The Obsessed

Scott “Wino” Weinrich is a living legend. He’s always been a rebel, loner and an outsider in an outsider scene, pursuing his music without regard for popularity or acceptance. In the process, he came to be considered one of the early pioneers of American doom. All of this began when he founded THE OBSESSED back in the 70s, then pursued through his many other outfits such as Saint Vitus or Spirit Caravan. As a key part of the 80s Washington/Maryland music scene, his music earned the respect of metal, punk and crossover fans alike while often being dubbed doom metal. Looking back, it was just gritty, street-wise American metal with a cynical bent and psychedelic flair, and this is what made him the unique and timeless heavy music icon he is today.

THE OBSESSED was formed in the late 1970s in Potomac, Maryland by Scott “Wino” Weinrich. The earliest lineup consisted of Wino, bassist Mark Laue, guitarist John Reese, and drummer Dave Flood. In 1983, Wino took over vocal duties and the band became a three-piece to record the Sodden Jackal EP. The band broke up in the late 80s after Wino moved to California to join Saint Vitus. After multiple lineup changes, the band signed to Columbia Records in 1994 to release their third and final album, The Church Within. Despite highly acclaimed reviews, they would break up following the release, seeing Wino forming Spirit Caravan and other projects.

In September 2011, THE OBSESSED returned to the stage at Roadburn Festival with The Church Within‘s lineup of Wino, Greg Rogers, and Guy Pinhas. The band played a few more reunion shows over the next couple of years. Wino announced the full-time return of the band in March 2016 and the band’s signing to Relapse Records to record the follow-up to The Church Within. On October 31st, 2016, Wino announced a new lineup change, including Bruce Falkinburg (bass) and Seraphim (guitar).

In 2017, THE OBSESSED unleashed Sacred, the band’s first studio album in over twenty years. After a few years on the road, the lineup stabilized around Brian Costantino on drums, Chris Angleberger on bass, Jason Taylor on guitar, and Scott "Wino" Weinrich. The band is now ready to release their fifth album "Gilded Sorrow", in February 2024 as part of their collaboration with Ripple Music.

THE OBSESSED comes back with their album "Gilded Sorrow", to be released on February 16th, 2024 through Ripple Music. Expanded to a 4-piece with the addition of Jason Taylor on guitar, the music is more aggressive and straightforward.

"Gilded Sorrow" was produced by Frank Marchand, Scott "Wino" Weinrich and Jason Taylor. Mixed and engineered by Frank Marchand and mastered by Alan Douches. "Gilded Sorrow" will be available on vinyl, CD and digital on February 16th, 2024 through Ripple Music.