What makes Sub-Basement by Pentagram notable?

The album is significant for its raw energy and authenticity, reflecting the band's roots in the doom metal genre. It received positive reviews from critics, helping to re-establish Pentagram's influence in heavy metal circles and contributing to a resurgence of interest in doom and stoner rock during the early 2000s. Sub-Basement marks Pentagram's return after a lengthy hiatus, as it was their first album since 1994's Be Forewarned. By this time, the band was solidifying its role as pioneers of doom metal, with founder Bobby Liebling leading the charge once more into the underground scene that had evolved significantly during their absence.

Who is Sub-Basement for?

Sub-Basement works well if you're into short bursts of raw intensity, relentless exploration of despair and haunting melodies with gritty riffs.

How many songs are on Sub-Basement?

Sub-Basement has 11 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Sub-Basement

Pentagram · 2001

44 min · 11 tracks · heavy metal

Raw, gritty riffs and haunting melodies collide in a relentless exploration of despair and darkness.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Bloodlust — This opening track showcases the band's signature sound with driving riffs and powerful vocals, setting the tone for the entire album.
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Go in Circles (Reachin' for an End) — With its brooding atmosphere and introspective lyrics, this track encapsulates the themes of despair and existential dread present throughout the album.
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Tidal Wave — Featuring dynamic shifts between heavy instrumentation and melodic passages, this song exemplifies Pentagram’s ability to blend aggression with emotional depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong riffs and a cohesive sound while exploring themes of despair, characteristic of doom metal.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track, 'Bloodlust', which sets a fast pace that is maintained through the first half.
Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections that emphasize heavy, distorted guitar riffs and slow, brooding tempos.
The last three tracks exhibit a noticeable drop in tempo, creating a more reflective atmosphere as the album concludes.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

short bursts of raw intensity
relentless exploration of despair
haunting melodies with gritty riffs
pulsating energy for late nights

Maybe skip if you

prefer upbeat, cheerful sounds
seek lighthearted listening experiences

Where this album fits

Career context: Sub-Basement marks Pentagram's return after a lengthy hiatus, as it was their first album since 1994's Be Forewarned. By this time, the band was solidifying its role as pioneers of doom metal, with founder Bobby Liebling leading the charge once more into the underground scene that had evolved significantly during their absence.
Stylistic neighbors: Black Sabbath· Candlemass· Saint Vitus

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Bloodlust 2:29
2 Buzzsaw 2:29
3 Drive Me to the Grave 4:32
4 Sub-Intro 3:59
5 Sub-Basement 6:02
6 Go in Circles (Reachin' for an End) 5:18
7 Mad Dog 2:18
8 After the Last 3:47
9 Tidal Wave 4:39
10 Out of Luck 3:54
11 Target 5:09

What to play next

Listen next

First Daze Here

2001

Go back to

Review Your Choices

1999

Full Pentagram discography Artists like Pentagram

doom metal heavy metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata