#it just transitions into a serie of nice smells and it's quite rare for me to like the head notes as much as the soul notes

[luckystrike-x]

.

[lovemesomesurveys]

Let’s start with you. How are you? Struggling, but here we are. What motivates you to get up every day? My body wakes me up and I finally drag myself outta bed for coffee. Do you have a true best friend? My mom.  Do you see yourself as a sensitive person? Very.  Have you been upset recently? Mhm.

Do you still leave/receive voicemails? I hateeee leaving voicemails. I very rarely get voicemails anymore. Do you live in your hometown? Yeah. Are you a festive person? Do you enjoy holidays? I love the holidays. Did you/Will you attend college? I did. I graduated in 2015. How many alarm clocks do you use? I’ve been known to just turn it off and fall back asleep, so I have to set several. Do you consider yourself to be an open-minded person? Yeah. Do you eat fruit? I like some fruits, but I’ve never been a big fruit eater. I honestly haven’t had any fruits in at least 3 years, possibly 4. What is your favorite subject to learn about? Psychology.  How many meals a day do you typically eat? 2-3 on good days, sometimes just 1, sometimes none. Music, eh? Have you seen any live shows? Yeah, a few. Name three of your favorite bands/artists… I have many. How big of a role does music play in your life? I enjoy music, but I don’t listen to it as much as I used to.  Can you play any instruments? I used to play some piano, but it’s over 10 years now since I’ve played. You’re feeling down - do you listen to sad music or happy? I gravitate toward the sad stuff. Ya know, #relatable and all that. If you’ve ever been to a concert, how old were you and who did you see? I’ve been to a few. My first one was when I was 16. The others were when I was 18 and early 20s. Do you prefer music to be meaningful and deep, or purely for dancing/fun? I like both. Is there a song or artist that you secretly enjoy, but don’t want to enjoy? No. I like what I like, I don’t care. If you could only listen to music from one decade, which would you choose? That’s toughhh. I love my 90s, but I like variety of music from different decades and like to listen to a bit of everything, so it would be hard to choose just one.  Has your parents taste in music in any way affected what you like? Yeah. We like a lot of the same stuff, especially my mom and I. You’re looking for some new music - what’s your preferred way to discover? Spotify. Do you still own any CD’s/records/tapes? Nope. A few years ago I sold them to a record store. Do you download music for free or pay for it? I use Spotify. We have the premium subscription, so we pay for it. Well, my mom does :X It’s a group plan thing that we have. Do you ever hear a new song on tv that you like and find it? Yeah, there’s been many times I’ve heard a song in a commercial or TV show/movie and looked it up. Speaking of television… (look at that smooth transition!) Do you watch a lot of television? Whether that be shows, news, movies etc. My TV is always on, but it does serve as background noise a lot. I have my shows I watch and pay attention to, and then there’s times I have something on and I tune in and out.   Do you watch the news? I watch entertainment news more often, but yeah I watch the regular news like The Today Show or some of our local news sometimes. I get most of news online, though. What about the weather channel? No. I just use the app on my phone.  What’s your favorite holiday movie? I love Christmas movies, there’s too many to name. What hooks you to a television show? Drama, suspense, comedy etc. I like all that, just depends on the plot really. How do you feel about adult cartoons? Not really my thing.

Talk shows - boring or entertaining? I watch a few. Do you prefer cable, satellite or streaming? We have satellite and we have streaming services like Netflix and Hulu as well.  Have you come across any new shows you like this year? I have a list of shows I want to watch, but haven’t gotten around to, yet. I think the only new shows I’ve watched were The Hills: New Beginnings and I got into Whose Line is it Anyway?, both new and old seasons lol. I used to watch it during its original run, but I recently started watching again because this one channel airs it every weeknight. OH, The Act on Hulu was really good. That was the Gypsy Rose mini series. But yeah, there’s a lot of shows I need to get around to watching.  Do you still watch shows that you grew up watching? Yep, a few.  What about movies that you grew up with? Lion King and Toy Story are mine! Yep, many. Are you subscribed to any streaming services? Netflix and Hulu. Reality shows - entertaining or horrifying? I watch quite a few, ha. What is the first movie you ever saw in a cinema? I don’t know the very first, but the one that always comes to mind for some reason is Stuart Little. I know that’s not the very first, though. Let’s talk about what you don’t discuss at Sunday brunch… Do you identify with any organized religion? Christianity. If so - is it how you were raised, or have you found your own? My paternal grandparents are Christians and I went to church and Sunday school sometimes with them, but my parents weren’t/aren’t religious. They both believe in God, but they didn’t raise me with any religion. I was actually atheist and then agnostic for most of my life, up until 3 years ago. Do you think that marijuana should be legalized? Yes. If so, would that be for medical use only, or recreational? It has a lot of benefits so definitely for medical/health purposes, but I don’t care if people want to do it recreationally.  Pro-life or pro-choice? Have you ever protested or been on strike? No. Is gun control necessary or no? Yes of course.  Are you happy with the political state where you reside? Blahhh politics. Why do you feel that way? Have you read the book 13 Reasons Why or watched the show? Both. I read the book in high school or middle school, I don’t remember which and I’ve watched the show. The tv show brings teenage suicide to light in a graphic manner. Should shows like this be available to everyone or could it be a trigger? I mean, I think it’s something that needs to be talked about. It’s a real thing and we can’t act like it doesn’t exist. Mental illness is already so taboo and people don’t want to talk about, so it gets pushed under the rug and there’s stigma attached to it and people aren’t educated on it like they should be. I understand it can be triggering and difficult for people and that’s fine, they don’t have to watch it if they feel they can’t. I also want to note that there were warnings before each episode.  Okay, let’s simmer down. Back to happy things. Do you like animals? Yes. If so, do you have any pets? Yep, I have a doggo. (: What is your favorite day of the week and why? * I dont have a favorite day of the wk. They’re prtty much all the same to me <<< Same. Do you have a favorite season? Fall and winter. How do you enjoy nice scents? Candles, wax melts, incense, oils etc. I have a few candles actually, but I never light them lol. They smell great, though. We have a few wax warmers around the house, though, which are nice. I like those because I don’t have use fire. I also like to use some air fresheners, just nothing too strong. Do you live in a large city or small town? It’s medium sized I’d say. Are you happy with that or would you like to change it? I’d like to live in a smaller city, I think.  Do you have any children? Nooo. Are there any colors that you think compliment you? Black. Do you enjoy cleaning or find it to be a chore? I definitely don’t enjoy it. What is your absolute favorite food? For the past few months it’s been scrambled eggs with cheese and spinach by itself or wrapped in a tortilla, bologna sandwiches, Ramen, and pizza.  If you were any color, what would you be? Gray. Do you spend a lot of time on social networks? Yeah. Books or movies? I enjoy both.

[vitki-x-visindi-blog]

Allow Me To Introduce Myself

I’m not really good at talking about myself unless prompted, so I’m just snagging a Bio Template and a Questionnaire and filling it out. I might add to it, IDK. I know you’re supposed to be asked these and then answer, but I don’t have any followers, soooo... BASIC INFORMATION Full name: Nah. Call me Vitki. It kinda means something like “shaman” in old Norse. Visindi means “knowledge”, which I’m always after. I love learning things. Pronunciation: “Vit-kee” “Vis-IN-dee” Nickname(s) or Alias: I haven’t chosen a male name yet, so we’ll stick with Vitki or V. Gender: FtM. If you have a problem with that, I suggest you move on, or “DNI”, as the kids say. Species: Age: 28... I think? Birthday: 9/24 Sexuality: How do you get the eggplant emoji when you’re on the computer... Nationality: Idk. I’m a whole jumble of things. I look like your typical white American, though. Religion: I don’t even know. I think the best way to put it is Atheistic Asataru Shamanism... I’m still figuring myself out. Place of birth: South Carolina. Current Resident: Indiana. Languages: English. I know. I’m mundane and sad. I want to learn another language, though. I just don’t have a way to take classes or anything. Relationship Status: Married PHYSICAL APPEARANCE Height: 5ft 3in Weight: 180lbs. Yeah, I’m chubby. I don’t have the motivation to do anything about it, though. I do have a goal, btw. I swear I’ll never crack 200lbs. Hair Colour: Black, usually Hairstyle: Short, messy Facial Hairstyle: Clean, right now. I haven’t transitioned, so I really can’t do anything about that. Eye Colour: Brown Tattoos: None yet, unfortunately, Piercings: Ears HEALTH Smoker? Nope. Never. Drinker? RARELY. I can’t really handle the smell of alcohol, so I kind of avoid it unless I feel like I NEED to get a little drunk. Even then, I really only drink Mike’s Hard Lemonade and shit like that. Recreational Drug User? Which? No. And I would ONLY consider cannabis. First off, though, it’s illegal. I wouldn’t have a problem with it if it was legal, and I do wish it was so cops could focus on shit that needs to be dealt with. Smoking anything just doesn’t appeal to me. Addictions: None that I can think of. Allergies: None that I know of. Any physical ailments/illnesses/disabilities: I am SUPER. FUCKING. BLIND. Without my contacts. And I get worse every year. I’m really terrified of getting so bad that contacts and glasses can’t fix it. PERSONALITY Personality: Likes: Dislikes: Fears/phobias: Talents/skills: EATING HABITS Omnivore/Carnivore/Herbivore:  Favourite food(s): Favourite drink(s): Disliked food(s):  Disliked drink(s):  HOUSE AND HOME Favourite type of house/home:  Do you share their home with anyone? Who?  Significant/special belongings:  CAREER Level of education:  Current job title and description:  FAMILY, FRIENDS AND FOES Parents names: Are parents alive or dead?  Still in contact with your parents?  Siblings? Relationship with siblings?  Other Important Relatives: Partner/Spouse:  Children:  Best Friend:  Other Important Friends:  Pets:  50,000 Questions 1. What’s your favourite colour? Icy blue. It used to be red, maroon, or terra cotta, but my personality has kind of... calmed down since then, I guess. That doesn’t mean I don’t still get mad, though.

2. What’s your favourite movie? Forever Lion King. I do really like other movies, but if I had to watch only one for the rest of my life, it would have to be Lion King.

3. What’s your favourite book? I don’t really have a favourite book. I really like a few different series, though. Harry Potter is a big one, but I really like Guardians of Ga’Hoole as well. I feel like it doesn’t get the recognition it deserves because the movie didn’t give it justice (even if it was really good on its own). I also used to be REALLY in to Warriors, but I’ve kind of resented the Erins ever since the “bad kid atheists” arc. Don’t even get me started on that.

4. What’s your favourite kind of food? Italian, I think. I’m super, ungodly picky, but I feel like a lot of the food I can eat is used in Italian food a lot.

5. What's your favourite kind of weather? Storms. Precipitation. Rain, sleet, hail, snow, anything. Also heat storms are nice.

6. What’s your favourite season? It’s between Autumn and Winter. Really, just the 6 months out of the year that aren’t sweltering hot. I hate heat.

7. Have you ever been in love? Well, I’m married, so I’d have to say yes.

8. What’s your favourite animal? Don’t ask me that. It all depends on my mood at the time.

9. Favourite thing about where you live? It’s a little bigger than a town and a helovalot smaller than a city, but it’s close enough to where the interesting places aren’t a day’s drive away.

10. Have you ever been overseas? No. The closest I can say is I lived in Hawaii for three years, but that doesn’t really count.

11. What’s your favourite place in the whole world? Any place that doesn’t have people in it.

12. What’s your favourite kind of music? I’m not too certain, really. My taste is kind of eclectic. I grew up on country, so of course I hate it now. I like Evanescence, Linkin Park, Five Finger Death Punch, Disturbed, Three Days Grace, Nickleback (I know), Seether, Eminem, Korn, and certain songs from certain bands, but not the band itself. I honestly really love pagan-style bands like Omnia, Faun, and others.

13. Where would you like to visit? Anywhere in the UK or thereabouts, really. England, Scotland, Ireland, Norway, etc.

14. Biggest fears? My biggest fears have always been giving birth and having my spine messed with. I’ve done both twice, so I’m good. Mostly I’m just afraid we’re never going to be able to live in our own house, which isn’t the end of the world, really.

15. Do you believe in the paranormal? I don’t know. There’s things I’d really LIKE to believe in, but once you’re an atheist and a skeptic, it’s REALLY hard to believe in anything that can’t be proven logically.

16. What’s your star sign? Libra... Or Virgo, if you add that weird 13th zodiac...

17. Favourite sport? I actually hate sports. But I do respect the old ones like soccer (the rest of the world’s football) and tennis. I don’t follow any team for anything, but if I absolutely had to watch one for the rest of my life, it would probably be UFC or Hockey. They’re just fun to watch.

18. Do you collect anything? Animal figurines, when I can... There’s other things I’d like to collect, but I don’t have the space or money for them. 

19. What’s something that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside? Hot Chocolate, Kittens, Puppies, 

20. Do you play any instruments? Besides the basic recorder, my first instrument I’ve ever played was the French Horn. I don’t know why. After that it was the snare drum, which I enjoyed a lot more. I played a little bit of the drum set when I was in school too. But I really don’t play anything now. I’d like to play the drum set again some day, though.

21. What’s your favourite drink? Hot Chocolate is good for cooler days, but my other favourites are Cherry Dr. Pepper, Cherry Pepsi, Lemonade, and Raspberry flavored anything.

22. What’s your favourite holiday? Halloween. Christmas/Yule/Saturnalia/Winter Solstice is a very close second, but I get more excited for Halloween/Samhain than my own birthday, which is a month before it.

23. Do you have any hobbies? I used to do this thing called drawing. And this other thing... I think it was writing? Sadly, I don’t have time any more to do those things, being a parent and all...

24. Do you prefer day or night? Night. Forever. I hate the day time. Night is so much quieter.

25. Do you have any bad and/or anxious habits? I used to pick at my nails, then it was my eyebrows, for some reason. Right now, I’m picking at scabs on my scalp. I need to quit that.

26. What’s your favourite kind of fashion? IDK. I mostly dress in a t-shirt and jeans. If I had the money, I’d probably buy some badass gothic shit or modern versions of old-timey garb.

27. Do you believe in anything enough to fight for it? Physically? IDK. I’ve never fought anyone in my life. I mean, I’d rip the spines out of people’s backs if they mess with my kids or anyone I love, but to fight for an idea is different. I guess if it came down to people’s rights being taken away and shit, like if they were to cart my loved ones into a concentration camp, I’d be having something to “say”...

28. Do you have any obsessions? Frequently

29. How do you deal with stress? I don’t

30. Do you want children? I have 2

[doomedandstoned]

After Two Decades, The Obsessed Rally A Stunning Comeback

~By Papa Paul, with Billy Goate~

☤

Wet fur bears the smell of death...   

So begins the unimpeachable new record by THE OBSESSED, featuring living legend Scott "Wino" Weinrich (guitars/vox), Dave Sherman (bass), and Brian Costantino (drums).   It's both an unlikely return and a triumphant one, their first LP in over 20 years.   Beginning life as Warhorse in 1976, the Maryland trio dropped a series of demos in '80 and '85 under a new moniker: The Obsessed.   Not until 1990 did they issue their self-titled debut.   A second full-length followed just a year later, the much celebrated Lunar Womb.   The prolific stream of songwriting culminated in The Church Within in '94.   Then...radio silence.   A split and a pair of live albums put The Obsessed back in the public eye again in the new millennium, however briefly, but they went back underground as quickly as they'd emerged.   No one could have anticipated a resurgence this big, and 2017 continues to bear its surprises.

'Sacred' (2017 - Relapse Records) proves yet again that Wino is one of the great singer-songwriters of our time.   Though tragically unknown to the public at large, Wino has earned great esteem in metal circles.   Since the reactivation of Saint Vitus in 2008, a whole new generation of Born Too Late fanatics were born, drawn to the uncompromising, confessional nature of Wino's lyrics, which capture so perfectly the struggle with addiction, rejection, and despair.   In that same vein, Sacred encompasses vignettes of love, loss, and the life of a man "living true, living free" in a moonstruck world.

Wino's story is not unlike another well-known Maryland doomer: Bobby Liebling of Pentagram.   Both active since the seventies, Bobby and Wino were playing downtuned, riff-heavy metal before anyone knew what to call this emerging subgenre.   Both lived the wildest lives imaginable, their early success hampered by excess and addiction.   The Obsessed and Pentagram became the soundtrack for a generation of free-spirited bikers, misfits, and rebels who swore allegiance to the open road and the United States of Doom.

Sodden Jackal

The child is delivered unto the earth From the womb of a beast

Sacred by The Obsessed

"Sodden Jackal" wastes no time throwing us right into the deep end of the Lake of Fire.   A slow-burning chug ushers us into "a scene of evil unbelieved."   What's amazing is this song travels all the way back to the band's first ever recording.   'The Obsessed' (1983), predating the band's first LP by seven years, is a three-song EP which is now a coveted collector's item.   "Sodden Jackal" is its B-side.

As for Wino, in between the release of that 7" and the 12" eponymous, he was steadily building his rep in the emerging doom underground as successor to Scott Reagers of Saint Vitus.   I'm sure the rest of the Wino story, including his many bands and accomplished solo career, are well known to our readers.   If not, man do you have some treasures awaiting your discovery, so commence to digging!

Punk Crusher

Steal and lie to get your fix, We all know who you really are, Be gone with all your idle tricks I’m your Punk crusher

Sacred by The Obsessed

The heavy stomp of the first track transitions now to a song of equal heft, but with a considerably faster tempo: "Punk Crusher.   I'm reminded of a story from that sling of dates Saint Vitus played with Black Flag in 1984/85.   Wino & co. would open each show, much to the bewilderment of Mohawks across the concert hall.   Simply put, slow 'n' low was not a popular sound (far more underground then than now).   In an interview with Westword, Vitus axeman Dave Chandler recalls, "Pretty much ninety percent of them hated us with a passion...throwing whatever wasn't nailed down and generally fucking with us."   The guys proved equal to the challenge, however, demonstrating that punk attitude was as much at home with leaden metal riffs as it is was with the fast-talking swagger of Henry Rollins.

Sacred

Through dimension’s mists we fly Chrome fang, diamond eye

The album's namesake track is a real head banger.   This song could be classed seventies hard rock, but the way Wino belts out those riffs and sings with his trademark menace, it can't help but feel like heavy metal.   Those scorching guitar leads are a real standout here.   Wino's technique has matured like aged whisky, giving us plenty of kick and a ton of attitude.   The Obsessed is always about attitude!

Haywire

Took the gamble took the chances Made the choice

Sacred by The Obsessed

The fourth song is classic Obsessed, a track that might even be outlaw country were it played differently.   But Weinrich, Raley, and Constantino aren't planning on leaving their bad ass biker roots anytime soon.

Perseverance of Futility

You’d best back off Don’t tread on me!

Sacred by The Obsessed

"Perseverance" keeps the record's vibe rockin' steady.   Album after album, The Obsessed draw from a seemingly bottomless well of riffage that always manages to sound fresh, and occasionally surprises us.   Oh, and are those keys I'm hearing behind this haunted atmosphere?   Nice touch!

It's Only Money

Try to make a buck But you ever made a penny Know you need a little love But you know you won't get any

Sacred by The Obsessed

We're now at the half-way mark and this next one is especially interesting -- a killer cover of the Thin Lizzy song, "It's Only Money."   Thin Lizzy was one of baddest bands of funky town back in the '70s, though for me marred by the pursuit of commercial success.   I never thought of this before, but when Thin Lizzy was at their heaviest they had similar attitude to The Obsessed.   The difference was The Obsessed took that 'tude by the horns and never let go.   This remake proves just how heavy a rock and roll song can be.   Truly one of the highlights of Sacred.

Cold Blood

The day will come And time will tell Was this livin’ Or just a magical spell?

Sacred by The Obsessed

"Cold Blood" is vintage Obsessed, with some unbelievably catchy leads and hooks reminiscent of the beloved riffs of 'Lunar Womb' (1991).   Twenty-seven years later, The Obsessed have taken their bread and butter and slathered it with hot sauce, giving their trademark sound an exciting twist.   Interestingly, though the track comes with lyrics, it's played entirely without them.   This actually works, as it gives Sacred a sense of balance.   Hey, a good instrumental in the middle of an album always works for me.

Stranger Things

It’s only fair you get called out I’ve got plenty of my own misery And your trip I figured out It boils down to jealousy

Sacred by The Obsessed

An acoustic intro opens the eighth song, developing into a ballad-like theme with a chorus that's very easy on the ears.   Dare I say it has a radio-friendly feel to it?   This could be a good track to introduce The Obsessed to newcomers.   Popular appeal aside, "Stranger Things" ultimately stays true to the dark intensity of an Obsessed song.   Once again, Wino's guitar work is phenomenal.

Razor Wire

Ain’t no wrath Like a mad man that’s been burned

Sacred by The Obsessed

By now, I trust you've gotten to know the album's first single, which has been doing the rounds for a few months.   This, and the song that follows, feature some of the most intimate lyrics of the record. "Razor Wire" appears to be about the heartbreak of a love affair, perhaps hinting at one of Wino's own relationships. It started with a wistful feeling of love, hope, and trust, but the illusion faded as betrayal is revealed. The singer feels like he's trapped in a cage of razor wire, but he's pissed and he's about to tear right out of that rusty cage.

My Daughter, My Sons

My children dear Won’t you lend me your ear I got a song of love to sing you Live your own life, Be honest and kind Always speak your mind

Sacred by The Obsessed

As with his solo work and the recent collaborations with Conny Ochs, Wino bares his heart, giving us a rare window into his family life and the sacred bond between father and child.   Music-wise, this one is in the slowed-down, traditional doom style that I fell in love with some 30 years ago.   Wino is in top form, vocally.   Best of all, I got to play a bit of air guitar to that awesome picking!   Hey, I couldn't resist.

Be The Night

I know it’s been a long, dark life The sun will rise for you again

Sacred by The Obsessed

This track brings back memories of hanging out well into twilight, partying with friends, living "the life."   It triggers recollections of seeing The Obsessed in their prime, playing late into the night at some biker bar in the deep woods of Western Maryland.   This song is about the struggle between the proverbial devil on one shoulder, the angel on the other.   Who will win out?   "I'm gonna kill that man someday," Wino seethes.   Does this refer to someone he has a vendetta against or a dark manifestation of his own self?   You decide.

On So Long

Sacred (Deluxe Version) by The Obsessed

After an interlude, we arrive at a pair of bonus tracks that you'll find on the limited edition double vinyl.   "On So Long" bridges the late seventies and early eighties, reflecting the evolving face of doom.   The riffs in this one will pierce you right through the heart -- a prime example of why Wino is a living legend.   His singing is replete with emotion, contrasted with searing, short bursts of guitar.   It is this introspection that makes Sacred so special and confirms The Obsessed's place as one of my all-time favorite bands.   Regardless of who he's playing with, Wino has always been willing to give us a window into his soul.   This "realness" is one of the prime reasons he appeals to listeners.   I certainly identified with it when I was living the fast life.   Ultimately, I had to walk away to save my hide from jail, or worse.   This doesn't mean I enjoy The Obsessed any less.   Quite to the contrary, I find myself appreciating it now more than ever.

Crossroader Blues

Sacred (Deluxe Version) by The Obsessed

The last song, appropriately, pays tribute to the outlaw life.   Over the course of the album, the band has flexed the stylistic range, from stoner rock to heavy metal to plodding doom and now the blues.   The Obsessed have a full palette of color at their command here.

In the end, The Obsessed's return has not disappointed.   If you're as big a fan as I am, you've likely listened to the album dozens of times already.   Sacred is a triumph, the embodiment of the words Wino sang three decades ago: "Like life's living, make it sweet."

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