
From its origins in 1970 to the present day, the Pentagram band has certainly become a cult following as forerunners of certain heavy and doom sounds. With a renewed line-up last year, with only Bobby Liebling remaining from the previous one, the band will release its new studio album on January 31, 2025. Titled “Lightning In A Bottle,” it will be released by Heavy Psych Sounds and contains 14 tracks including three bonus tracks. Right from the first notes of the opener “Live Again,” the band immediately envelops us in heavy metal and doom sounds, with a gritty rhythm section and distorted guitar riffs. With the entrance of Bobby‘s vocals the magic and the journey begins. The first track lives up to expectations, aggressive, incisive and with Bobby in excellent form, passionately interpreting his lyrics. The following “In The Panic Room” also maintains the incisive and granite sound, with another excellent vocal and instrumental performance. Fine guitar work both in the riffs and in the solo interventions, a solid and elaborate rhythm section, and also this song captures the audience with energy and incisiveness. “I Spoke To Death” is a track that enhances both songwriting and vocal and instrumental interpretation. The highly researched and interepreted lyrics with Bobby’s unmistakable style are interwoven with an instrumental section with the guitar featured prominently in the middle section. The latest single from the album, “Dull Pain,” as well as being an excellent choice to anticipate its release, is an engaging and sophisticated piece. Enriched by tempo changes and refined instrumental textures, it alternates between heavier and more elaborate passages, tracing the style of its origins. Among Bobby‘s various experiences is also, unfortunately, the addition of drugs, which he has always dealt with in an honest and sincere manner, even in the documentary. In this piece “Lady Heroin” he addresses this aspect lyrically, it is not an ode but rather a mature reflection and this is how I interpreted it. Musically, the song is enveloping and acidic with heavy openings that unleash all the intensity of the band. We return to aggressive sounds with “I’ll Certainly See You In Hell” with an accelerated rhythm section and a killer bassline. The vocals are energetic and punchy and in the second half the guitar takes centre stage with a fine solo insert. A burst of energy between Heavy Rock and Heavy Metal. A granitic rhythm section enriched by continuous tempo changes and a deep, driving bass line characterise the structure of “Thundercrest.” Heavy guitar riffs and Bobby‘s unmistakable vocals develop this aggressive, addictive track with a fresh, modern sound. The tracklist continues with “Solve The Puzzle,” another track that brings the band’s classic sounds into a modern context. A solid blend of classic and modern sounds between heavy metal and doom with accelerations and a fine solo insert in the second half in a continuous crescendo. The vocals return and the song ends with the last incisive verses. A scratchy lead guitar intro characterises “Spread Your Wings,” developing intense verses sung with engaging refrains that stick in the mind. Bobby‘s songwriting is enhanced here as well as the band’s compositional and performing technique, an energetic and engaging piece. We come to the title track “Lightning In A Bottle,” characterised by gloomy atmospheres and tempo changes of solo guitar interventions. Gloomy atmospheres permeate the track, only to unleash energy with a crescendo ending and a great instrumental section with the guitar in evidence. The album ends with “Walk The Sociopath,” a gloomy, penetrating Doom Metal piece. The restless vocals accompany us throughout the track, intertwining with the gloomy instrumental parts. The album ends with ‘Walk The Sociopath’, a gloomy, penetrating Doom Metal piece. The restless vocals accompany us throughout the track, intertwining with the gloomy instrumental parts. The album is rounded off with three bonus tracks with alternative versions of two of the band’s classics plus an alternate version of “Lady Heroin,” which was already on the tracklist. I must be honest, I had many expectations from this album and they were all exceeded. A work that confirms that Pentagram and Bobby Liebling are true metal legends. A solid and intense album from start to finish, with the lyrics as always taking us on a journey through Bobby‘s experiences and beyond. An energetic and incisive sound with granitic rhythm sections and fine guitar riffs and solo inserts. An excellent vocal test completes the album, confirming how this band was and still is and always will be fundamental in the Heavy Metal and Doom genre. A recommended listen for all lovers of heavy sounds, those who know this band will surely find everything good that the band has proposed over time with a fresh and modern touch.
Tracklist
01. Live Again
02. In The Panic Room
03. I Spoke To Death
04. Dull Pain
05. Lady Heroin
06. I’ll Certainly See You In Hell
07. Thundercrest
08. Solve The Puzzle
09. Spread Your Wings
10. Lightning In A Bottle
11. Walk The Sociopath
12. Start The End (bonus track)
13. Might Just Wanna Be Your Fool (bonus track)
14. Lady Heroin (pre-edit rough mix bonus track)
Lineup
Bobby Liebling / Vocals
Henry Vasquez / drums
Tony Reed / Guitar
Scooter Haslip / Bass