I’m a tad slow out of the blocks to kick off the new year. Though in reviewing terms, it seems par for the course for yours truly. Time spent enjoying a break from the everyday job grind, catching up on the bounty of overlooked 2025 releases, and, as per tradition, enjoying the comfort of personal favorites and metal classics has occupied my time. As we plunge on through a wild, erratic, and intermittently sweltering Aussie summer, some hard-rocking doomy fun seems like a suitable seasonal pastime. Thus, while wading through the promo sump, I stumbled across the self-titled debut of fresh project, Ritual Arcana. Soon discovering this seasoned power trio features none other than the legendary Scott ‘Wino’ Weinrich (Saint Vitus, The Obsessed, Spirit Caravan), wielding his scuzzed-up axe alongside Sharlee LuckyFree (ex-Moth) on bass and vocals, and drummer Oakley Munsen (The Black Lips).

Rather than a stoned cruise through the desert, Ritual Arcana play a raucous, bewitching blend of hard slugging doom and occult-tinged rock, fit to appeal to fans of nostalgiacore retro rock, Wino’s various projects, and other smoky doom persuasions such as Sabbath Assembly, Jess and the Ancient Ones, Castle Rat, and Witch Mountain. Imbued with dark, alluring vibes and a riff rumbling bluesy edge, Ritual Arcana features the requisite doom-laden heft and freewheeling grooves to accompany songs that rock and rumble with a sprightly bounce. The jammy, psych-drenched swagger leans as much into heavy rock and stoner realms as it does dour doom. LuckyFree’s beguiling pipes boast an undeniable appeal and hooky charm. And while perhaps not the most unique female vocalist in the biz, she holds her own and supplies plenty of earwormy hooks atop a solid foundation of hefty rhythms and fat, swaggering riffs.

Right off the bat, the opening title track lays a groovy path, riding a thick, simplistic central groove and catchy vocal flow, enlivened by Wino’s easy-on-the-ear lead work. Similarly, bluesy, hard-rocking fare and juicy hooks feature prominently (“Free Like a Pirate,” “Summon the Wheel,” “Road Burnt,” and “Judgment XX”) to fun effect, nestled between doomy, heavier fare. These are solid examples of Ritual Arcana’s formula; however, the most interesting material leans deeper into their doomy roots. “Mistress of Change” possesses an ominous atmosphere and lurching, drunken gait, highlighted by LuckyFree’s slightly unhinged vocal performance. Similarly impactful bursts of rugged doom, molten riffage, and rawer vocal turns feature on the highlight-worthy “Subtle Fruits.” There are no blatant weak points, just certain tunes that hit harder and stick for longer. Ritual Arcana do the bluesy hard rock stuff well, yet it’s the brooding doomier forays that sustain greater interest.

What they perhaps lack in innovation, Ritual Arcana compensate through lean and tightly wound songwriting, solid musicianship, and familiar yet delightfully catchy songs. Wino is an iconic metal legend, and even minus the gruff, well-lived presence of his vocals, he makes a punchy impact through his accomplished guitar work. The well-worn riffs carry a fresh, catchy edge; however, it’s the flashier leads and psych-drenched embellishments that complement the no-frills riffs. And as cool and effective as LuckyFree’s vocals are, it is a tad disappointing that Wino’s grizzled voice doesn’t pop up in cameo or dueting form. Meanwhile, the production may be a little clean for some tastes; however, it’s easy to appreciate the clarity and chunky tones.

Ritual Arcana is a likable, gratifyingly catchy exercise in seasoned doom and psych-riddled occult rock from experienced hands. It plays things a little too safe at times, and as enjoyable and undeniably infectious as the songwriting on this debut platter proves to be, it rarely hits truly outstanding levels. Regardless, this style of doom/occult rock has an infectious charm, and when in the hands of veterans and a legend like Wino, it is difficult to fuck up. Ritual Arcana is a cool example of the saturated style and perhaps a precursor to greater things to come from this unit.



Rating: 3.0/5.0
DR: 6 | Format Reviewed: 304 kbps mp3
Label: Heavy Psych Sounds | Bandcamp
Websites: facebook.com/ritualarcana
Releases Worldwide: January 23rd, 2026

Stanotte, svegliato alle 5 dagli starnuti, ne ho approfittato per comprare e guardare questo documentario che avevo in lista da un po':

“WINO: The Documentary”, ovvero – ovvio no? – la storia di Scott “Wino” Weinrich, leggenda vivente e ancora suonante del doom (ha pubblicato un disco solista un paio di mesi fa; l'ultimo degli Obsessed è dell'anno scorso).

Se si escludono i momenti in cui spara stronzate cospirazioniste (per fortuna non sono molti) è un bel documentario, con un sacco di bei filmati di archivio, e a tratti è anche divertente.

https://newterms.gumroad.com/l/WINO

#CineMastodon #music #Wino #DoomMetal #TheObsessed #SaintVitus

📰 New Special Clip for 'The Obsessed' Anime Film Showcases 'Ai no Uta' Melody

Anime enthusiasts have a reason to celebrate as a special clip from the anime film 'The Obsessed' has been unveiled, featuring the emotive insert song 'Ai no Uta.' Since its debut in Japan on November 7, the film has been turning heads with its intri...

🔗 Read more: https://animenewsdaily.us/articles/44021

#AnimeNews #CRUNCHYROLL #TheObsessed

‘The Obsessed’ Review: An Italian Man Hops Between a Million Different Hobbies in a Fun and Quirky Anime Musical
#IndieWire #Criticism #Movies #Film #Reviews #TheObsessed #Tokyo

https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/the-obsessed-anime-movie-review-1235159304/

In Wino Veritas Listening Session

#NowSpinning

Create or Die by Wino

#vinyl
👇
https://ripplemusic.bandcamp.com/album/create-or-die

The Legend of #doom #rock #metal #theobsessed ( #bandcamp )

Wino – Create or Die Review

By Steel Druhm

Everything is coming up Wino! We were blessed with a new album by The Obsessed last year, and in 2025 we get his fourth solo outing. I’ve filled reams of pages here at AMG about what an important figure Scott “Wino” Weinrich is to the metalverse, so I’ll resist the urge to make the entire review another summary of his career and legacy. Suffice it to say, his work founding The Obsessed and later fronting Saint Vitus helped shape the American doom scene and gave it an essential shot of street-level toughness and integrity. His solo output has been more about 70s rock with occasional Americana and country influences, but the doom ethos still oozes in through the cracks of his craggy psyche. Create or Die is no different, drawing inspiration from 1970s psych/acid rock, folk, and country, all boiled down and filtered through the perspective of a man who lived a hard-scrabble, tumultuous life, struggling to realize his artistic visions while knowing that the public will never embrace them. In a sense, he’s a feral version of Bruce Springsteen, writing paeans to those who toil in obscurity to eke out a sparse living. There’s a raw beauty to his writing, and on Create or Die, his ragged soul is worn on his tattoo sleeve for all to see.

Things open with the very 70s rock-centric “Anhedonia,” which pulses with Wino’s gritty retro guitar work and soulful vocals. The sound isn’t far from The Obsessed circa The Church Within, though Wino’s riffs have more than a little Spirit Caravan spice too. It’s a burly dose of 70s rock with Wino’s rough charms selling it like a gently used Buick Skylark. “New Terms” places banjo and bodhran center stage for something you’d hear outside some backwoods distillery in Appalachia, and it works like a charm. One of the early highlights is the poignant and earnest “Never Say Goodbye.” It’s the kind of soulful song Wino excels at, and there’s a simple, comforting humanity to it. The sound isn’t far from what Bruce Springsteen was during his Nebraska era, and it touches some of the same heartstrings. “Hopeful Defiance” brings a metal edge back to the workshop, sounding like an urgent variant of The Obsessed, and Wino rants against the establishment like a dirty 60s hippie.

The back half of Create or Die is where Wino really comes into his own. “Us or Them” is another standout, bringing emotion but keeping things lean and mean. Wino’s stripped-down riffing echoes his Saint Vitus days, and his vocals perfectly suit his defiant lyrics. There’s a coolness factor here that few other than Wino can impart to a song, and it radiates gravitas. “Lost Souls Fly” is a melancholic, pensive piece that rambles over 7 minutes, but the journey never feels challenging. You just drift along as Wino narrates tales of life and death, lessons learned, and losses accepted. It’s oddly beautiful and compelling, though things are kept very minimalist. Penultimate track “Bury Me in Texas” almost sounds like something Clutch might come up with it, with steel guitars meshing with Wino’s lived-in vocals. It’s like Americana with a metal edge and it has an authenticity that puts it over. There are no tracks here I dislike, and you get a sharp, diverse collection of moods and ideas from across Wino’s career.

Wino is an old soul, and the same kind of songwriter as Towns Van Zandt, Johnny Cash, and the aforementioned Springsteen. He writes from the perspective of his own life, but in the process speaks to some universal truths about life. Apparently, he’s been working on some of these songs for years, trying to get them into just the right shape, and that kind of dedication to songcraft is rare these days. His lyrics are rarely upbeat, but there’s always an appeal to love and beauty in his lines. He’s blessed with a very distinctive voice, and it’s just as well-suited to acoustic folk as it is heavy doom. He brings a shabby elegance and weary eloquence to it all that few can match, and that’s why he’s such a pleasure to listen to. His guitar work across Create or Die is smart and satisfying, sometimes heavy, other times soft and calming, always recognizably Wino.

Whether it’s one of Wino’s numerous projects or his solo material, you know you will get good music full of passion and emotion, and that’s what Create or Die delivers. As the man ages and meditates on life, he sounds more and more like the voice of a lost age, with sage wisdom he needs to pass to the young. Though I’m far from young myself, I will always listen and absorb what Wino has to say. You should too. Treasure the greats while we have ’em, folks.

Rating: 3.5/5.0
DR: 7 | Format Reviewed: Lossless
Label: Ripple Music
Website: facebook.com/scottweinrich
Releases Worldwide: October 24th, 2025

#2025 #35 #CreateOrDie #FolkRock #HardRock #Oct25 #Review #Reviews #RippleMusic #TheObsessed #Wino

📰 Exclusive Musical Preview Released for Upcoming Anime Film 'The Obsessed' Before Japan Debut

Anime fans have been treated to an exciting new musical clip from the eagerly awaited film 'The Obsessed.' This sneak peek offers a glimpse into the movie's enchanting world, where music and animation come together to create a mesmerizing experience....

🔗 Read more: https://animenewsdaily.us/articles/42599

#AnimeNews #CRUNCHYROLL #TheObsessed

📰 Exclusive Preview: 'The Obsessed' Anime Film Unveils Captivating Giuseppe's Theme

Fans of anime are in for a treat as a new clip from the much-anticipated film 'The Obsessed' has been released, offering a glimpse into the enchanting 'Giuseppe's Theme'. Scheduled for a theatrical release in Japan on November 7, the film has already...

🔗 Read more: https://animenewsdaily.us/articles/42491

#AnimeNews #CRUNCHYROLL #TheObsessed