Review by Allan on December 3, 2002.

The oldest of the bands under Peaceville Records “Classic Collections”, Pentagram is the band that most deserves to have their thirty-year plus history summed up into one album. “Turn To Stone” combine’s songs that can be found throughout Pentagram’s career on Peaceville Records, with material dating as far back as their debut album “Pentagram” in 1985 until their last Peaceville Records effort, “Be Forewarned” (Pentagram released singles and such in the early ‘70’s, and thus their tri-decade existence). Straightforward, to the point, and simply a combination of various songs on the aforementioned albums, “Turn To Stone” is a good introduction for those that are new to Pentagram.

It looks as if Pentagram is Black Sabbath’s younger brother. Vocalist Bobby Leibling performs with his obviously Ozzy influenced vocals, and guitarist Victor Griffin shares quite a bit in common with the early Sabbath days. Still, it’s safe to say that you shouldn’t completely attribute Pentagram as being a Black Sabbath tribute band in disguise.

Each and every member of Pentagram has a fair amount of talent. The rhythm section is very strong and high in the mix, the lead and rhythm guitar absolutely slay together between their doom theatrics, and the vocals absolutely fit the sound of Pentagram. The songwriting from most of the material found on “Turn To Stone” is very well written and highly enjoyable. While Pentagram isn’t wholly original, it’s hard to turn down a band that can churn out song after song that rocks the way it should.

If you own the three albums Pentagram released ’85 and ’94, there really isn’t any reason for you to pick this up. Otherwise, if you’re going for a best of collection, “First Daze Here” is overall, probably a better pick because it’s more to the point and covers the material better. Nonetheless, “Turn To Stone” is a good barebones representation of the heavier days of Pentagram and it wouldn’t hurt to pick it up.

Bottom Line: Well done, Black Sabbath influenced metal. Nothing more, nothing less, but Pentagram do what they do well enough to garner credit.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 7
Production: 7
Originality: 6
Overall: 7

Rating: 7 out of 10

Review by Adam M on February 28, 2017.

Immolation continues to pummel and punish with the best of them.  The new album has addictive riffs pouring forth from every corner.  It is huge in sound and powerful in terms of dynamics.  The band seems to have found a comfortable niche for itself here.  There are simply a number of guitar riffs that take center stage and steal the show. 

The entirety of the album was more satisfying for me than their previous work Kingdoms of Conspiracy.  The songs seem more focused and better written this time around with a penchant for crafting nice hooks.  Though they still aren’t quite as memorable as the ones from Unholy Cult or Close to a World Below, they are more so than the previous album.  The songs seem straightforward, but are complex enough to hold your attention.  As the album progresses, it only becomes more and more clear that this is some of the best death metal you’ll hear in 2017.  The beginning moments of Fostering the Divide are interesting and lead to one of the more memorable tracks on the disc.  The drumming is still consistently some of the more compelling you’ll hear from the genre.  Instrumentally, the guitars are driven and pummeling and make for an entertaining facet to listen to.  Ross Dolan’s vocals are similar to the past and yet still do a magnificent job of coating the songs with quality.  The music is still as punishing as ever. 

It’s remarkable how consistent Immolation has been over the years.  They add yet another jewel to a solid discography that has few low points. Atonement is up there with the best of the discography even if doesn’t completely surpass Majesty and Decay and Close to a World Below.  For fans of the band, this is a no-brainer to listen to, but those that are interested in getting into solid and well-constructed death metal will find something to like here as well.

Rating: 8.3 out of 10