Release
date: April 07th 2017. Label: Relapse Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl
Sacred
(Deluxe Album) – Tracklisting
1.Sodden Jackal
2.Punk Crusher
3.Sacred
4.Haywire
5.Perseverance of
Futility
6.It's Only Money
7.Cold Blood
8.Stranger Things
9.Razor Wire 03:32
10.My Daughter My
Sons
11.Be the Night
12.Interlude
13.On So Long (Bonus
Track)
14.Crossroader
(Bonus Track)
Review
Greetings
all,
I
haven't been this excited to review a record since my first review
last year. This time around I have the brand Obsessed record Sacred.
If you are reading this I am going to make the assumption you know
all about The Obsessed, so there is no need to hit the back story,
I'll only point out that this is the first new Obsessed over 20
years, as Wino found himself busy with the Hidden Hand, solo records,
Premonition 13, and a return to St. Vitus, amongst various other
projects. There is no need to beat around the bush, this record is
absolutely amazing.
To
start, the songs are killer. If you were afraid of a mediocre reunion
type album, put those fears to rest. It is just Wino and the boys
dropping 14 masterful tracks of doomed out rock The band sounds
absolutely phenomenal. The guitars are loud and dense with riff after
riff just pelting you into submission. The rhythm section is tight.
And to top it all off, Wino sounds amazing, he sounds as good as he
did 20 years ago, honestly, maybe even better. Also, I have to point
out the production, this is one of the cleanest sounding records I
have heard in a long time, but the real kicker is that it still
manages to sound stunningly raw and intense. Not over produced or
under produced, just awesome.
As
far as the songs themselves go, while bringing the heavy from
beginning to end, I would have to say that the record has more of a
70's classic rock feel, as opposed to an overly doom rock sound.
Trust me it is still there, so fans won't be disappointed in the
least. The record is a sprawling hour long ride through dark,
forgotten underbelly. But it is truly glorious. There are 14 tracks
(12 with 2 bonus tracks noted, I assume depending on format) and not
a clunker in the bunch.
So
here we go, the album opens with an absolute 1-2 punch. The title
track Sodden Jackal is a true doom rock gem, reminiscent of prior
records. A solid reminder of just who exactly you are dealing with
here. The album continues pounding away with Punk Crusher, Sacred,
Haywire and Perseverance of Futility. All absolutely killer, rock
tracks. Sacred hits you in the face from the first note and does not
let up.
It's
Only Money, is an interesting call and response rocker, that shines a
dark light on what sadly drives the world. Cold Blood is a bad ass
instrumental, with a monster riff that leads in to another absolute
killer, Stranger Things. This song is a slow, catchy as hell jam.
Before the band unleash the catchiest track of the album with Razor
Wire.
The
band brings the heavy again with My Daughters My Sons. Be the Night
is some more classic up-tempo Obsessed rock. After the brief
instrumental Interlude comes the giant sized doom laden riff of On So
Long. Probably the most old school doom song on the record. The
closer is a heavy blues inspired track called the Crossroader.
I
can't recommend the new Obsessed record enough. If you are a long
time fan, or new to the game, do your self a service and pick this
up. Sacred is a stellar addition to The Obsessed/Wino catalogue.
Check it out!
Words
by Todd Stealey Instagram @alltheghoststhathauntyou
Sacred
will be available to buy via Relapse Records on CD/DD/Vinyl from
April 7th
2017.
