| CD REVIEW Pentagram |
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Band : Pentagram Pentagram are back, the doom metal gods...one of the best bands in existence. Pentagram fans waited years for the return of axe god Victor Griffin to Pentagram. Throughout the band's four decade history the only constant member has been vocalist Bobby Liebling. I know Bobby Liebling of course is very important to Pentagram but Liebling/Griffin is the core, the soul of the band. So when Russ Strahan was recruited in 2008, it was like only getting to hear a band with only 1/2 of a soul. There was just something missing, and everyone knew it. But everyone's dreams were fulfilled when it was announced that Place Of Skulls/Death Row master mind Victor Griffin himself would be rejoining his liebling in Pentagram. After that finally happened, any semblance of patient waiting turned into the agony of waiting for the new album. Now, finally, that album, Last Rites is upon us. It’s like the band picked up after their Be Forewarned release without missing a step With the release of the bands first album of original material with Griffin since 1994's absolute classic Be Forewarned Pentagram have blazed down a nearly perfect batch of songs.it ought to please old fans and new. Bobby's voice is still in top form, going from the lone clear singer one song to a menacing madman the next. Also, the rhythm section comprised of new members bassist Greg Turley and Albert Born, is incorporated well into the mix with plenty of thump, giving Last Rites a fat bottom heavy delivery. The guitar work alone requires that any aspiring player have this CD in his collection. His solos are architecturally beautiful, full of passion. I was fortunate enough to see them twice with this line-up, on Roadburn and a week later at Magasin 4. The hair on the back of my neck stood up and i was hooked, petrified and mesmerized ! Awesome! 95/100 Cosmicmasseur. |