“25 years in a rock n’ roll band, 10,000 women on a one-night-stand, all I got to show is the hole in my hand, where the money burned through.” – Wino
WINO – Adrift (2010 Exile on Mainstream)
I don’t know a hell of a lot about Scott “Wino” Weinrich (for shame), only that he was the guy from Saint Vitus, and they are doomy deliciousness. I’d heard him before on a couple records — a Sabbath tribute, and Dave Grohl’s Probot. I do love acoustic records by metal artists. I don’t mean unplugged albums, or acoustic versions…I mean when a heavy rock artist picks up an acoustic guitar and records what is (essentially) an acoustic heavy metal album. Take Zakk Wylde’s Book of Shadows as an example.
Adrift is a fucking great album. Even if you don’t like singer-songwriter type recordings, you’ll dig this. According to the cool liner notes, a lot of these songs are old compositions from his past. Wino made a ball crushing acoustic album out of them, and it’s brilliant. It’s not entirely acoustic; there are stunning electric solos and the odd flourish here and there, but it’s mostly just wood, strings, and Wino’s hands. Did I mention it’s fucking brilliant? You can even hear the guy breathing on some songs. It doesn’t get much more real.
But how does it sound? Take some simple rock chords and acoustic licks, and combine together for maximum impact. Wail out a long and atmospheric guitar solo when needed. Sing deeply personal lyrics with a haunting, gritty double tracked voice. Except on the instrumentals of course (of which there are two).
For shits n’ giggles, there is also a killer acoustic cover of Motorhead’s “Iron Horse/Born to Lose”. Its placement is a little weird (right smack in the middle of the album) but my God does it smoke.
Check out: “Green Speed”, “Old and Alone”, “Whatever”, “Shot in the Head”.
5/5 stars
mikeladano.com 
The coveted 5/5 – hadn’t heard of this but it sounds like one that would really appeal to me
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It’s quite excellent, a little surprise for the dead of winter.
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Man you write that up and I wants it! Cool beans.
I have a Saint Vitus comp here. Very sludgy Sabbathy great.
Also, I love that cover art. Adrift Wino, it says, with a boat out on the water with no one in it… because he’s laid out on his back in the boat! Nice one.
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Yeah man, good point. I really love the cover art. This is a truly great album worthy of the 5/5, believe me.
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Also worth pointing out: the sun shining through the clouds.
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Very interesting stuff. I’ve got all the Saint Vitus studio albums and some of The Obsessed too so I’d like to hear more of Wino’s stuff. He’s done so many different projects though it’s hard to keep track. He’s almost like the Mike Patton of Doom Metal! I’ve got one of his solo albums that I still haven’t listened to but I don’t think it’s acoustic like this one. Another LeBrain suggestion for my want-list!
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The Mike Patton of Doom Metal. That’s what he should call his next solo album.
I really do think you’d like this one Scott. It’s so good. I just keep listening to it.
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It’s pretty cheap over here this one so I’ll have a listen online and maybe pick it up.
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To quote Patrick Stewart, Make it so.
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Mike- those words flow in a thrashingly elegant kind of way. If I ever want to be acoustically doomed – I will check this out.
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This is the best acoustic doom that your money can buy!
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Thanks for informing us about this. I will be buying this one for sure. I first heard of Wino as being a member of Bullring Brummies from the Nativity in Black cd. Anyone that can replace Tony Iommi and play with Geezer and Bill is awesome in my book. My favourite part is 3:24 into the song and we get to hear Wino whail…..
I have read about how he states he was homeless and on meth through most of the 90’s, and was deported from Norway on drug charges. Hopefully he can get his shit together and keep putting out awesome music.
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Brian, awesome song to post! Great wailing!
Yeah on this album, Wino does sort of sing about all the shit he’s been through, sounds like he’s been through a lot. Hope he can keep it together!
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I like the sound of this one a lot, damn you!
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I’m listening to it right now. If you just wanna hear some great acoustic riffing, this is the album you want.
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I remember Wino from Bullring Brummies awesome The Wizard cover on Nativity in Black. Anyone that can fill in for Tony Iommi with Geezer and Bill and do a great job is worth remembering. I read where he was broke and hooked on Meth through the 90’s. And now a few months ago deported from somewhere in Europe for having speed. I hope he gets off the dope and continues making great tunes. Thanks for the review. Now I need this album.
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