Heavy Psych Sounds Records unveils another new signing, the legendary DC-area doom legends Pentaram, and their debut release for the label is their 10th album Lightning in a Bottle. There is also a new version of Pentagram at this time, with founding member and vocalist Bobby Liebling joined by guitarist/producer Tony Reed (Mos Generator/Big Scenic Nowhere), drummer Henry Vasquez (Legions of Doom/Saint Vitus/Blood of the Sun) and bassist Scooter Haslip (Mos Generator/Saltine). Together, the new Pentragram has delivered an album that still sounds very much like what we would expect from the band, though there are more fast-paced tracks here in the sort of 'doom 'n' roll' variety than the slower dirges that the band might have cranked out in the past. Their bluesier, biker rock roots definitely shine through on tracks such as "Dull Pain", "Live Again" and 'In the Panic Room", but those trademark psychedelic doom elements are in fine form on the crushing, spooky "Lady Heroin" and the monstrous "Spread Your Wings".Â
The strength of the album really lies in its variety, and when you have straightforward bangers like the title track, the plodding weight of "Walk the Sociopath", and the frantic biker rock of "Thundercrest", there are plenty of glimpses at all that Pentagram does so well. Don't miss out on the groovy bonus track "Might Just Wanna Be Your Fool", which sees the band getting all sorts of funky and rhythmic. The guitar riffs of Reed throughout the album are killer, the rhythms heavy, and Bobby is in fine form with his trademark drawl. I've probably played this album more than any other here in 2025, and it's going to rank pretty high for me when we get down to looking at the best releases of the year.
Track Listing
1.Live Again 03:34
2.In The Panic Room 03:31
3.I Spoke To Death 03:40
4.Dull Pain 03:30
5.Lady Heroin 05:32
6.I'll Certainly See You In Hell 02:08
7.Thundercrest 03:01
8.Solve The Puzzle 03:12
9.Spread Your Wings 03:31
10.Lightning In A Bottle 04:40
11.Walk The Sociopath 04:49
12.Start The End (bonus track)Â 03:55
13.Might Just Wanna Be Your Fool (bonus track)Â 02:27
14.Lady Heroin (pre-edit rough mix bonus track)Â 04:28
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