Remember these guys? It's been more than 20 years since we last heard a lick from doom veterans The Obsessed, but after a reunion in 2016 the band have quickly cranked out a new album, titled Sacred, set for release on Relapse Records. Once again fronted by Scott "Wino" Weinrich on Guitar & Vocals (Saint Vitus, Spirit Caravan, The Hidden Hand), the band is rounded out by Reid Raley - (Bass & Vocals), and Brian Costantino (Drums & Vocals), with Sara Seraphim (Guitar) and
Bruce Falkinburg (Bass) helping out on the album. With 12 songs plus two bonus tracks, Sacred might seem like an overly long album, but a bunch of tunes clock in at the 2-3 minute range, so it actually moves along pretty quickly. The bands trademark thick, fuzz toned sound is in fine form, Wino's riffs huge and menacing, an easy recommendation to any fan of Black Sabbath, Pentagram, and of course Saint Vitus.
Kicking off with a 2017 version of their old song "Sodden Jackal" starts things off in fine fashion, as this tune is a glorious stoner/doom bruiser featuring some killer riffs and an infectious groove, and that leads into the more upbeat "Punk Crusher", the band tossing in some different elements but still rocking hard. The title cut features a strong Wino vocal and plenty of crushing yet textured guitar thunder, and the fuzz is out in full force on the excellent headbanger "Perseverance of Futility", complete with what appears to be some Hammond organ in the background. Other highlights include the 'in-the-pocket' groover "It's Only Money", the old school Sabbath vibe of "Cold Blood", the bluesy stoner metal track "Stranger Things", and the searing wah-wah/fuzz goodness of "Razor Wire". The bonus tracks are a real treat as well; "On So Long" is a slow, pulverizing dirge of whiskey soaked blues and doom featuring plenty of effects laden vocals and sizzling guitar, while "Crossroader" is a cover of that old classic Mountain tune, a band that The Obsessed have more than a lot in common with. Wino totally nails Leslie West's original vocal as well as guitar tone here, but the band overall give the song their own spin.
All reports are that The Obsessed are back to stay this time around, and based on Sacred we are hopefully in for many more years of music of this quality. Welcome back guys!
Track Listing
1. Sodden Jackal 04:23
2. Punk Crusher 03:43
3. Sacred 05:12
4. Haywire 02:25
5. Perseverance of Futility 04:02
6. It's Only Money 02:35
7. Cold Blood 04:48
8. Stranger Things 06:22
9. Razor Wire 03:33
10. My Daughter My Sons 03:45
11. Be The Night 02:11
12. Interlude 00:28
13. On So Long (Bonus Track) 09:06
14. Crossroader (Bonus Track) 04:33
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