WINO - Create Or Die (Album Review)

Release Date: October 24th 2025. Record Label: Ripple Music. Formats: CD/DD/Vinyl

Create Or Die - Tracklisting

1.Anhedonia 04:54

2.New Terms 04:26

3.Carolina Fox

4.Never Said Goodbye

5.Hopeful Defiance

6.Us or Them 06:00

7.Cold or Wrong

8.Lost Souls Fly

9.Bury Me in Texas

10.Noble Man

Members

WINO - Everything

Review

Create Or Die is the latest solo album from the legendary WINO which follows a different path compared to his acclaimed 2020 solo record Forever Gone. Truth be told, this record has more in common with the iconic THE OBSESSED as it has a similar style and structure where the heavy grooves appear. This is perhaps a bit more stripped back with WINO adapting a style of Classic Rock, Folk, Americana and Southern Rock but with his OUTLAW persona helping the hard-hitting lyrics that dominate the musical landscape.

There’s a sense of reflection and achievement that WINO has accomplished that comes brilliantly well on the opening tracks of Anhedonia and New Terms. Two songs that have a different contrast to each other with Anhedonia being a straight up Stoner Rock banger and New Terms being a semi-acoustic Americana/Country Rock driven number. Both tracks show WINO’s new found creative resilience of writing haunting melodies and emotionally charged lyrics to match. WINO’s vocals are as commanding as ever which perhaps sees the legendary musician in the best creative form of his lengthy career.

The instrumental performances that WINO surrounds the listener with are beautifully profound and deeply moving whilst moving onto different areas of music that we haven’t heard from the great man before especially on Never Said Goodbye which has strands of Post-Rock energy at times. Other  tracks such as Carolina Fox  and Hopeful Defiance where THE OBSESSED and SPIRIT CARAVAN vibes can be heard in the background. 

There’s a ROOTS DRIVEN and BLUES ROCK energy starting to emerge which adds a gritty atmosphere to this record. This musical element is one of the standout parts of the record with WINO adding an organic and real life energy into the mix.

The second half of the album allows WINO the perfect opportunity to explore his own legacy, career and personal experiences which resonates with many of us as the record has a “TRUE LIFE” experience though told through the power of DOOM and STONER ROCK on the other standout tracks that appear on the album with Us Or Them, Cold Or Wrong, Bury Me In Texas and Noble Man.

Create Or Die is perhaps WINO’s finest solo record to date as it delivers everything you would expect from a true icon of the DOOM METAL scene. 

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the promo.

Create Or Die is available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Ripple Music.

Links

Website | Facebook | Instagram

US Godfather Of Doom Scott "Wino" Weinrich to release new solo album "Create Or Die" on October 24th via Ripple Music; first single available!

US doom and heavy metal icon Scott "Wino" Weinrich — the voice of The Obsessed, Saint Vitus, and Spirit Caravan — rises again with his fiercely anticipated fourth solo album "Create Or Die" this October 24th via Ripple Music, and unleashes the first single "New Terms" today.

"When a friend ended a letter to me with the phrase ‘Create Or Die’, I realized that simple slogan summed up my philosophy completely. Whether it’s making music or art, that’s what I do. It’s what I live for."

Embrace the haunting Celtic vibe of new single New Terms 

Legendary doom metal icon Scott "Wino" Weinrich (The Obsessed, Saint Vitus, Spirit Caravan) strips it down to the raw essence on his new solo album. What began as an intimate, unplugged journey soon demanded the fiery pulse of drums and electric guitars, resulting in a powerful blend of haunting introspection and unshakable conviction.

These songs are personal, passionate commentaries on life, delivered with Wino’s signature grit and soul. Featuring contributions from close friends and the unwavering support of Ripple Music, this album is a testament to the creed he’s lived by: create or die. He says: "There are songs on this record that are old and new, as sometimes I carry song ideas around for years before I can call them finished. For others, when concept, music, and lyrics come together right then and there, that's what I call the divine inspiration."

About the first single "New Terms", Wino comments: "In my head, I had always heard the Irish bodhrán drum — a traditional instrument I love — on this tune. I mentioned this to my engineer and friend Frank Marchand. It turns out that for years, Frank had been the sound engineer for the enormously successful traditional yet modern Irish folk band We Banjo Three. He suggested sending the track to them and having the brothers lay down the drum and a traditional Irish banjo. They were glad to do it, dug the song, and here it is. I want to thank Frank Marchand, Fergal Scahill, and Enda Scahill for making this song shine!"

"Create Or Die" was produced and engineered by Franck Marchand and Wino. Mastered by Alan Douches. It will be issued on vinyl, CD and digital formats on October 24th, with preorders available now via Ripple Music.

WINO "Create Or Die" - Out October 24th on Ripple Music (LP/CD/digital) - PREORDER

Wino formed his first band The Obsessed in 1978, starting the reign of “heavy and slow” decades before doom grew into a flourishing worldwide genre unto itself. A few years later, he moved to California to join Saint Vitus, with whom he released the seminal ‘Born Too Late’ (1986), one of the most powerful statements in doom’s early history, with Wino’s raspy, heartfelt and punk-charged vocals booming loudly above the crowd of howling, gimmicky Ozzy copycats.

Following a reformation of The Obsessed and a brief major-label flirtation in the early 90s, which included a piledriving update of Black Sabbath's "The Wizard" alongside Geezer Butler, Bill Ward and Rob Halford, Wino formed yet another influential outfit, Spirit Caravan. The new band fused his trademark sludgy churn with an increased soulfulness, beginning to lay the groundwork for his eventual exploration of acoustic and expansive songwriting. During this time, Dave Grohl also invited Wino to join his all-star Probot project alongside Lemmy Kilmister, King Diamond, Max Cavalera and other notables.

Numerous world tours with his various bands later, the creative source remained inexhaustible as Wino embarked on a new direction with the release of his solo debut, ‘Punctuated Equilibrium’, quickly followed by a second solo LP ‘Adrift’ in 2010, a series of collaborations with German folk songwriter Conny Ochs, and ‘Forever Gone’ in 2020. Wino embarked on extensive European and North American tours as a solo act, continuing to maintain his thriving solo output even with the arrival of a much-heralded and welcomed re-constitution of The Obsessed formed for the third time in 2017. The Obsessed, now a 4-piece, have toured extensively since 2020, and released their latest studio album “Gilded Sorrow” to great acclaim in 2023 on Ripple Music.

Today, Wino is respected over the world as the godfather of doom and one of underground heavy music’s most revered lifers. Worldwide festivals like Roadburn, Hellfest, Psycho Las Vegas, Desertfest, Maryland Deathfest, Rock Hard Fest, Monolith On The Mesa and countless others keep inviting Wino back through his various sonic incarnations year after year.

Scott "Wino" Weinrich links

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Ripple Music links

Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for all of the details.

WINO: The Documentary (Film Review)

Release Date: May 13th 2023. Film Company Details: New Terms Productions. Formats: DD/DVD

Credits

Director/Producer/Editor - Sharlee Patches

Review

If anyone deserves to have a full length documentary to be made about them is Scott “WINO” Weinrich and this film delivers on that premise. WINO is a legend within the Heavy Metal and Hard Rock scenes with his active participation of the respective scenes coming close to fifty years now. 

WINO: The Documentary is made by Sharlee Patches who provides an uncompromising and unflinching style of film-making with a Punk Rock spirit. The movie is not overly produced and matches the DIY aesthetics that WINO has been known for all of the bands and project’s he’s participated with. The film is unapologetic and highly controversial in places which the film doesn’t shy away from. As the film boldly shows a clip from 2012 where WINO predicts a man-made epidemic is forthcoming and the worldwide government plans to inoculate the population. Fast forward to 2020 and WINO still holds these views and he doesn’t mince his words. 

However, I knew what to expect of WINO’s personal and political views with the many great bands and classic albums he’s released over the last fifty years or so. WINO has always been a revolutionary and a free thinker within this Heavy Metal scene. Whilst his music can be vastly dark, his music can also be very uplifting and even life affirming.

This film has contributions from famous folks that WINO has worked with over the years and famous people who are fans. You have contributions from people such as Dave Grohl, Henry Rollins, FUGAZI and Phil Anselmo stating how they’re fans of WINO and commenting what an awesome guitar player there is and pointing out WINO probably doesn’t even realise this.

However, the film truly comes alive when Sharlee interviews and features contributions from his close circle of friends, family and most importantly - THE FANS. The view of the fans makes this documentary truly work as they all state - WINO is a truly humble soul and honest wonderful human being who would give you the shirt off his back. The film showcases this aspect many times with uplifting examples from fans of WINO’s never-ending list of projects such as Saint Vitus, The Obsessed, Planet Caravan and many others.

There isn’t a narrative as such for the film. As the film chronicles all the projects that WINO has been involved over the years with many of the key players who WINO played with at that time. The film is highly complimentary of the great man himself with contributions from Jason Taylor, Brian Constantino, Jimmy Bower, Dave Sherman and Bobby Liebling. 

The film includes all the classic hits that WINO is known for and the soundtrack is amazing with vintage clips of WINO performing many of these great tracks LIVE. The quality of these clips varies but all undeniably showcase that a wonderful performer that WINO really is. 

There are some moments that could make for uncomfortable viewing for some such as WINO’s interaction with a female fan on stage and WINO’s intake of illegal substances that took me by surprise. However, Sharlee showcases some tender magical moments with WINO enjoying time with his mother, his three children and interactions with his fans.

The documentary ends on a sombre and uplifting moment as Sharlee asks WINO why he has quit Alcohol and Drugs which he advises to live a healthier and longer health style. Which is great to hear and showcases the great man may have mellowed and is now living for the right reasons but he’s still a beacon of truth for the Doom/Stoner Metal community. 

With the promise of a new The Obsessed album on the horizon, I’m grateful WINO is still here and that he’s around for a long time to release more great music in the future.

Sharlee does a stellar job in creating a beautifully raw, unflinching and highly unapologetic film that pulls no punches from start to finish. This is one of the best musical documentaries I’ve seen since Such Hawks Such Hounds. WINO: The Documentary should be essential viewing for all followers of the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal scene. 

WINO: The Documentary is a true original, a bit like the great man himself. 

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Claire at Purple Sage PR for the copy of the film.

WINO: The Documentary is available to buy now on Digital Download here and DVD via Wino-Art

"WINO: The Documentary", the story of US doom metal legend SCOTT "WINO" WEINRICH to be released by New Terms Productions on May 13th!

WINO: The Documentary, the story of SCOTT "WINO" WEINRICH, one of heavy metal's most iconic underground figureheads and godfather of doom, will be released by New Terms Productions on May 13th digitally and on DVD.

"WINO: The Documentary" is the story of doom rock legend Scott 'Wino' Weinrich, known for his many influential bands such as The Obsessed, Saint Vitus, Spirit Caravan, The Hidden Hand, Premonition 13, Wino Acoustic, Place of Skulls, Shrinebuilder, Probot, and more.

Dive into the outlaw life, epic career, and enduring influence of Wino, in this honest, raw, and often hilarious depiction of the man and his music. Woven together with heavier-than-hell live performances from his many legendary bands, the story is structured by the truth told in his own words, through interviews, road trips, tours, intimate behind the scenes, and the quest to pick up his 1964 Harley Davidson panhead chopper, Mr. Nasty.

The movie features Bobby Liebling (Pentagram), Dixie Dave (Weedeater), Jimmy Bower (Down, Eyehategod), Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters), Phil Anselmo (Pantera, Down), Pepper Keenan (Corrosion of Conformity), Henry Rollins (Black Flag), and more.

Created and directed by Sharlee Patches of New Terms Productions, 'Wino: The Documentary' is set for a physical and digital release on May 13th, 2023. It will be premiered on March 25th at the Maryland International Film Festival, and on April 20th at Tinker Street Cinema in Woodstock, NY, with additional acoustic show + screening dates to be announced soon.

Watch The Trailer Below:

WINO: The Documentary" available on May 13th, 2023

Digitally on bit.ly/newtermsproductions
DVD preorder available on www.wino-art.com

Scott “Wino” Weinrich is widely known as the iconic frontman of cornerstone doom metal founders SAINT VITUS and THE OBSESSED — both founded in the late 70s and revered for inspiring hundreds of bands in their sovereign wake — as well as SPIRIT CARAVAN, THE HIDDEN HAND, SHRINEBUILDER, and more. Through his prolific and passion-driven 40-year career, whether he was laying the foundations of modern doom or successfully sailing across stirring folk rock lands, Wino has remained an unwavering force of the underground scene. Wino formed his first band The Obsessed in 1978, starting the reign of “heavy and slow” decades before doom grew into a flourishing worldwide genre unto itself. A few years later, he moved to California to join Saint Vitus, with whom he released the seminal ‘Born Too Late’ (1986), one of the most powerful statements in doom’s early history, with Wino’s raspy, heartfelt and punk-charged vocals booming loudly above the crowd of howling, gimmicky Ozzy copycats.

Following a reformation of The Obsessed and a brief major-label flirtation in the early 90s which included a piledriving update of Black Sabbath's "The Wizard" alongside Geezer Butler, Bill Ward and Rob Halford, Wino formed yet another influential outfit, Spirit Caravan. The new band fused his trademark sludgy churn with an increased soulfulness, beginning to lay the groundwork for his eventual exploration of acoustic and expansive songwriting. During this time, Dave Grohl also invited Wino to join his all-star Probot project alongside Lemmy Kilmister, King Diamond, Max Cavalera and other notables. 

Numerous world tours with his various bands later, the creative source remained inexhaustible as Wino embarked on a new direction with the release of his solo debut, ‘Punctuated Equilibrium’, quickly followed by a second solo LP ‘Adrift’ in 2010, a series of collaborations with German folk songwriter Conny Ochs, and ‘Forever Gone’ in 2020. Wino embarked on extensive European and North American tours as a solo act, continuing to maintain his thriving solo output even with the arrival of a much-heralded and welcomed re-constitution of The Obsessed formed for the third time in 2017. The Obsessed, now a 4-piece, have toured extensively since 2020, and have just completed their latest studio album “Gilded Sorrow”, to be released on Ripple Music in 2023.

Today, Wino is respected the world over as the godfather of doom and one of underground heavy music’s most revered lifers. Worldwide festivals like Roadburn, Hellfest, Psycho Las Vegas, Desertfest, Maryland Deathfest, Rock Hard Fest, Monolith On The Mesa and countless others keep inviting Wino back through his various sonic incarnations year after year.

SCOTT "WINO" WEINRICH links:

Facebook - Instagram - Website

WINO - Forever Gone (Album Review)

Release date: June 26^th 2020. Label: Ripple Music. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Forever Gone – Tracklisting

1.Forever Gone

2.Taken

3.The Song's At The Bottom Of The Bottle 04:42

4.No Wrong

5.Dark Ravine

6.Dead Yesterday

7.So Fine

8.Crystal Madonna

9.Lavender and Sage

10.Was, Is, and Shall Be

11.Isolation 04:12

Review

I was surprised when Ripple Music announced they had signed Doom Metal Legend WINO to their ranks and will be releasing his first solo album in a decade. This announcement shows you how far that Ripple Music have come since starting way back in 2010.

Forever Gone is the name of the album and this classic WINO through and through with the album dealing with personal issues such as loss and darkness set against a backdrop of acoustic songs that bring a Doom based atmosphere that feature the legendary sound that WINO is known for. There are 11 songs on the album and you will hear some of the best songs to date that WINO has written for his solo career.

The album starts with the excellent sounding title-track and it sees WINO in a heartfelt mood with a gloomy guitar only for company and the music has echoes of Americana and Psychedelic Rock. WINO is in master storyteller mode on this song and for the majority of the album. The lyrics have extra personal weight to them and you feel the struggles that WINO deals with on this song.

Second song – Taken – opens with a slight Americana/Country groove with a twinge of Psych Rock with the classical style of lyrics that is full of pain and emotion. The blues based guitars are superbly played but it’s WINO vocal delivery that makes song truly standout.

Third song – The Song’s At The Bottom Of The Bottle – is classic WINO through and through with the lyrics once again showing a dark world that WINO has no doubt lived and explaining his experiences touring across the globe. The music is beautifully played with the Blues/Doomed Out riffs making this one of the standout songs on the album.

Fourth song – No Wrong – carries on the emotionally driven style of music with great vocals from everyone concerned. WINO does show his anger and frustration on this song but offers a more reflective outlook as well. There is some epic psychedelic acoustic guitars held on this song and it’s a welcome addition to an already superb sounding and inventive album.

Forever Gone has seven more songs for WINO to impress you with. The album does take darker turns with other songs on the album but WINO still manages to find the time to offer a more hopeful experience as well. That’s always been one of WINO greatest strengths on whatever project he’s involved with over the past 44 years or so.

Other great songs to check out are: Dead Yesterday, You’re So Fine, Crystal Madonna and a cover of Joy Division classic – Isolation. I know that WINO has performed Isolation a number of times over the years with most memorably Conny Ochs. Though, it’s good to hear a proper studio version and WINO brings his own spin to an already classic song.

Forever Gone is an expertly produced album with something for everyone to enjoy and admire. The album also proves why WINO is considered The Godfather Of Doom Metal. He’s been going as a musician for almost 45 years now and that’s the stuff of legend in my book.

There’s a few solo albums being released this year from artists who are part of famous Doom/Sludge Metal bands with Kirk Windstein already releasing his solo album earlier this year. Thomas V Jäger of Monolord fame will be releasing his solo album very soon. 

However, Forever Gone is perhaps the best solo album I’ve heard this year and is an album of the year contender and even a future classic album in the making.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Purple Sage PR for the promo. Forever Gone will be available to buy on CD/DD/Vinyl via Ripple Music from June 26^th 2020.

Links:

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