Doom metal mainstays The Obsessed are returning with their latest offering, Gilded Sorrow, and it’s a masterclass in heavy, well-rounded soundscapes that reaffirms their status as true Titans of the genre. Scheduled for release on February 16th, the album showcases the band’s enduring prowess but also marks a significant evolution in their sonic journey.

Led by the enigmatic Scott “Wino” Weinrich on lead guitar and vocals, The Obsessed in 2024 is Brian Costantino on drums, Chris Angleberger on bass and newest addition, Jason Taylor, on rhythm guitar. Taylor’s inclusion, as Wino asserts, proves to be a pivotal decision, elevating the band’s musical dynamics to new heights.

From the opening chords of Daughter Of An Echo to the closing notes of Lucky Free Nice Machine, this is an album that weaves a spellbinding tapestry of doom-laden riffs, haunting melodies, and outspoken lyricism. The nine-tracks featured traverse diverse sonic territories while maintaining a cohesive narrative thread that resonates with the listener.

Wino’s vocals, weathered by experience and imbued with raw emotion, serve as the guiding force throughout the album. His gravelly delivery injects each lyric with a palpable sense of urgency and authenticity, drawing listeners deeper into his lyrical abyss.

Already-released single Stoned Back to the Bomb Age emerges as a standout anthem, embodying the band’s signature sound with its relentless riffage and thunderous percussion. Wino’s impassioned vocals soar over the dense instrumentation, captivating the audience with its sheer intensity and conviction.

Realize A Dream offers a brief moment of introspection amidst the album’s sonic onslaught, starting quietly before blossoming into a muscular but accessible slab of riff rock that is sure to capture the imagination of the band’s rabid fanbase.

Title track Gilded Sorrow serves as the album’s emotional centerpiece, exploring themes of longing and redemption against a backdrop of brooding guitar work and atmospheric textures. Wino’s evocative lyrics paint a vivid portrait of existential turmoil, inviting listeners to confront their own inner demons with unflinching honesty, whilst his lead guitar work is absolutely exemplarary.

Wellspring-Dark Sunshine further expands the album’s sonic palette, incorporating elements of post-rock into The Obsessed’s trademark sound with it’s icy introduction section. Taylor’s intricate solid work adds depth and complexity to each composition, underscoring the band’s commitment to musical innovation.

Jailine is another highlight moment and showcases the band’s penchant for crafting pummeling grooves and earworm hooks, inviting listeners to surrender to the hypnotic rhythms and lose themselves in the music’s embrace. Costantino’s thunderous drumming anchors the proceedings, providing a solid foundation for the band’s sonic explorations.

As the album draws to a close with Lucky Free Nice Machine, The Obsessed leave listeners spellbound, craving for more of their intoxicating brew of dark, visceral music. Wino’s proclamation that Gilded Sorrow is the heaviest thing he’s ever done rings true, as each track pulsates with a primal energy that is both exhilarating and cathartic.

In conclusion, Gilded Sorrow stands as a fine attestation to The Obsessed’s enduring legacy and unwavering commitment to musical excellence. With this album, the band reaffirms their status as pioneers of the doom metal genre, delivering a tour de force that is as emotionally resonant as it is sonically adventurous. As Wino aptly puts it, “Everything I do with (producer) Frank Marchand gets better and better.” Indeed it does, and Gilded Sorrow certainly speaks to the band’s enduring creativity and artistic vision.

Gilded Sorrow releases on February 16th.