for almost forty years, but have just a few releases because their times of existence have been few and far between. The one constant has been front man/guitarist/vocalist Scott "Wino" Weinrich (Saint Vitus, Spirit Caravan and more). The band is back with their first studio release in 23 years. That's enough to be excited about right and then once you get this monster started playing you will really be excited. The first thing that hits me about this album it's a clinic of how to get so much out of every chord, beat or word. Not a skill every band knows that's for sure, but this album has that at it's heart and they just add on the layers as they push along. Need examples? The opener "Sodden Jackal" is a think, lumbering song that pours out thick and pulls you in right away. "It's only money" harkens back to groove laden, head bobbers with a huge dose of the early 70's.  The instrumental "Cold Blood" is a twisting, heavy crusher that has more surprises than I figured it would.  "Be the night" might just be my favorite song with it's punching riffs and swirling beats. I do have items that bothered me about the last few songs. Third from the end "Interlude" is really just a snippet that comes and goes with out doing a whole lot except feeling it doesn't quite fit. The last two tracks go in the order of "On so long" and "Crossroader blues" and both are both exceptional. However I am a big believer in there be certain tracks that should open an album and certain ones that should close it so I keep feeling like those two tracks should have switched  places so that the hazy drifter "Oh so long" could bring a proper end to this album. Minor nitpicking aside this album is a real killer

Free Metal Monday: Wino-Live at Roadburn 2009

Roadburn Records
2015

It's Monday again and that means it's time for some free metal to (hopefully) get you through this chilly day. Or at least it's chilly in my small part of Ohio. I have no way of knowing where you are from while you are reading this, but seeing as we already had snow this past weekend (I know. Ugh!) how about we heat things up with some killer doom rock? Sound's good right? Well, how about we take things one step further with live doom? Or rather live music from Wino? Yes? Groovy! Originally released back in October of 2010 on both CD and 12" vinyl, "Live At Roadburn 2009" is now being offered digitally and this great recording finds Wino in perfect form! Not that it's too surprising or anything as we are talking about the one and only Wino here, but seeing as this one comes with a run-time of over fifty minutes(!) there is a lot to digest in just one sitting. With that said, "Live At Roadburn 2009" should get you to work and back in grand fashion and seeing as it's free for the taking you simply can't go wrong!  You can find this live release by heading here
and while you are there be sure to keep an eye out for other free music from Roadburn Records.

Wino-Punctuated Equilibrium

Southern Lord
2009

Guitarist/vocalist Scott "Wino" Weinrich has spent nearly thirty years almost establishing himself as one of the leaders in doom/psychedelic/stoner type music. His work with Saint Vitus, the Obsessed, Spirit Caravan and Hidden Hand has helped to him to build quite an impressive resume. He always seemed to be a very busy person as he continually has at least one project going on at any given time. This time around he recruited Clutch drummer Jean Paul Gaster and Rezin’s Jon Blank on bass to round out the line-up. The music here goes back in time a bit more than some of Wino's more recent projects. This blues based metal with strong grooves and heavy doses of doom tossed in. If you think Saint Vitus, Pentagram and Deep Purple then you have a pretty good idea of where he is coming from. The riffs are often thick and deep although the pace ranges from drizzles of sludge to brisk yet heavy bursts. The rhythm section is tight as they provide a fine backbone for the music. The riffs are huge on numerous occasions and swift and to the point when needed as well. There are some instrumentals on here that really allow the band to spread their wings and really stick some meaty chunks of music into the mix. For those who are familiar with Wino's other bands then this album isn't going to be all that surprising. Yet it should satisfy his fans with all that it delivers.