Pentagram - 'Last Rites'

Last Rites is the most appropriate title Pentagram could have picked for their comeback album. Frontman and songwriter Bobby Liebling has dodged the Grim Reaper for decades. He’s abused drugs, lived for long stretches in his parent’s home and wrecked his body. Occasionally he’s resurfaced to write music, but those sightings were rare until recently.

Near the close of his fifth decade Liebling is sober, has a new wife and baby and a revived career that’s the subject of a documentary. He’s in some ways the heavy metal version of Daniel Johnston, who struggled for years with mental illness and experienced a resurgence after the film The Devil And Daniel Johnston.  The difference is that Johnston had little control over his personal demons while many of Liebling’s wounds were self-inflicted.

Last Rites is the final piece in this unlikely comeback story.  It’s hard not to root for Liebling despite his bad behavior. When he’s straight he seems likeable and genuinely grateful to be given a tenth chance. The difference between Liebling and other comeback artists like Anvil, in addition to addiction, is talent.  If you listen to the collection First Daze Here and Pentagram’s masterpiece Relentless, it’s apparent Liebling sabotaged a wildly promising career with excess. He now has a final chance to set the ship right.

None of the songs on Last Rites are new – all were written years ago and two were re-recorded – but they sound fresh and relevant. There’s plenty of doom available now and Pentagram still outclasses most of it.  Opener “Treat Me Right” is a straight-ahead rocker like Pentagram staples “20 Buck Spin” and “Into The Ground.”  Liebling's voice sounds potent and retains its hypnotic drawl.

What makes this album work is Liebling’s renewed partnership with guitarist Victor Griffin, who played on Relentless. He solos with verve on “Horseman” and lays down slow, muscular riffs on “8.”  Perhaps the only thing separating Last Rites from early Pentagram is a much beefier production. The sparse production of their early material works better.

When Metal Blade signed Pentagram they probably felt like Hollywood executives bankrolling a Charlie Sheen project. But their belief had led to a powerful album and a chance for Pentagram to shine. As Bobby Liebling enters the autumn of his life Last Rites represents a chance for not just musical but personal redemption. 

(released April 12, 2011 on Metal Blade Records)

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