Last year, Maryland doom pioneers The Obsessed came back together for a gig at Roadburn 2012 (review here) and a steady stream of reunion slots has followed. They hit Hellfest last year in France, and in 2013, they’ve appeared at Power of the Riff in L.A., Maryland Deathfest and the Scion Rock Fest, as well as probably a few others I’m forgetting. Guitarist/vocalist Scott “Wino” Weinrich and drummer Greg Rogers have had to bring in Rwake bassist Reid Raley along the way to replace Guy Pinhas — most recently found performing with Victor Griffin’s In~Graved, and then not — but they’ve only done more and more shows.

Given the increased frequency of appearances — from “none” to “some” — I can’t help but wonder if a studio return from The Obsessed might be in the works as well. I haven’t heard anything yes or no, or seen word public or private about it, so it’s pure speculation on my part, but given everything Wino‘s been through musically since the release of The Obsessed‘s 1994 outing, The Church Within, all the bands he’s been in, development he’s undergone as a player and as a songwriter, I can’t help but wonder what he might be able to bring to a new batch of The Obsessed material. Would it keep to the straightforward traditions of the self-titled, or touch on some of the more heavy rock-oriented vibes of Wino‘s work since in bands like Spirit Caravan, Premonition 13 and his own Wino trio.

The Obsessed has always had a singular vibe within the Wino pantheon, arguably the most doomed of the acts in which he’s played guitar (that is, everything other than Saint Vitus), but 20 years is a long time and who knows what a new record might bring with Rogers and Raley as the rhythm section taking part in the songwriting.

While I daydream on it, here’s The Obsessed on June 1, 2013 at the Scion Rock Fest in Memphis, Tennessee, breathing new life into “The Way She Fly,” the second track off the self-titled album. Enjoy and have a great Wino Wednesday.

The Obsessed, “The Way She Fly” Live at Scion Rock Fest 2013

…To be perfectly frank, I can’t decide where I’m at with this thing. By all accounts, the inaugural Scion Rock Fest was a blast last year in Atlanta, and Columbus, where it’s being held this year, is a substantially shorter drive. There are a couple CD stores there I’d like to check out, and with YOB and Shrinebuilder on the show, I know I’d at least get my money’s worth — especially since the entry is free.

Not only that, but arguing in favor of my attendance is that it’s my spring break and I wouldn’t even have to worry about the reading/writing I should be doing for school (that comes later in the week, like Monday). And even the bigger, heavier acts like Hate Eternal or Cannibal Corpse, they’re certainly cool by me. I know I’ve dropped hints here before, but I’m a big fan of well done death metal, and though I’ve seen both of those bands and most of the others on the bill in whom I’d be interested in seeing, it might be a cool mix to catch them together in one sitting.

On the other hand is the whole Scion thing. Not even so much the corporate sponsorship, but the fact that they put their name as the first word in it. It was never Cheetos Emissions from the Monolith or Honda Stoner Hands of Doom. Even SXSW, which actually has plenty, shows a little decorum about their rampant name-selling (at least until you get there). So what’s a boy to do?

Well, I know I’m not flying to Austin this year, and it’s looking more and more like Roadburn isn’t going to happen either, despite my wishes to the contrary. If they do another Planet Caravan in Asheville, I could be down for that, but that’s later in the summer, and honestly, I could stand to get the hell out of the valley for a day or two, even if most of that time is spent on Rt. 80. The debate rages on, and I can’t imagine they’re finished adding bands to the Scion Rock Fest, so we’ll see how it all plays out. Needless to say, if I do end up making the trip, I’ll let you know.