When speaking about Doom Metal roots, one surely points to BLACK SABBATH as the main source of the genre (an obvious feature, of course). But the contributions given by SAINT VITUS, WITCHFINDER GENERAL, TROUBLE, PENTAGRAM, CANDLEMASS, CIRITH UNGOL and others helped to improve the genre's personal features. But a great part of the fans forgets one important band: the Potomac, Maryland coroners of THE OBSESSED. Their Demo Tapes in the first half of the 80's called the attention of many, but the band took too much time to release its first album (that was to be released on 1985, but went to a shelf due the disbanding of the trio, and when Wino went to join SAINT VITUS). But "The Obsessed" finally came to the light in 1990, and Wino decided to bring back the trio from its early grave. In 1991, the second album of the band was released, called "Lunar Womb" that is being reissued by High Roller Records/Soulfood Records.

What the album presents is: a form of Doom Metal that isn't as bitter and funereal as his companions who built the genre. But this groove (a natural feature of the genre, as some new comer insists that it's not a Metal thing) and accurate melodic sense temper their musical work that sounds monolithic and with a mastodonic weight. Yes, it's really a very good work that lays the bleak foundations for their future works. And the energy and appeal shown on the songs are hard to resist. Even today, "Lunar Womb" sounds actual and fresh. The production was focused on the creation of something that could allow the band to be understood on the expression of their ideas, but keeping the organic feeling and the raw approach of the genre. And the things worked on a very good way, because as the songs play, nothing is lost.

The Doom Metal chaos unleashed by the trio is intense, with massive and solid songs. But for a first listening, the charming melodies and weight of "Brother Blue Steel", the bitter dynamic shown on "Bardo" (one of the two songs that has the bassist Scott on vocals) and of "Hiding Mask", the hooking Stoner Rock appeal of "Spew" (a very good instrumental song with great arrangements on bass guitar and drums), the grotesque darkened approach used on "Jaded" and "Back to Zero" (this second one is the other song sang by Scott), and the monolithic and hypnotic "Lunar Womb" are the best for a presentation. So hold the hand of them and let yourself go into a Doom Metal voyage guided by their music.

As good and fresh as when it was released for the first time, "Lunar Womb" shows its appeal for all those who want to have a different experience on Doom Metal. THE OBSESSED will be happy to give it to you.

And by the way, the band needs your help to keep alive, so patron them by the link https://www.patreon.com/theobsessed. Give a helping hand to those who give you happiness with music.