Pentagram
Pentagram (CD) 1985 Pentagram Records
Pentagram hail from Arlington, Virginia and have been around in many different forms since 1971. In the 70's they had various other names like Macabre and Bedemon and their sound was inspired by the heavy blues rock bands of the late 60's/early 70's, especially by Blue Cheer. But in the early 80's their sound changed with the arrival of Victor Griffin (who later also joined Cathedral with Joe Hasselvander -who played in Pentagram as well, but later- on their 1994 tour with Black Sabbath) on guitar. He introduced Pentagram into doom metal (at the time they were called Death Row) with his Iommi inspired guitar style. This is Pentagram's first full lenght and was later re-released by Peaceville on cd as 'Relentless'. The production is very raw, but it's well balanced, so you can hear pretty much every instrument clearly. The songs are mostly short, an average of around 4 minutes and they are filled with heavy kick ass riffs and melodic solos. The vocals of Bobby Liebling are clean and very strong, overall they're one of the highlights of Pentagram. My favorite tracks on the album are the faster tracks 'Sign Of The Wolf' and 'Relentless' and the slower ones 'All Your Sins' (covered by Cathedral on 'In Memorium') and 'The Ghoul', certainly the creepiest one here (listen to the lyrics). The band is going as a duo now (Bobby Liebling and Joe Hasselvander), but there was a recent reunion (early 2001) of the classic Pentagram line-up. Victor Griffin also now has a band named Place Of Skulls.	1. Death Row 2. All Your Sins 3. Sign of the Wolf 4. The Ghoul 5. Relentless 6. Run My Course 7. Sinister 8. The Deist 9. You're Lost, I'm Free 10. Dying World 11. 20 Buck Spin Approx. 44 minutes Re-released in 1993 by Peaceville under the name: 'Relentless'
Guest review by: baron-sam
Sub-basement (CD) 2001 Black Widow
Few bands have been around as long as Pentagram has. Probably only the mighty Black Sabbath can claim to have been around for this long. Fans of Pentagram however need no introduction on this legendary doom outfit. Newer fans unfortunately seem rather unfamiliar with Pentagram, making this band one of the best-kept doom secrets around. Pentagram has been around since the early 70ties in one form or another. Influenced by bands like Black Sabbath, Blue Cheer and Uriah Heep, it became a cult act in its own right. Pentagram is also somehow connected to the even more cult doom act Bedemon. I must admit though that I never figured out completely this connection, with members going back and forth and (I believe) Pentagram even re-recording a few Bedemon songs. With over 30 years of musical past behind them and Pentagram now solely consisting of Bobby Liebling and Joe Basselbander, it's interesting to see how a band evolves from their earlier sound. I must say I am not disappointed at all. I have heard some negative sounds from fans about this release, but I have to disagree with them. Pentagram manage to sound stuck in the 70ties (in a good way) and seem to have a total disregard for current musical movements. Which is something I deeply respect, as they did not try to update their sound to fit the latest rage going on. At the same time however, the band has really evolved from their earlier sound. What really surprised me is the energy in those songs. Given, some songs as such aren't as doomy as some (esp. newer fans) might expect, but I welcome it. Songs like 'Buzzsaw' and 'bloodlust' are just overflowing with energy and can really get you going. Doom fans need not worry however as there is plenty of slow and heavy material to be found here as well. A song like 'Tidal Wave' is just… …just Doom! Overall the album does move away slightly from their earlier sound of the 70ties. It's a bit more rock and less blues influenced. I truly love this release and I don't think it will be leaving my CD player any time soon, I also advice all fans of traditional doom to check this out, but then again most of you probably already own this album or mean to buy it. Fans of just second-generation doom (more romantic doom, death/doom, etc.) I don't really know what advice to give you. To be honest I think a lot of you will think this is just 70ties rock, but to those interested enough to find out about to one of the originators of doom-metal this is a really interesting release. Albeit, I would rather recommend the Collection album of Pentagram's earlier work 'First Daze Here' or great albums like 'Be Forewarned' and 'Relentless'.	1. Bloodlust 2. Buzzsaw 3. Drive me to the Grave 4. Sub-Basement 5. Go in Circles (Reachin' for an end) 6. Mad Dog 7. After the Last 8. Tidal Wave 9. Out of Luck 10. Target Approx. 45 minutes
Reviewed by: Aldo Quispel
First Daze Here (Comp. CD) 2002 Relapse
'First Daze here - the vintage collection' is a compilation of early Pentagram recordings dating all the way back to early as 1971. While unknown to most newer fans of doom-metal, Pentagram was a big inspiration on the Doom-metal genre. It can be counted as the first ever band to start playing Doom(y) music, or can be seen as "proto-doom". Heavily influenced by bands like Black Sabbath, Blue Cheer, Uriah Heep, Sir Lord Baltimore and more. Especially in their early days they played a mixture of blues inspired dark, slightly psychedelic doomy rock. It's an interesting album to go back to the origin of Doom (together with bands like Black Sabbath). This album however is much more than just a, sometimes psychedelic, trip back in time. The twelve re-mastered songs on this album hold some of the best dark rock to come forth from the 70ties. For younger fans it might all be a bit too bluesy, or perhaps even sound a bit outdated. The truth of the matter however is that these songs have no expiration date, and will always appeal to fans of good music. Any Black Sabbath fan or fan of the aforementioned bands is sure to also love Pentagram. This is true 70ties style rock, along with the extensive guitar solo's and the "drugged up" feel. This is truly a prime compilation, offering some great Pentagram songs and the booklet is nicely completed by words of Geof O'Keefe and, of course, Bobby Liebling. There are also some great old band photo's (although they could have been a bit bigger and more). Overall just a great album to add to your music collection. Compared to albums like 'Be Forewarned' it is a less heavy however. The more I listen to Pentagram, the more I find it a true shame this band has never achieved anything more than cult status among a select number of doom connoisseurs. This band put out a lot of great music, and Pentagram to this day is still alive and kicking. You sort of can't help but feel awe at some of the musical jewels that keep hidden away from the majority of the public. Having said all this, I don't think fans of for example My Dying Bride or other second generation Doom will really be into this. Unless your also into Black Sabbath and early 70ties music or are generally musically always interested in something "new" (old in this case) you probably will be bored with this release. To appreciate Pentagram it requires you to both have a beard and at least 2 kids or to be a true doom connoisseur and music lover, always looking for the hidden gems. If you're into Doom rock or stoner rock however and you somehow missed Pentagram: oh my! You need!	1. Forever my queen 2. When the Screams Come 3. Walk in the Blue Light 4. Starlady 5. Lazylady 6. Review your Choices 7. Hurricane 8. Livin' In a Ram's Head 9. Earth Flight 10. 20 Burk Spin 11. Be Forewarned 12. Last Days Here Approx. 45 minutes
Reviewed by: Aldo Quispel
Show Em How (LP / CD) 2004 Black Widow Records
Finally, Pentagram came back with a new full-length album, featuring Mike Smail (Cathedral, Penance) on drums, Adam Heinzmann (Internal Void) on bass, Kelly Carmichael (Internal Void) on guitars and, of course, the one and only Bobby Liebling on vocals. I am sure that the fans of Pentagram already know what to expect from this record. Doom metal in the traditional way Pentagram has always played. Of course the listener can notice all those 70s influences that makes the sound of Pentagram so recognizable, it is a fact that the 70s feeling can be found once more from the first to the last track of the album. Even in the thanks list Bob does not forget to thank Blue Cheer (one of the heavier bands that were active around late 60s, early 70s). The heavy riffs, the dark atmosphere and the vocals of Liebling are the three most important features that will make all Pentagram fans love this record. It seems that the guys from Internal Void have done excellent work together with Bob. Although everyone will point this recording as a doom metal record, I have to say that the tempo of the songs is not that slow, but after all, the music trapped in here is fucking dark and heavy. After all do not forget that we are simply talking about Pentagram. To round up this review, I have to say that this record is a must have for every fan of the band. If you do not belong to this category better check out this band first through a collection or an older album (their debut is the best choice) and then grab this album as well.	1. Wheel of Fortune 2. Elektra Glide 3. Starlady 4. Catwalk 5. Prayer for an Exit before the Dead End 6. Goddess 7. City Romance 8. If the Winds Would Change 9. Show ‘em How 10. Last Days Here Approx. 45 minutes
Reviewed by: Chris Papadakis