Obsession: The Hard Rock Powerhouse

Obsession is an American heavy metal and hard rock band that emerged from the vibrant New York City scene in the late 1970s. The group is best known for their cult classic 1983 debut album, "Marshall Law," and their enduring influence on the underground metal circuit.

Early career

Obsession was formed in 1976 by guitarist John Bruno and bassist Art Maco. The band honed a powerful, melodic sound in the competitive clubs of New York and New Jersey, sharing stages with early acts like Twisted Sister and Riot. Their first official release was the 1982 EP "Scarred for Life" on the independent label Azra Records, which quickly sold out and established a dedicated fanbase.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 1983 with the release of their first full-length album, "Marshall Law," on Enigma Records. The album received heavy rotation on college radio and specialty metal shows, with its single "Young and Free" becoming an anthem on the underground tape-trading circuit. While it did not achieve mainstream chart success, "Marshall Law" has since been certified as a gold-level cult seller by collector standards.

Key tracks

Young and Free — This driving single became the band's signature track and a staple of early 80s US metal compilations.

Marshall Law — The album's title track showcased the band's tight musicianship and anthemic songwriting style.

Looking for You — A fan favorite that highlights the band's blend of powerful vocals and dual-guitar harmonies.

Shadows of Steel — This later track from their 2006 reunion album demonstrated the enduring power of their classic sound.

After initial momentum, Obsession disbanded in the late 80s but their legacy grew through reissues. The original lineup reunited in 2006, releasing the well-received album "Carnival of Lies" on the Italian label Dragonheart Records. They have since performed at major European festivals like Keep It True and continued to release new music, including 2018's "Order of Chaos," proving their lasting appeal.

Fans of Obsession's classic American metal sound should also explore similar artists featured on our site. Lizzy Borden shares a similar theatrical yet metallic approach from the same era. Riot offers the same New York roots and energetic, twin-guitar driven heavy rock. Omen delivers the same brand of straightforward, powerful US power metal. Jag Panzer parallels Obsession's commitment to melodic vocals and complex guitar work within the metal framework.

The music of Obsession maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on specialty metal programs and classic hard rock FM stations that celebrate the genre's rich history. Their tracks are regularly featured on online rock radio streams dedicated to underground metal and independent music radio stations with a focus on enduring cult artists.

Listeners can discover the powerful hard rock of Obsession through the dedicated radio stations available on onairium.com, where their classic anthems and newer material are featured in regular rotation for metal enthusiasts worldwide.