The Obsessed
The Church Within

THE REVIEW

Seminal band in the world of doom metal, founded by the living legend Scott "Wino" Weinrich in the early '80s, only to be set aside by the same leader due to his role as lead singer for Saint Vitus. In the early '90s, Wino picked up where he left off a decade earlier, releasing two great albums of pure doom'n roll followed by this "The Church Within", produced by none other than Sony (a rare occurrence in doom...). The switch to the major label is evident from the very polished and clean production compared to the first two much rawer and more genuine albums; this certainly takes away from the trio's rough and dark sound, but as a final result, we still have a good album.

For this third incarnation, Wino returns with a rhythm section different from the original: Guy Pinhas on bass and Greg Rogers on drums, both of whom we will later find in Goatsnake. Besides the production, the most noticeable change is the genre shift from the purely raw doom metal shores towards an all-around hard rock/metal; although the doom elements are clearly identifiable, they are placed in a more generic context in line with the album's trend. Despite the premises that seem to sink any possible success of the product (it’s always risky to distort one’s sound), the album is on decidedly good levels; the tracks are imbued with great energy and solemnity, along with a really massive sound; the rotten feeling that has characterized the trio from the start occasionally resurfaces with vigor. There are many well-crafted songs, from the initial "To Protect And To Serve", an anthem to the rawest hard rock that doesn't need many words, to "Blind Lighting" with strong metallic hues and a solemn, declamatory pace; in addition to the very intense "Streamlined", or echoes of early Trouble in "Decimation."

In conclusion, a fundamental group for anyone who appreciates doom in all its forms, perhaps best explored through the first two albums; but "The Church Within" remains a good work, despite some occasional lapses that do not jeopardize the overall positive judgment.

Rating: 3.5/5