Pentagram's seventh studio album, Last Rites, marks a monumental return to form for the Virginia doom metal stalwarts. Released on 12 April 2011 via Metal Blade Records, this 12-track behemoth is a masterclass in heavy, plodding riffs and haunting vocal melodies. The album's genesis was a long and winding one, with the band working under the tentative title Last Rites of the Setting Sun for many years. The end result is a testament to the band's perseverance and dedication to their craft.
Last Rites is notable for being the first Pentagram album to feature guitarist Victor Griffin since their third album, Be Forewarned. Griffin's reunion with vocalist Bobby Liebling is a cause for celebration, and their chemistry is palpable throughout the album. From the opening strains of 'Treat Me Right' to the closing notes of 'All Your Sins - Reprise', Pentagram deliver a pummelling dose of doom metal, sludge metal, and stoner rock that is sure to satiate even the most discerning fans of heavy music.
With a duration of 45 minutes, Last Rites is a concise yet devastating listen. The band's 40th Anniversary is commemorated in style, with Pentagram proving that they remain a vital and compelling force in the world of heavy music. So, immerse yourself in the crushing sounds of Last Rites, and discover why Pentagram are one of the most revered and beloved bands in the doom metal genre.