Thursday, March 26, 2015

Throwback Thursday: First Daze Here, by Pentagram


Once upon a time, there existed a heavy metal band from Alexandria, Virginia who throughout the 70's worked hard and gained notoriety throughout the underground scene only to face turmoil. This band was Pentagram. The band would not release its first full length studio album until 1985 and would be done with almost an entirely different line up; the only consistent member being vocalist Bobby Liebling. Also, the old 70's Pentagram songs that the band had built up notoriety with would be almost entirely replaced on it. However, that is not to say that the "classic" songs went unheard. Official recordings were of course made with newer members of the band, but the old demos with the original Pentagram line-up did eventually resurface and get an official release in 2001; titled First Daze Here.

Back in the 70's Pentagram sounded heavily influenced by Black Sabbath. Some would almost venture to call Pentagram a clone of them. There is some truth to it. The dark fantasy lyrical themes and overall sound of the band (primarily the tone of the guitar) on the First Daze Here demo reflect much of the heavy bluesy sound of Black Sabbath's first couple of albums. However, they put their own spin on it and took it in a unique direction; furthering the doom metal genre. Also, Pentagram does/did NOT worship the devil. Much like their source of inspiration, their message was more of a warning against such behavior.

The track Pentagram are probably known for most amongst their underground legion of followers would be Forever My Queen. Though minor elements of Black Sabbath can be heard, it is still mostly an original sounding piece. It comes in with this big, dark, heavy riff with Liebling's intense and almost frightening vocal presence bursts right in. In a way, it's almost darker than anything Black Sabbath was making at the time despite the fact that if you listen closely it's a love song. Kind of weird the way such things work, isn't it?

20 Buck Spin is one of my absolute favorite songs from this album. Despite the very Black Sabbath tone of the guitar, the bouncy nature of the song almost reminds me more of Deep Purple. It is more bluesy and rock oriented rather than heavy metal. This song is more focused on guitar riffs and solos rather than lyrics, but that isn't a problem at all. It is fantastic to hear a young energetic band just jamming out and giving it every last ounce of power that they can. This song alone makes it a shame that the original Pentagram line-up didn't go anywhere.

While First Daze Here isn't exactly the most original sounding record out there, it's fantastic for if you feel like listening to some old school doom metal. The riffs are good and the vocals and lyrics will haunt your dreams. Plus, if you're a musician looking to get into doom metal then this is a great way to get some basic education on the subject. All the basic elements are there for you to pick up on. If you're just a regular listener it's still a great way to give something different a try and start to get away from the mainstream a little more.

First Daze Here, by Pentagram receives 3.75 out of 5 stars.

Track List:

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 Night
10. 20 Buck Spin
11. Be Forewarned
12. Last Days Here

Buy the album on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/First-Daze-Here--Vintage-Collection/dp/B000QFAE32/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427431009&sr=8-1&keywords=Pentagram+First+Daze+Here

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