American doom metal legends THE OBSESSED have officially completed work on their highly anticipated new studio album, Live Fast – Love Hard – Die Free, and frontman SCOTT ‘WINO’ WEINRICH has revealed that the band are already preparing to return to the recording studio! With the album mixed, mastered and scheduled for release in early 2027 through HEAVY PSYCH SOUNDS RECORDS, the influential Maryland heavyweights are showing absolutely no signs of slowing down. And if that wasn’t enough, Wino has confirmed plans for a follow-up EP that could take the band’s legendary sound in an exciting new direction!
Get ready, doom metal fans, because THE OBSESSED are preparing to unleash another crushing chapter in their extraordinary musical history! 🤘💀🔥
After almost five decades of delivering thunderous guitar riffs, dark atmospheres and uncompromising heavy music, the American doom metal pioneers have finished recording their next full-length album.
And the good news doesn’t stop there.
Legendary guitarist and vocalist Scott ‘Wino’ Weinrich has revealed that the group are already planning another recording session in December 2026.
That means fans could potentially receive both a new album and an additional EP during 2027.
With a revitalised lineup, a new record label and an enormous amount of fresh material taking shape, THE OBSESSED appear to be entering another particularly productive period.
💿 ‘LIVE FAST – LOVE HARD – DIE FREE’ Is Completely Finished!
Speaking during a new interview with Laughing Monkey With Shawn Ratches, Wino confirmed that recording work on the upcoming album has officially concluded.
And this isn’t simply a case of the band finishing the basic recording sessions.
The entire album has already been mixed, mastered and delivered to the record label.
The sessions took place at Waterford Digital Studio in Pasadena, Maryland, with producer Frank Marchand overseeing the recording.
Marchand has an established working relationship with the band, making him an important part of their recording process.
The finished album will be released through Heavy Psych Sounds Records, the respected Italian independent label specialising in doom metal, psychedelic rock, stoner rock and underground heavy music.
Although the record was originally expected to arrive earlier, the band have decided to target March 2027.
Wino explained that the timing was influenced by the record label’s release plans, the approaching holiday period and personal commitments within the band.
Guitarist Jason Taylor is preparing to become a father, and the musicians have taken that into consideration when planning their schedule.
It’s an understandable decision.
After all, creating music is important, but so is giving musicians time for their families.
And for fans, the encouraging news is that the record itself is already finished.
📅 THE OBSESSED – New Album Details
Album information
Details
Artist
The Obsessed
Album
Live Fast – Love Hard – Die Free
Expected release
March 2027
Record label
Heavy Psych Sounds Records
Recording studio
Waterford Digital Studio
Location
Pasadena, Maryland, USA
Producer
Frank Marchand
Recording status
Completed, mixed and mastered
Previous album
Gilded Sorrow (2024)
Upcoming EP sessions
Planned for December 2026
An exact release date, official album artwork and complete tracklist have not yet been announced.
However, Wino has indicated that a new single and accompanying music video are likely to arrive ahead of the album.
For fans who have been waiting for another collection of THE OBSESSED’s unmistakably heavy music, that’s certainly something to look forward to.
🔥 WINO Reveals Plans For A Brand-New EP!
Perhaps the most surprising announcement is that THE OBSESSED aren’t planning to take an extended break after finishing the album.
Instead, the band intend to return to the studio in December 2026 to record a separate EP.
And Wino has some interesting ideas about what that release might contain.
During the album sessions, the musicians recorded several songs that ultimately didn’t make the final selection.
Those recordings haven’t necessarily been abandoned.
Wino explained that some of the material remains unfinished because certain elements, such as lyrics, were not ready.
However, rather than simply completing those leftover songs and releasing them as a collection of outtakes, the guitarist is considering something more ambitious.
He wants the EP to represent a fresh creative direction.
That could potentially mean abandoning conventional expectations about song lengths and arrangements.
In fact, Wino has even suggested that the release might feature a single extended composition rather than several shorter tracks.
Nothing has been finalised, but the idea is particularly exciting for fans of traditional doom metal.
After all, the genre has always embraced slow-building arrangements, lengthy instrumental passages and adventurous songwriting.
And with Wino feeling creatively inspired, there’s plenty of room for experimentation.
🎸 Could The New EP Feature One Massive Doom Metal Track?
The possibility of a single-song EP is particularly intriguing.
Throughout the history of doom metal, many bands have embraced extended compositions that gradually develop through multiple musical sections.
Rather than following the conventional verse-and-chorus structure of mainstream rock, these recordings often focus on atmosphere, repetition and the gradual evolution of guitar riffs.
For THE OBSESSED, that approach could provide an opportunity to explore the more psychedelic and experimental elements of their musical identity.
Wino has never been afraid of combining crushing guitar arrangements with unusual melodies and emotional songwriting.
His work across several influential bands demonstrates a willingness to experiment while maintaining an unmistakably heavy sound.
Of course, the EP’s eventual format remains undecided.
The group have not confirmed a title, tracklist or release date.
But the fact that they are already discussing another recording project demonstrates just how much creative momentum they have developed.
One finished album and another studio session already being planned – THE OBSESSED are certainly keeping busy!
🥁 New Drummer BOB PANTELLA Brings Fresh Energy To THE OBSESSED!
One of the most important developments surrounding the upcoming album is the involvement of drummer Bob Pantella.
Best known for his work with MONSTER MAGNET and THE ATOMIC BITCHWAX, Pantella joined THE OBSESSED in 2025 following the departure of longtime drummer Brian Costantino.
His arrival has introduced another dimension to the band’s musical identity.
And according to Wino, the drummer’s abilities directly influenced the writing of the new album’s title track.
The guitarist explained that he specifically considered Pantella’s style while developing the composition.
Rather than concentrating exclusively on slow, crushing doom metal arrangements, Wino wanted to take advantage of the drummer’s ability to deliver faster, more aggressive performances.
The result is apparently one of the album’s most energetic songs.
That represents an exciting development for a band renowned for combining heavy metal’s darker traditions with the rebellious attitude of punk rock.
⚡ The Title Track Is Already Being Performed Live!
Although THE OBSESSED haven’t officially released music from the new album, fans attending recent concerts may already have heard something from the upcoming record.
Wino confirmed that the band have been performing Live Fast – Love Hard – Die Free during their concerts.
And the response has reportedly been encouraging.
The guitarist described the title track as a particularly fast composition, written with the current lineup in mind.
The addition of Bob Pantella has allowed the band to approach certain musical ideas differently.
While THE OBSESSED remain firmly connected to the foundations of traditional doom metal, the new lineup appears capable of exploring more aggressive tempos.
That doesn’t necessarily mean the entire album will be faster.
Wino has suggested that the record features numerous relatively short songs.
However, the title track provides an indication of how the band’s evolving chemistry is influencing their music.
For longtime supporters, it could be an exciting balance between classic doom metal heaviness and a more energetic hard-rock approach.
🎶 Why Aren’t THE OBSESSED Playing More New Songs?
Interestingly, Wino has revealed that the musicians have been debating whether to introduce additional new material before the album’s release.
Some members are enthusiastic about performing the songs immediately.
Others prefer to keep the material under wraps until fans can hear the finished recordings.
At present, the band appear inclined to preserve the element of surprise.
That means the title track could remain the main opportunity to experience the new music before the official release campaign begins.
For fans, it’s understandable that the band want to maintain some mystery.
But it certainly makes the prospect of a new single even more exciting.
🤘 THE OBSESSED’s Current Lineup
The band’s current four-piece lineup combines decades of heavy music experience with musicians who have helped revitalise the group’s sound.
Musician
Role
Scott ‘Wino’ Weinrich
Lead vocals and guitar
Jason Taylor
Guitar
Chris Angleberger
Bass guitar
Bob Pantella
Drums
Wino remains the creative driving force behind THE OBSESSED.
His distinctive guitar playing and unmistakable vocals have helped establish the band as one of the most influential names in American doom metal.
Jason Taylor contributes additional guitar depth, while Chris Angleberger provides the low-end foundation.
Meanwhile, Pantella’s experience with MONSTER MAGNET and THE ATOMIC BITCHWAX brings another powerful musical influence to the group.
Together, the four musicians are preparing to introduce the latest chapter in a career that began during the late 1970s.
💀 THE OBSESSED Sign With HEAVY PSYCH SOUNDS RECORDS!
Another important development came in July 2026 when THE OBSESSED announced a worldwide recording agreement with Heavy Psych Sounds Records.
The Italian independent label has become a respected name within the international underground rock scene.
Its catalogue includes artists associated with doom metal, stoner rock, psychedelic music and heavy rock.
For THE OBSESSED, the partnership represents an opportunity to work with a label whose musical identity closely reflects their own.
Wino expressed his enthusiasm when the agreement was announced, praising Heavy Psych Sounds and thanking supporters who have continued believing in the band.
The partnership also marks a change from their previous album, Gilded Sorrow, which was released through Ripple Music.
With the new album already delivered to the label, attention can now turn towards the promotional campaign and eventual release.
And with a possible new single and video on the horizon, fans should have more news to look forward to.
🎸 Who Are THE OBSESSED?
For anyone unfamiliar with the band, THE OBSESSED are among the pioneering groups of American doom metal.
Formed in Potomac, Maryland, during the late 1970s, the group emerged at a time when heavy music was undergoing enormous changes.
BLACK SABBATH had already established the foundations of doom metal through their dark guitar riffs, slow arrangements and ominous atmosphere.
Meanwhile, punk rock was introducing faster tempos, confrontational attitudes and a rebellious approach to songwriting.
THE OBSESSED developed a distinctive musical identity that embraced elements of both worlds.
Their music combined the crushing heaviness of BLACK SABBATH with the raw energy and independence associated with the American underground punk scene.
The band’s early influences included BLACK SABBATH, THE STOOGES, THE DICTATORS and FRANK ZAPPA.
But rather than simply imitating those artists, THE OBSESSED developed their own sound.
At the centre of it all was Scott ‘Wino’ Weinrich.
His guitar playing, powerful vocals and distinctive songwriting would eventually make him one of doom metal’s most respected musicians.
🔥 SCOTT ‘WINO’ WEINRICH – A Living Legend Of Doom Metal
Few musicians have contributed as much to the development of American doom metal as Scott Weinrich.
Widely known as Wino, the guitarist and vocalist has spent decades performing with influential heavy music projects.
His career includes work with:
- THE OBSESSED
- SAINT VITUS
- SPIRIT CARAVAN
- THE HIDDEN HAND
- SHRINEBUILDER
- PROBOT
His time with SAINT VITUS was particularly important.
After joining the Californian doom metal pioneers during the 1980s, Wino contributed to several influential recordings.
Among them was Born Too Late, the band’s celebrated 1986 album.
The record became one of the defining releases of traditional American doom metal.
Wino’s distinctive vocals and guitar playing helped establish a sound that would influence generations of underground musicians.
His musical career has never been defined by commercial trends.
Instead, he has maintained a commitment to heavy guitar-driven music, regardless of changing fashions within the wider metal scene.
That independence has earned him enormous respect among longtime doom metal supporters.
💿 THE OBSESSED’s Albums – A Legacy Of Crushing Riffs!
THE OBSESSED have built an influential catalogue spanning several decades.
Their studio albums include:
Album
Release year
The Obsessed
1990
Lunar Womb
1991
The Church Within
1994
Sacred
2017
Gilded Sorrow
2024
Live Fast – Love Hard – Die Free
Expected 2027
Each album represents a different chapter in the band’s complicated history.
🎸 ‘The Obsessed’ (1990)
Originally recorded during the 1980s, the group’s self-titled debut established their distinctive approach to doom metal.
Its combination of heavy guitar riffs, raw production and underground musical attitude helped develop a dedicated following.
🌙 ‘Lunar Womb’ (1991)
The band’s second album expanded their sound through powerful arrangements and atmospheric compositions.
It remains a favourite among traditional doom metal enthusiasts.
💀 ‘The Church Within’ (1994)
Often regarded as one of the band’s most important recordings, The Church Within demonstrated the strength of Wino’s songwriting.
Despite attracting critical attention, the album did not achieve the mainstream commercial success that might have been expected.
The group subsequently entered another period of inactivity.
🔥 ‘Sacred’ (2017)
Following their full-time reunion in 2016, THE OBSESSED returned with Sacred.
It was their first new studio album in more than two decades and demonstrated that their distinctive sound remained powerful.
The record helped introduce the group to a younger generation of doom metal fans.
⚡ ‘Gilded Sorrow’ (2024)
Released on 16 February 2024, Gilded Sorrow continued the band’s creative resurgence.
The album featured crushing guitar arrangements, gritty vocals and the unmistakable attitude associated with Wino’s songwriting.
It also marked an important period in the development of the band’s modern four-piece sound.
And now, with Live Fast – Love Hard – Die Free completed, the group are preparing to build upon that momentum.
🖤 ‘GILDED SORROW’ Helped Reintroduce THE OBSESSED To A New Generation
Released through Ripple Music, Gilded Sorrow demonstrated that THE OBSESSED were still capable of delivering powerful material decades after their formation.
The album embraced the band’s established musical identity while taking advantage of their expanded lineup.
With two guitarists contributing to the arrangements, the music gained additional depth and intensity.
Wino’s distinctive vocal delivery remained central to the sound.
The result was a record rooted firmly in traditional doom metal but delivered with considerable energy.
Its release was accompanied by live performances and festival appearances, helping strengthen the band’s international following.
For listeners discovering THE OBSESSED for the first time, Gilded Sorrow provided an accessible introduction to their distinctive musical world.
And for longtime fans, it demonstrated that the group’s creative spirit remained very much alive.
🤘 THE OBSESSED And Their Influence On Heavy Metal
Although THE OBSESSED have never enjoyed the enormous mainstream commercial success of bands such as METALLICA or IRON MAIDEN, their influence within heavy music is considerable.
Alongside artists such as SAINT VITUS, PENTAGRAM, TROUBLE and CANDLEMASS, they helped develop the sound and identity of traditional doom metal.
Their music demonstrated that heavy metal didn’t always need to become faster or more technically complicated.
Sometimes, the most powerful musical moments came from slowing everything down.
A crushing guitar riff.
A thunderous bass line.
A deliberate drumbeat.
And vocals filled with emotion and intensity.
That musical philosophy helped influence the development of stoner metal, sludge metal and numerous underground heavy rock movements.
THE OBSESSED also maintained important connections with the American hardcore punk scene.
Their music appealed to listeners who appreciated both the heaviness of traditional metal and the rebellious attitude of punk rock.
That crossover helped establish Wino as a respected figure across different underground music communities.
🔥 Could THE OBSESSED Tour The UK In 2027?
With a new album scheduled for release in 2027, fans will naturally be wondering whether THE OBSESSED intend to announce further concerts.
The band have previously performed at major European heavy music events, including Hellfest, Roadburn and Desertfest.
Their music is particularly popular among audiences who appreciate traditional doom metal, stoner rock and underground heavy music.
For British fans, a potential return would certainly be welcome.
The UK has a dedicated doom metal community, with independent promoters, specialist venues and festivals continuing to support the genre.
However, no new UK tour dates specifically supporting Live Fast – Love Hard – Die Free have been confirmed.
Further touring announcements may emerge as the album’s release approaches.
For now, the priority appears to be preparing the record for release and completing the additional EP sessions.
🎶 What Can Fans Expect From ‘LIVE FAST – LOVE HARD – DIE FREE’?
Although the full tracklist and album artwork have not yet been revealed, Wino’s comments provide several interesting clues.
The album contains numerous relatively short songs.
The title track is fast and energetic.
Bob Pantella’s drumming has played an important role in shaping the material.
And the band are clearly enthusiastic about the finished recordings.
That suggests an album which could combine the familiar heaviness of THE OBSESSED with a more direct and aggressive approach.
However, fans shouldn’t assume that the group are abandoning their doom metal roots.
Wino’s songwriting has always incorporated elements of hard rock, psychedelic music and punk attitude.
The faster material may simply represent another side of the band’s established musical identity.
With the album already mixed and mastered, the wait is now focused on the release campaign rather than additional recording work.
And if the upcoming EP develops into the ambitious experimental project Wino has been discussing, 2027 could become a particularly interesting year for the band.
🤘 THE RIFF REPORT VERDICT – THE OBSESSED Are Keeping The Doom Metal Flame Burning!
THE OBSESSED completing Live Fast – Love Hard – Die Free is excellent news for fans of traditional doom metal and underground heavy rock.
For a band whose history stretches back to the late 1970s, the decision to keep recording fresh material is something worth celebrating.
Scott ‘Wino’ Weinrich has spent decades helping shape the sound of American doom metal.
His distinctive guitar playing, powerful songwriting and uncompromising musical attitude have influenced generations of musicians.
And now, with a revitalised lineup featuring Jason Taylor, Chris Angleberger and Bob Pantella, THE OBSESSED are preparing for another significant chapter.
The new album is finished.
A potential single and music video are being planned.
A March 2027 release is being targeted.
And the band are already preparing to return to the studio for another EP.
Perhaps most excitingly, Wino’s comments suggest that the musicians are willing to experiment rather than simply repeat what they have done before.
A faster, more aggressive title track?
A possible EP consisting of one enormous composition?
Now that’s something worth getting excited about!
For fans of heavy riffs, dark atmospheres and unapologetically powerful rock music, THE OBSESSED remain an essential name.
Nearly five decades into their career, they’re still creating, still experimenting and still refusing to slow down!
ONE FINISHED ALBUM. ANOTHER EP ON THE WAY. AND A WHOLE LOT OF CRUSHING DOOM METAL!
THE OBSESSED – LIVE FAST, LOVE HARD, DIE FREE! 🎸💀🔥🤘
THE RIFF REPORT BLOG – MUSIC JOURNALISM WITH BOOTS AT THE BARRICADE!
