I've been a huge fan of Jason's work ever since I reviewed his former band's SIERRA debut album way back in 2013. I've interviewed Jason multiple times over the years and I was pleased as anyone when he joined the ranks of The Obsessed.
The Obsessed are releasing their eagerly awaited and much anticipated new album Gilded Sorrow on 16th February 2024 via Ripple Music. Gilded Sorrow is a masterclass of modern day Doom/Stoner Metal and will no doubt turn heads when it's unleashed upon the world.
However, this article is about Jason's favourite records of 2023. Here's Jason's choices and the reasons why.
Mars Red Sky - Dawn of the Dusk
If it’s got big riffs, strange beautiful vocals, drama, grandiosity and a groovy vibe I’m gonna like it. This album has all of that and more. Had the chance to play with them way back when I was in other bands and a few times recently with The Obsessed in New Mexico and Spain. It’s amazing how they pull off the grandiosity of the albums live, and as a three piece. They’re a very special band and definitely one you need to see live.
I was given a copy of Dawn of the Dusk before the release date and I was blown away listening in headphones while doing the dishes. My dishes never looked so clean.
The guitar solo in Carnival Man is so full of emotion and gets me every time I hear it; much like the chorus of Hovering Satellites from the Stranded in Arcadia album. Instant goosebumps.
The Red and Blue albums were hugely influential to me, but I never quite got into the other albums. This one got my full attention immediately and am looking forward to seeing them live at some point with the new lineup. Proggy and heavy in all the right ways and the tones are top notch.
Helichrysum is a killer album and I think a great place to start if you haven’t listened to them before.
Auralayer - Thousand Petals
Southern sludgy Sabbath-esque doom with a psychedelic twist. Great band and I imagine we’ll be seeing them on all the stoner/doom festivals soon. Phillip Cope mixed and mastered it, so you know it’s gonna be good.
Mars Red Sky - Dawn of the Dusk
If it’s got big riffs, strange beautiful vocals, drama, grandiosity and a groovy vibe I’m gonna like it. This album has all of that and more. Had the chance to play with them way back when I was in other bands and a few times recently with The Obsessed in New Mexico and Spain. It’s amazing how they pull off the grandiosity of the albums live, and as a three piece. They’re a very special band and definitely one you need to see live.
I was given a copy of Dawn of the Dusk before the release date and I was blown away listening in headphones while doing the dishes. My dishes never looked so clean.
The guitar solo in Carnival Man is so full of emotion and gets me every time I hear it; much like the chorus of Hovering Satellites from the Stranded in Arcadia album. Instant goosebumps.
Baroness - Stone
The Red and Blue albums were hugely influential to me, but I never quite got into the other albums. This one got my full attention immediately and am looking forward to seeing them live at some point with the new lineup. Proggy and heavy in all the right ways and the tones are top notch.
Danava - Nothing But Nothing
Danava rip so hard. Was worth the wait for this full length.
Danava rip so hard. Was worth the wait for this full length.
Hippie Death Cult - Helichrysum
First seen this band at Ripple Fest Texas the year The Obsessed played. They’ve got such great stage presence and Eddie’s a phenomanal guitar player. I listen to his solos and he makes me want to pick up the guitar and play. Super well crafted songs and solos that go way beyond just soloing over riffs.
First seen this band at Ripple Fest Texas the year The Obsessed played. They’ve got such great stage presence and Eddie’s a phenomanal guitar player. I listen to his solos and he makes me want to pick up the guitar and play. Super well crafted songs and solos that go way beyond just soloing over riffs.
Their past albums are great, but once I heard Laura take over vocal duties with the single “Nice to Know You” I got really excited to hear an album with her vocals instead. No offense to the previous singer, but it would be great to hear those first few albums rerecorded and replaced with her voice.
Helichrysum is a killer album and I think a great place to start if you haven’t listened to them before.
Auralayer - Thousand Petals
Southern sludgy Sabbath-esque doom with a psychedelic twist. Great band and I imagine we’ll be seeing them on all the stoner/doom festivals soon. Phillip Cope mixed and mastered it, so you know it’s gonna be good.
King Buffalo - Live at Burning Man
The Burden of Restlessness is hands down one of my favorite albums. Ever. I’ve listened to it countless times and it was the soundtrack to my life while I was going through a pretty rough time. It’s cool hearing tracks off of this album being played live at a festival like Burning Man. I can only imagine how cool it must have been with the “peace & love & LSD” vibes that go around festivals like that.
The Burden of Restlessness is hands down one of my favorite albums. Ever. I’ve listened to it countless times and it was the soundtrack to my life while I was going through a pretty rough time. It’s cool hearing tracks off of this album being played live at a festival like Burning Man. I can only imagine how cool it must have been with the “peace & love & LSD” vibes that go around festivals like that.
Facebook ⎪ Bandcamp ⎪ Instagram ⎪ Spotify
