Pentagram-Last Rites

Metal Blade
2011



This is certainly one of the most eagerly anticipated albums of 2011 for sure. No wonder, it's the first studio album from them in seven years and an even greater reason for celebration is the fact that it's the first in seventeen years to feature Victor Griffin on guitar. Pentagram were one of the founders of doom metal. However not every studio album has been a gem and this album like many of their others features new recordings of older songs. Doesn't matter because Pentagram have returned to fine form despite age, inconsistent albums and Bobby Liebling's on and off album addictions. I was kind of surprised when I heard Metal Blade had signed them because knowing Liebling's past and the band's revolving door policy they may have had to wonder when or if a new album would get done. I don't know if the touring last year helped them or if it's just that Liebling and Griffin work so well together, but whatever the reason may be they have still cranked out a gem. From the opening chords of "Treat me right" it's obvious that this band has plenty of gas in the tank. Once Liebling's voice comes on I knew that this album was going to hit like a sledgehammer. "Call the man" is Pentagram bringing their brand of subtle doom luring you in and then hitting you with richer passages later on. "Everything's turning to night" is another favorite with some unexpected change-ups handled expertly. I actually like every track here and think that this one of the band's smoothest albums to date. Definitely their best album in some time and one of the best of 2011 so far. It's great to welcome the return of a classic band, but it's even better when they actually deliver and Pentagram have certainly done so.