The Obsessed

Born in Potomac, Maryland, in the late 1970s around Scott "Wino" Weinrich, The Obsessed belong to the first generation of American doom metal, with a sound that blends Sabbath-like heaviness, classic heavy metal and stoner touches. Initially active in various forms before stabilizing, the band recorded several demos in the early 1980s, released the EP Sodden Jackal in 1983 and appeared on the compilation Metal Massacre VI. This first phase ended in 1986 when Wino joined Saint Vitus. Revived in 1989, The Obsessed then gained greater visibility on the North American doom scene with three albums that became cornerstones of their discography: The Obsessed (1990), Lunar Womb (1991) and The Church Within (1994). The band ceased activities in 1995 while its members continued in other formations related to doom and desert rock, notably Saint Vitus, Spirit Caravan and Goatsnake. After a few occasional reunions on stage between 2011 and 2013, The Obsessed resumed touring permanently in 2016. This new phase produced Sacred in 2017 and Gilded Sorrow in 2024, now operating as an expanded quartet.