Through The Lens: The Obsessed / Alunah / Grand Elder @ Rebellion, Manchester, 4th October 2023

Yes, I’m still playing catch up with the backlog of gig photos for these Through The Lens features on The Shaman, and today’s post features the godfather of doom and metal that is Scott ‘Wino’ Weinrich and The Obsessed when they played for Tapestry Promotions at Rebellion in the heart of Manchester back in October.

Opening for the night was Grand Elder, who, according to their Bandcamp page, hail from ‘the shadow of Pendle Witch Country’ in the heart of Lancashire and delivered a solid set of southern rock, stoner and metal, that despite being a new name to me, they certainly got the head nodding and the foot a tapping.

Birmingham’s Alunah were up next, a band The Shaman has a long-standing history with although, for some unknown reason, this was the first time I’d witnessed them live, but it was worth the wait as they played a captivating set of their bluesy take on doom rock and I’m hoping I don’t leave it as long until I see them again.

Then it was time for The Obsessed, a band I’ve had a love affair with for over thirty years, so you could say this gig was also a nostalgia trip. As they took to the stage, and chords were about to be struck, Wino ran into some amp issues, but with zero fluster, it was quickly sorted out as he, aided and abetted by Jason Taylor (guitar), Chris Angleberger (bass) and Brian Costantino (drums) took command of the baying crowd.

Over the next hour, the four musicians locked into each other’s groove as they ran through a titanic set spanning the entire discography, along with being treated to a couple of new tracks, including recent single Stoned Back To The Bomb Age from their up-and-coming album Gilded Sorrow that’s set to be released in February next year through Ripple Music.

An awesome gig of heavy rock, doom and metal that did not disappoint, now check out the photos of all three bands from the night below…

The Obsessed

Alunah

Grand Elder

Photos by: Lee Edwards