In 1996, Bobby Liebling and Joe Hasselvander brought PENTAGRAM back to life and captured their renewed energy in an exceptional four-song demo, originally intended solely for record label ears. Now, for the first time ever, these rare and powerful recordings are officially available—pressed on high-quality vinyl with a stunning etched B-side.
Nestled chronologically between Be Forewarned and Review Your Choices, Change of Heart serves as a raw, transitional document of Pentagram’s ever-evolving sound. While its production may be rough around the edges, this demo offers a fascinating look into the band’s creative process during a pivotal era—and for those willing to dive beneath the surface, there’s plenty to appreciate.
The first thing that strikes the listener is Bobby Liebling’s vocal delivery. His voice is notably higher-pitched than usual, adding an eerie, almost spectral edge to the tracks. While it may take some adjustment for longtime fans, it introduces a curious contrast to the dense instrumentation that follows. The mix, though undeniably lo-fi, carries a certain charm reminiscent of underground death/doom demos of the early '90s. The guitar leads are front and center, cutting through the murky backdrop with sharp clarity, while the rhythm section—particularly the drums—retains that distant, cult-demo ambiance that Pentagram fans have come to expect from their rarities.
The tracklist is a blend of familiar and fresh. Reimagined versions of "Forever My Queen" and "Review Your Choices" offer intriguing alternate takes, with subtle but significant alterations in arrangement and tone. Though these versions may lack the haunting aura of their original counterparts, they shine in their own way—particularly through inventive solos and a heavier rhythmic drive.
The two new compositions, “Change of Heart” and “Because I Made It,” are where the demo truly stands out. “Change of Heart” unfolds with a darkly atmospheric intro and lumbers forward with a powerful sense of doom, at times evoking the cold majesty of early Celtic Frost. The closing solo is particularly memorable, sealing the track with a sense of catharsis. “Because I Made It,” while perhaps less immediate, offers moments of beauty through its clean passages and extended soloing, revealing the band’s melodic instincts beneath the grit.
In the end, Change of Heart isn’t polished or radio-ready—but that’s never been the point with Pentagram. This demo is for the devotees, for those who find value in sketches as much as finished canvases. It captures a moment in time when the band was shifting, experimenting, and still pushing forward despite the weight of decades. For the dedicated, Change of Heart is more than a historical footnote—it’s a rough-hewn gem.
