In the realm of heavy music, Scott “Wino” Weinrich stands as a towering figure, a living legend whose influence reverberates through generations. From his early days with Saint Vitus to Spirit Caravan and beyond, Wino has been a steadfast purveyor of raw, unadulterated rock and metal. Now, with his iconic band The Obsessed, he delivers their highly anticipated fifth album, “Gilded Sorrow,” a record that encapsulates the essence of true, unbridled heaviness.
The crushing riffs, thunderous rhythms, and Wino’s signature vocals coalesce into a sonic onslaught that grabs the listener by the throat and refuses to let go. This is doom metal at its most potent, infused with a sense of urgency and vitality that belies the band’s decades-long career.
One of the most striking aspects of “Gilded Sorrow” is the addition of Jason Taylor as a second guitarist. His virtuosic playing adds depth and complexity to the band’s sound, elevating their already formidable sonic assault to new heights. Tracks like “It’s Not OK” and “Stoned Back to the Bomb Age” showcase Taylor’s exceptional talent, as he weaves intricate melodies and blistering solos throughout the album’s dense layers of distortion.
But while Taylor’s contributions are certainly noteworthy, it’s the chemistry between the band members that truly sets “Gilded Sorrow” apart. Wino’s gravelly vocals soar above the cacophony of guitars and drums, his lyrics touching on themes of despair, disillusionment, and defiance. Bassist Chris Angleberger and drummer Brian Costantino provide a rock-solid foundation, anchoring the songs with their tight, propulsive rhythms.
Frank Marchand, Scott “Wino” Weinrich, and Jason Taylor have crafted a sound that is simultaneously massive and nuanced, with every instrument given room to breathe while still contributing to the album’s overall heaviness. From the bone-rattling low end to the shimmering highs, every sonic detail is captured with stunning clarity, thanks in no small part to the masterful mixing and engineering of Marchand and the precise mastering of Alan Douches.
With this album, Wino and company have reaffirmed their status as true icons of heavy music, delivering a collection of songs that is as emotionally resonant as it is sonically devastating. For fans of doom metal, “Gilded Sorrow” is essential listening, a testament to the enduring power of raw, unadulterated rock and roll.
Follow The Obsessed on Facebook
Released by Ripple Music on February 16, 2024
