In a candid conversation with the publication Electric Eye, Scott "Wino" Weinrich, the iconic frontman of American doom metal pioneers THE OBSESSED, has offered an in-depth look at the band’s forthcoming album, tentatively titled "Live Fast – Love Hard – Die Free." Set for an early 2027 release via Heavy Psych Sounds Records, this new offering will follow the critically acclaimed "Gilded Sorrow," which was released in 2024. The recording sessions for "Live Fast – Love Hard – Die Free" took place at Waterford Digital Studio in Pasadena, Maryland, under the expert guidance of producer Frank Marchand.
Weinrich, a figure synonymous with the evolution of heavy music, detailed the distinct sonic character of the new material, particularly in contrast to its predecessor. A significant factor in this evolution, he explained, is the integration of new drummer Bob Pantella. Pantella, a seasoned veteran known for his work with THE ATOMIC BITCHWAX and RAGING SLAB, and currently a member of MONSTER MAGNET, brings a formidable energy and rhythmic foundation to THE OBSESSED. This marks a departure from Brian Costantino, who had been the band’s drummer since 2017’s "Sacred."
"The main difference is we have a new drummer, Bob Pantella," Weinrich stated, as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET. "We did ‘Gilded’ with Brian Costantino, who had been in the band since ‘Sacred.’ So after Brian left, we got Bob. We were very lucky to find Bob. Bob plays drums in THE ATOMIC BITCHWAX, and they’ve been playing around for a long, long, long time. So I’ve rubbed shoulders with him for a long time, knowing each other. He was also in one of my favorite bands from the day, RAGING SLAB, for one record. And then, of course, he’s in MONSTER MAGNET. So, I felt seriously lucky to be able to get him, and, man, it’s great."
Weinrich elaborated on how Pantella’s drumming has influenced the songwriting approach for "Live Fast – Love Hard – Die Free." "Consequently, because he can come out of the gate blazing, then I kind of took the opportunity to utilize that in the songwriting process for ‘Live Fast.’ There’s some drum breaks that are in there and stuff like that. It adds a solidness to the band that I think – well, it wasn’t necessarily lacking, but it’s a different kind of [sound]. It’s just a powerful groove."
The album’s structure also reflects a deliberate shift. "On ‘Live Fast,’ it’s 10 songs. I think the longest one is five and a half minutes, so it’s more about the song than the jam. And so we crammed a lot of lyrics in there. So I hope everybody likes it." This focus on concise, impactful songwriting suggests a more direct and perhaps more aggressive presentation of the band’s signature doom metal sound.
The Philosophy of "Live Fast – Love Hard – Die Free"
The album’s title, "Live Fast – Love Hard – Die Free," is more than just a provocative statement; it encapsulates Weinrich’s deeply held personal philosophy. He explained that the title stems from a belief in embracing life’s inherent realities and challenges with resilience and authenticity.
"Well, I believe that you embrace life for what it is," Weinrich shared. "I mean, life is life. I’m 66, so I see people half of my age, they’re completely beat down by life already, and it’s probably because they’re conditioned by either society’s condition or possibly just affected by doing a job that they might not particularly like, being in a relationship they don’t particularly like."
He emphasized the importance of pursuing one’s passions, particularly in creative endeavors. "I think it’s really important to try. I know it’s not possible for everybody, but I think it’s important to try to do what you want, when you’re working especially, or else you can fall into that negative groove. I mean, art is my thing. I believe the world is my canvas, whether it’s music, whether it’s… I draw and all that stuff. My last solo record’s called ‘Create Or Die.’ I mean, that’s basically my core philosophy, is create or die. It’s what we do. It’s what I do, and I’m always decorating shit and whatnot. But I think that it’s what keeps me alive."
This philosophy of active creation as a means of sustenance and survival has been a guiding principle throughout Weinrich’s extensive career, which spans decades and multiple influential bands. It resonates with the raw, unvarnished nature of his music, which often explores themes of struggle, defiance, and the search for meaning.
The Enduring Appeal of the Full-Length Album
In an era increasingly dominated by digital consumption and the proliferation of singles, Weinrich expressed his commitment to the traditional full-length album format. He believes it offers a more immersive and meaningful experience for both artists and listeners, particularly in the context of physical media.
"I think so," Weinrich responded when asked about the importance of preserving the full-length album tradition. "And a lot of other people think so, too. I mean, vinyl on the road is our hottest commodity. If anything, CDs are on the way out." He recalled a conversation with his guitarist, Jason Taylor, highlighting the changing landscape of music consumption. "I always wondered… I asked Jason – he’s younger than me, our guitar player – and I was, like, ‘Well, if I was to go to see a band live and I really liked them, I’d buy a CD to listen to on the way home,’ but he reminded me that new cars don’t even have CD players. And he goes, ‘The modern person can go to Spotify and pick song by song.’"
Despite acknowledging these shifts, Weinrich underscored the unique value of the album as an artistic statement and a tangible object. "Okay, I get it, but at the same time, with the record format you have the ability, for example, ‘Live Fast – Love Hard – Die Free’ is a gatefold. I asked for a gatefold specifically. And I’ll just give you a little clue. We did the art on the inside with shots from the stage of our fans, of our crowds. But I think people are gonna really get off on that, being able to, like, ‘Wow…’ If they were there, it’s a nice collage of big shows." The inclusion of fan-focused artwork within the gatefold packaging of "Live Fast – Love Hard – Die Free" further emphasizes the band’s connection with its audience and the album’s role as a commemorative piece.
Future Releases and Creative Momentum
Adding to the anticipation surrounding "Live Fast – Love Hard – Die Free," Weinrich revealed plans for a new EP, slated for recording in December 2026. This EP will be a standalone release, separate from the upcoming full-length album. The decision to record new material so soon after completing "Live Fast – Love Hard – Die Free" stems from a desire to explore creative ideas that may not have fit the album’s structure.
"We have a couple of tunes that didn’t make the final grade, that we still have in the can, that they’re good songs, but maybe for one reason or another, I didn’t have the lyrics or whatever it might be," Weinrich explained. "But I think what I’d really like to do with the EP is come at it with a brand new thing. Instead of doing a bunch of short songs, who knows? Maybe it’ll be one song. I don’t know. But I’m kind of feeling pretty inspired." This suggests an experimental approach for the EP, potentially featuring longer, more intricate compositions or a singular, epic track.
Regarding the live performance of new material, Weinrich indicated that THE OBSESSED has been cautiously introducing the title track of the upcoming album. "Well, we’ve been playing the title track," he confirmed. "We kind of don’t want to [play any more than that]… I mean, one camp is, like, ‘Let’s just play them.’ The other camp is, like, ‘Let’s hold them until the release.’ So we’re in that quandary. But I think that we’ll probably just hold them." He noted that the title track, "Live Fast – Love Hard – Die Free," has been well-received by audiences, attributing its impact to its energetic tempo, designed with the new lineup in mind. "The one song goes over good. I mean, it’s pretty fast. I wrote that song with the new lineup in mind, because Bob can come right out of the gate blazing. I’ve never been able to do that before. So that’s killer."
Weinrich further emphasized the symbiotic relationship between his songwriting and Pantella’s drumming prowess: "When I was writing ‘Live Fast – Love Hard – Die Free,’ I had [Bob] in mind [when] I wrote the drum [parts] and stuff, ’cause I could see it in my head, and now we can come out of the gate blazing if we want, which is amazing."
The Legacy of THE OBSESSED and Scott "Wino" Weinrich
THE OBSESSED’s return in 2024 with "Gilded Sorrow" marked a significant chapter in their storied career, following a seven-year hiatus. Released on the independent Californian label Ripple Music, "Gilded Sorrow" garnered considerable critical acclaim. Metal Hammer lauded it as "a must-listen for fans of the genre and a compelling entry point for newer voyagers into the world of doom," while Ghost Cult magazine declared it "the best the band has ever sounded." The album was characterized in a press release as "a defiantly abrasive, crushing and straightforward album that has already left an indelible mark on the heavy music landscape."
Scott "Wino" Weinrich is widely regarded as a living legend within the heavy music community. His career trajectory, marked by a relentless pursuit of artistic integrity and a consistent output of powerful, uncompromising music, has earned him comparisons to icons like Lemmy Kilmister. As a foundational figure in American doom metal, Weinrich’s influence can be traced back to the inception of THE OBSESSED in the late 1970s. His musical journey has also encompassed seminal contributions to bands such as SAINT VITUS and SPIRIT CARAVAN, solidifying his status as a multifaceted artist. Emerging from the vibrant Washington/Maryland music scene of the 1980s, his work transcended genre boundaries, earning respect from fans of metal, punk, and crossover music. The sound of THE OBSESSED, often categorized as doom metal, is more accurately described as gritty, street-wise American metal infused with a cynical edge and psychedelic undertones, a unique blend that has cemented Weinrich’s enduring legacy.
The band’s origins trace back to Potomac, Maryland, in the late 1970s. Influenced by artists like BLACK SABBATH, Frank Zappa, THE DICTATORS, and THE STOOGES, the initial lineup featured Weinrich, bassist Mark Laue, guitarist John Reese, and drummer Dave Flood. In 1983, Weinrich assumed vocal duties, and the band recorded the "Sodden Jackal" EP as a trio. The group disbanded in the late 1980s when Weinrich relocated to California to join SAINT VITUS. However, the release of "The Obsessed," an album recorded in 1985, by German label Hellhound Records and SAINT VITUS’s booking agency prompted Weinrich to resurrect THE OBSESSED. Following numerous lineup shifts, the band signed with Columbia Records in 1994, releasing their third album, "The Church Within." Despite widespread critical praise, the band disbanded again post-release, leading Weinrich to form SPIRIT CARAVAN (initially SHINE) and embark on other musical projects.
A significant reunion occurred in September 2011 when THE OBSESSED performed at the Roadburn festival with the celebrated lineup from "The Church Within": Weinrich, Greg Rogers, and Guy Pinhas. This was followed by additional reunion shows, including appearances at Hellfest in 2012 and Maryland Deathfest XI in May 2013, with bassist Reid Raley. In March 2016, Weinrich officially announced the full-time return of THE OBSESSED and their signing to Relapse Records for a new album. The initial lineup for this reformation included SPIRIT CARAVAN bassist Dave Sherman and longtime friend and former road crew member Brian Costantino on drums. By October 31, 2016, further lineup changes were announced, with Bruce Falkinburg on bass and Seraphim on guitar, marking the first time in over thirty-five years that the band had operated as a four-piece.
In 2017, THE OBSESSED released "Sacred," their first studio album in over two decades, further solidifying their place in heavy metal history. The lineup eventually stabilized with Brian Costantino on drums, Chris Angleberger on bass, Jason Taylor on guitar, and Scott "Wino" Weinrich at the helm. The winter of 2024 saw the band release their fifth album, "Gilded Sorrow," through their collaboration with Ripple Music, marking a return to active touring and festival appearances across North America and Europe. The consistent evolution and enduring creative output of THE OBSESSED, driven by Weinrich’s unwavering vision, continue to shape the landscape of doom metal and heavy music at large.
