Pentagram's 'First Daze Here' is a seminal compilation of the doom metal pioneers' early material, showcasing the band's formative years between 1971 and 1976. This 2016 reissue, released via Relapse Records, presents a meticulously remastered collection of 14 tracks, including the coveted Macabre single, featuring 'Be Forewarned' and 'Lazy Lady'. The album is a testament to Pentagram's enduring influence on the doom metal genre, with tracks like 'Forever My Queen', 'When the Screams Come', and 'Walk in the Blue Light' demonstrating the band's nascent heavy sound.
The reissue boasts in-depth liner notes from founding member and original drummer Geof O'Keefe, offering a unique insight into the band's history and creative process. The CD version includes a vinyl-shaped disc featuring the remastered Macabre 45s, while the double vinyl edition comes with a bonus 7" replica of the 1972 Macabre single. With its revitalised layout and remastered audio, 'First Daze Here' is an essential addition to any Pentagram fan's collection, and a fascinating glimpse into the band's embryonic stages. Clocking in at 51 minutes, this compilation is a must-listen for fans of doom metal, sludge metal, and stoner rock, and a powerful reminder of Pentagram's significant contribution to the heavy music landscape.
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