Pentagram’s Lightning In A Bottle serves as both a new chapter and a continuation of the band’s long, tumultuous journey through heavy music. Fronted by Bobby Liebling, whose personal struggles have often overshadowed the band’s legacy, this latest record demonstrates that, despite the chaos of his life, Pentagram remains a formidable force in heavy metal. At 70 years old, Liebling and his new lineup—featuring producer Tony Reed of Mos Generator, bassist Scooter Haslip, and drummer Henry Vasquez—have crafted an album that embraces the classic Pentagram sound while adding fresh layers of intensity and introspection.
While Bobby Liebling himself may not be fond of the term “doom metal” to describe Pentagram’s music, it’s nearly impossible to avoid associating Lightning In A Bottle with the genre. However, the album pushes beyond the simple categorization of doom, drawing on psychedelic and punk influences, creating a unique blend of fuzz-laden heavy metal that feels as gritty and raw as ever. The result is an album that reflects both the weight of history and the sharp edge of a band still very much alive and kicking.
One of the album’s standout tracks is “Lady Heroin,” an intimate, painfully honest exploration of Bobby’s struggles with addiction. The song is a slow, sludgy blues rocker that deeply resonates with the listener, its confessional lyrics (“I fell into your game. I got myself to blame. Look what you put me through”) drawing a vivid portrait of addiction’s emotional and physical toll. The track’s honest vulnerability, paired with its groovy yet haunting instrumentation, embodies the kind of raw, soul-baring songwriting that Pentagram has always done so well.
The album opens with “Live Again,” an upbeat, energetic track that serves as a clear statement that Bobby Liebling still has the fire within him. This is classic Pentagram, with its acid-drenched metal sensibilities and infectious rock ‘n’ roll groove. Similarly, “In the Panic Room” continues the album’s momentum with a heady mix of fuzzy riffs and an undeniable groove, offering a taste of Pentagram’s signature sound.
Throughout Lightning In A Bottle, the band effortlessly alternates between hard-driving rockers like “Solve the Puzzle” and more haunting, doom-infused cuts like “Thundercrest.” Tracks like “I’ll Certainly See You in Hell” recall the bluesy swagger of early rock ‘n’ roll while adding an undercurrent of doom that keeps the track firmly grounded in Pentagram’s signature style. Meanwhile, the album’s closer, “Walk the Sociopath,” brings the listener full circle with its slow, dirgy pace, invoking the heavy, Sabbath-inspired tones of the ’70s while adding a touch of 90s-era Cathedral to the mix. It’s a fitting way to end an album that is simultaneously a tribute to the past and a look toward the future of Pentagram.
Musically, the collaboration with Tony Reed (who not only produced the album but also plays guitar) has brought a new dimension to Pentagram’s sound. His contributions help elevate the material, particularly with his layered guitar work and production sensibility. This, combined with the tight rhythm section of Haslip and Vasquez, creates a rich, powerful sound that honors the band’s doom roots while pushing the music forward.
What stands out most about Lightning In A Bottle is its unwavering authenticity. Despite the chaos of Bobby Liebling’s life and the revolving door of band members, the album is a testament to the enduring power of Pentagram’s music. While Liebling’s personal life may be a subject of well-deserved scrutiny, there’s no denying that in terms of songwriting and performance, Lightning In A Bottle is a stellar example of what doom metal should be—honest, raw, and heavy.
In the end, Lightning In A Bottle is a triumphant record for Pentagram, showcasing a band that may have weathered many storms but still manages to deliver some of the most potent, emotionally charged heavy metal around. It’s a must-listen for fans of doom and classic heavy metal alike, reaffirming Pentagram’s place in the pantheon of metal legends.