Album Review: The Obsessed – Gilded Sorrow

🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: Daughter of an Echo
Track 2: It’s Not OK
Track 3: Realize a Dream
Track 4: Gilded Sorrow
Track 5: Stoned Back to the Bomb Age
Track 6: Wellspring – Dark Sunshine
Track 7: Jailine
Track 8: Yen Sleep
Track 9: Lucky Free Nice Machine

🎸 Album Review:
The Obsessed, the legendary doom metal band led by the iconic Scott “Wino” Weinrich, has made a triumphant return with their latest album ‘Gilded Sorrow’. This highly anticipated release marks the band’s first full-length album in over two decades, and it does not disappoint. ‘Gilded Sorrow’ is a sonic journey through the depths of despair and introspection, filled with heavy riffs, haunting melodies, and Wino’s signature gritty vocals that capture the essence of doom metal at its finest.

From the opening track “Daughter of an Echo,” the listener is immediately enveloped in the band’s trademark sound – a wall of crushing guitars, thunderous drums, and Wino’s soulful, gravelly vocals. The album’s themes of loss, regret, and redemption are palpable throughout, with each track offering a glimpse into the darker corners of the human experience.

Standout tracks on ‘Gilded Sorrow’ include the blistering “It’s Not OK,” which showcases the band’s raw energy and fierce musicianship. The song’s relentless pace and searing guitar solos serve as a reminder of The Obsessed’s ability to create music that is both heavy and melodic. “Realize a Dream” is another highlight, with its brooding atmosphere and introspective lyrics painting a picture of inner turmoil and self-discovery.

The title track, “Gilded Sorrow,” is perhaps the album’s crowning achievement, a sprawling epic that weaves together elements of doom, psychedelia, and classic rock. Clocking in at over ten minutes, the song builds slowly from a mournful ballad to a thunderous crescendo, showcasing the band’s dynamic range and musical prowess.

Other notable tracks include the psychedelic-tinged “Stoned Back to the Bomb Age,” the haunting instrumental “Wellspring – Dark Sunshine,” and the bluesy “Jailine,” which features some of Wino’s most impassioned vocals on the album. “Yen Sleep” and “Lucky Free Nice Machine” close out the album on a high note, leaving the listener with a sense of catharsis and resolution.

In comparison to The Obsessed’s previous albums, ‘Gilded Sorrow’ stands out as a mature and cohesive work that reflects the band’s growth and evolution over the years. While still retaining their signature sound, the band experiments with new textures and song structures, creating a more nuanced and layered listening experience.

Overall, ‘Gilded Sorrow’ is a triumph for The Obsessed, showcasing their enduring talent and unwavering dedication to their craft. The album is a testament to the power of music to evoke emotion, provoke thought, and provide solace in times of darkness. With ‘Gilded Sorrow’, The Obsessed have solidified their place as one of the preeminent bands in the doom metal genre, and this album will surely stand the test of time as a classic in their discography.