The Obsessed’s Gilded Sorrow is a masterful blend of doom metal and rock ‘n’ roll grit, showcasing Wino’s uncanny ability to marry crushing heaviness with undeniable hooks. This album is as much about its anger and introspection as it is about raw, unrelenting guitar work, making it a standout in the band’s storied discography.
Opening with “Daughter of an Echo,” the band sets the tone with a dry, dust-laden doom groove that still manages to pulse with rock ’n’ roll vitality. Wino’s knack for crafting memorable choruses shines here, as the track balances weighty riffs with melodic accessibility.
The album burns with a simmering rage, particularly on “It’s Not OK.” This track seethes with venom, and the line “Come on snowflake” delivers a menace that feels almost tangible. It’s a stark reminder that The Obsessed can wield their words as powerfully as their instruments.
“Realize a Dream” shifts gears slightly, leaning into a chugging rhythm that propels the song forward with a metallic edge. The guitar work here is exceptional, channeling both precision and emotion to elevate the track. Meanwhile, the title track slows things down, offering a hypnotic experience that feels almost meditative amidst the surrounding chaos.
As the album unfolds, the guitar emerges as the true centerpiece, particularly on tracks like “Stoned Back to the Bomb Age.” This isn’t just a guitar album—it’s a heavy one, with riffs that feel like they’re lurking in the shadows before exploding into full force. “Wellspring” exemplifies this dynamic, building tension before its climactic assault, while “Jailine” counters with a swagger that exudes confidence.
“Yen Sleep” is a doom metal masterclass, distilling the essence of the genre into a brooding, immersive track. It offers a glimpse into what the album might have been in a parallel universe—one where it leaned even further into its darker tendencies. The closing track, “Lucky Free Nice Machine,” wraps things up with a fitting sense of finality, leaving listeners reflecting on the journey they’ve just experienced.
With Gilded Sorrow, The Obsessed reaffirm their place as doom metal legends. It’s an album that balances heaviness and melody, anger and introspection, delivering a listening experience as complex as it is satisfying.
Rating 8.5/10
