Doom metal pioneers The Obsessed have entered Waterford Digital Studio in Pasadena, Maryland, to begin recording their upcoming album, Live Fast – Love Hard – Die Free. The band, led by vocalist and guitarist Scott “Wino” Weinrich, expects the record to arrive in 2027, according to a recent social media update from the group.
How has the lineup shifted for the new recording?
The Obsessed is moving forward with a new rhythm section for the upcoming sessions. Following the departure of drummer Brian Costantino last July, the band recruited Bob Pantella, a veteran percussionist known for his work with Monster Magnet and The Atomic Bitchwax, as reported by the band’s official Instagram account.
Why does the band’s longevity matter in the modern doom scene?
The band’s persistence serves as a benchmark for the genre’s endurance. After a seven-year hiatus, the 2024 release of Gilded Sorrow marked a return that critics praised as a “compelling entry point” for new listeners, according to Metal Hammer. Ghost Cult magazine further noted that the release showcased the band sounding better than they ever have. This trajectory highlights a rare trend in heavy metal: legacy acts maintaining critical relevance while independent labels like Ripple Music continue to support their output.
How does the current era compare to the band’s 1990s peak?
The band’s history is defined by fits and starts that mirror the shifting industry climate. In 1994, the group signed with a major label, Columbia Records, to release The Church Within. Despite critical acclaim, the band dissolved shortly after, as noted in the band’s promotional history. Today’s model, characterized by smaller, genre-focused independent labels and consistent touring, contrasts with the major-label instability that defined their earlier career. While the 1994 era focused on chasing mainstream metal viability, the current iteration leans into the “street-wise” doom aesthetic that solidified Weinrich’s reputation as an outsider icon.
Pro Tip: Tracking Doom Metal Evolution
If you are exploring the roots of the genre, compare the production style of 1985’s The Obsessed—initially shelved by Hellhound Records—with the modern, abrasive sound found on 2024’s Gilded Sorrow to hear how the band refined their signature “cynical bent” over four decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is the current drummer for The Obsessed? Bob Pantella, formerly of Monster Magnet, replaced Brian Costantino in 2024.
- When is the new album expected? The band has tentatively scheduled the release of Live Fast – Love Hard – Die Free for 2027.
- Where is the new album being recorded? The band is working with producer Frank Marchand at Waterford Digital Studio in Pasadena, Maryland.
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