Introduction
Pentagram has a very long and somewhat confusing history, involving many lineups, releases, and monikers (Stonebunny, Macabre, Virgin Death, Wicked Angel, Death Row, etc). The only constant throughout the band’s history has been vocalist/songwriter Bobby Liebling, who formed the band with drummer Geof O’Keefe in 1971. This lineup lasted until ’76, and only issued three mega-rare singles, pressed in small quantities for promotional purposes. The next lineup, the “High Voltage”-era of ‘78/’79 also only produced one 7”.
During the 1980s, off and on until 1996, was the “Death Row” (the name used until ‘84/’85) era of Pentagram, featuring Victor Griffin (currently of Place of Skulls fame) on guitar. This version of the band released three albums, and is responsible for Pentagram’s reputation as one of the world’s best doom metal bands.
The last few years have seen a slew of both new and archival releases, including two new albums featuring just Liebling and Death Row-era drummer/multi-instrumentalist Joe Hasselvander, a studio album with Liebling backed by members of Internal Void, and two volumes of ‘70s era recordings released by Relapse Records.
The conventional wisdom for a first-time Pentagram buyer would be to start with either the 1970s Relapse compilations if you’re more into hard rock, and the Death Row- era on Peaceville (or original vinyl, if you’re lucky!), if doom metal’s your thing. This is not to take away from any of the other releases, but you’ll appreciate them more once you’ve heard what made them legends in the first place.
However, be aware that there is a large number of low quality bootlegs floating around out there, usually for sale on eBay – these are not endorsed by the band, are pressed on CDR, have photocopied “covers”, and are $25 - $30. Don’t buy these; you are being ripped off (it is one individual using many user IDs on eBay who is responsible for these). These can be easily obtained for free amongst traders, and if you are a fan of the ‘70’s era of Pentagram, it is well worth the effort to get someone to tape/burn these for you. We can only hope that these rough, but rocking recordings will be given a proper release some day...
For now, though, all official releases are listed below, in chronological order of release.
The Pentagram Discography
Pentagram aka Relentless (1985, Pentagram Records: reissued 1993/2005, Peaceville)
Pentagram’s debut album is the most raw, most primitive recording in their catalog (rehearsal/live recordings notwithstanding), and is one of the undisputed classics of doom metal. A few of Liebling’s songs from the ‘70’s are presented here (a trend that would continue throughout all Pentagram albums), and they mix seamlessly with Victor Griffin’s more overtly Sabbath-like material. Every song is a classic, from the slower, creepier material like “The Ghoul” and “Sinister” to more uptempo, rockin’ numbers like “Sign Of The Wolf,” and the calling card of the Death Row era, “Relentless.” Along with the ‘70’s recordings, this is my personal favorite. The original vinyl sports a different cover, running order, and slightly murkier (but still gloriously filthy) mix.
Day of Reckoning (1987, Napalm Records; reissued 1993/2005, Peaceville)
Probably Pentagram’s doomiest offering, Day of Reckoning picks up where the debut left off. Still thick and heavy, but boasting a more dynamic production, with occasional acoustic guitar present in the mix. Features the unusually long (for Pentagram), 9-minute “Burning Savior,” one of many versions of “When The Screams Come,” and the incredible “St. Vitus Dance”-riffing of “Broken Vows.” Once again, the original vinyl features different artwork (which has been more or less restored on the most recent reissue), a different (more effective, IMO) running order, and more importantly, a completely different mix. The original drum tracks, featuring Stuart Rose, were re-recorded by Joe Hasselvander for the 1993 reissue, and the original mix is most definitely preferred.
Be Forewarned (1995/2005, Peaceville)
The last of the classic “Death Row” era records, and the most produced effort so far (but hey, this is Pentagram…it’s not that produced). More guitar overdubs and background vocals on this album, but still unmistakably Pentagram. The songwriting is pretty evenly split this time between Liebling, Griffin, and Hasselvander. Each has their own distinctive style, yet all compliment each other perfectly. The immortal title track is much different than the Macabre single; here being presented in a much slower, longer, doomier form (incidentally, there’s a rehearsal recording of the ‘70’s lineup playing this arrangement on a bootleg dated 12/08/1973). My second favorite of the Death Row-era.
Human Hurricane (1998, Downtime Recordings)
I debated whether or not to include this compilation, as it is technically a bootleg (although not from the most notorious source mentioned in the introduction – this is actually quite well packaged). It was endorsed by Liebling only, and contains a mix of studio and rehearsal cuts from the original ‘70’s lineup. Most of these recordings can be found on Relapse’s two comps in much better sound quality. Long out-of-print, but if you see it in the used bins, grab it.
Review Your Choices (1999, Black Widow)
The first of the “duo” albums, with Hasselvander tackling all the instruments. While he does an excellent job, his lead playing is nowhere near the caliber of McAllister’s or Griffin’s. Still, the production is ultra heavy, and the tracks are a mix of Liebling’s old ‘70’s compositions, and (mostly) new songs of Hasselvander’s. Liebling’s vocals are unusually effects-drenched, and he takes a more eccentric approach to singing on a few tracks. Probably not the best place to start with Pentagram, but a good album, and my pick of the Hasselvander/Liebling era. The dark horse of the catalogue, IMO.
Death Row: Death Is Alive 1981 – 1985 (2000, Game Two Records)
A long out-of-print limited vinyl-only release of live material from the early ‘80’s. Very rough recordings and for die-hard fans only. Strange, as much better quality live recordings from this era exist.
Sub-Basement (2001, Black Widow)
Again, a mix of new tunes and ‘70’s tunes re-recorded (or recorded for the first time). The production is sharper, and Hasselvander’s lead playing has improved. A couple of clunkers on here, but the oldies “Buzzsaw” and “Out Of Luck” hit the spot.
First Daze Here (2002, Relapse)
The first of only two authorized releases of the 1970’s lineup, this compilation features a mix of Pentagram’s demo recordings and first three promo 7”s. Looser in feel than later lineups of Pentagram, this incarnation mixes the best aspects of the first two Blue Cheer albums, the Stooges, Sabbath, Budgie et al and creates a unique ‘70’s hard rock sound of their own. Incredible, timeless songwriting from Liebling, who also exhibits a much more diverse vocal style here than was present on the Death Row-era albums. Every fan will have their own faves, but for my money, “Forever My Queen,” “Hurricane,” and “Be Forewarned” (annoyingly remixed and overdubbed by Liebling here – seek out the original) should be as famous as any ‘70’s metal greats. Essential.
Turn To Stone (2002, Peaceville)
A single disc compiled from the three Peaceville releases. No rare/unreleased tracks, and minimal packaging - buy the full-length albums instead.
A Keg Full of Dynamite (2003, Black Widow)
A 1978 live recording of the short-lived "High Voltage"-era Pentagram, featuring Hasselvander, Swaney, and two guitarists, Paul Trowbridge and Richard Kueht (and Liebling, of course). Decent quality for a 25 year-old recording that was never intended for release, but it’s still pretty lo-fi, with vocals being fairly low in the mix. Notable for the presence of “Much Too Young To Know,” which features completely different music than the song of the same name on First Daze Here Too. This also contains the 1979 7” put out by this lineup - “Livin’ In a Ram’s Head” b/w “When The Screams Come.” A solid release, but for diehards only.
Show ‘Em How (2004, Black Widow)
Bobby’s got a new band here, none other than 3/4 of Internal Void! The majority of the album is classic oldies, but the three new songs are also quite good, particularly the somewhat autobiographical “Prayer for an Exit Before the Dead End.” This album is a mix of the ‘70’s Pentagram sound, and the later, doomier style, but with an added emphasis on Liebling’s more morose, ballad-y material. These quieter moments reveal the effects of age and hard living on Liebling’s voice, a development that has received mixed reactions from fans. But for the most part, Liebling delivers, and the excellent band behind him gives it their all. Some of the songs, like “Last Days Here,” could never compare to the monumental versions laid down by the original Pentagram, but “Goddess,” “Catwalk,” and “Wheel of Fortune” will please most longtime Pentagram fans.
Bedemon – Child Of Darkness: From The Original Master Tapes (2006, Black Widow)
Not Pentagram per se, but this excellent mid-‘70’s project of occasional Pentagram rhythm guitarist Randy Palmer (R.I.P.) does include Liebling and original drummer Geof O’Keefe, and is stylistically very much in the Pentagram mold. The quality of Palmer’s very doomy compositions shines through brightly, transcending the primitive nature of these rehearsal recordings. Very heavy for its time, with druggy/horror-movie lyrics to boot, this is mandatory for fans of the ‘70’s Pentagram (and doom metal fans in general). Contains a very informative and heartfelt liner notes from O’Keefe, telling you all you could ever want to know about Bedemon. Keep an eye out for the 2002 Bedemon sessions, recorded just before Palmer’s tragic death.
First Daze Here Too (2006, Relapse)
A two CD set, featuring the ‘70’s lineup’s remaining studio tracks on one disc, and raw (yet most definitely listenable) rehearsal recordings on the other. A diverse collection, ranging from swaggering Stooges-like rawk, to the very heavy, doomy numbers (“Nightmare Gown”) of some of the rehearsal recordings, to the more commercial (in a mid-‘70’s context) leanings of their ’76 demo. Incredible musicianship from all, especially late, great guitarist Vincent McAllister (R.I.P.), whose extended solos in “Target” and “Show ‘Em How” are simply astonishing. The first Relapse comp is a better introduction to the ‘70’s Pentagram, but this one contains some of the band’s finest moments, IMO (and, like Child Of Darkness, features extended liner notes from O’Keefe). Disc two is 50 minutes of the most blistering hard rock ever.
