Though they’re inextricably tied to the legacy of Pentagram via founding drummer/guitarist Geof O’Keefe and guitarist Randy Palmer (RIP), Bedemon‘s early works collection Child of Darkness is the kind of essential, foundational doom that really no riff-loving home should be without. Originally released, as the title says, “From the Original Master Tapes,” by Black Widow Records in 2005 and in the US on Vessel Records the next year, the compilation of Bobby Liebling-fronted material will see a vinyl/CD pressing through Relapse next month ahead of Bedemon‘s appearance as part of the ultra-impressive Psycho California festival (info here) this May, the headliners for which are due to be announced next week. With Bang and Bedemon on the bill, I wouldn’t be surprised to have Pentagram show up as well, but we’ll just have to wait and see.

O’Keefe (interview here) oversaw the release of Bedemon‘s first official full-length, Symphony of Shadows (track stream here), in 2012 on Svart. The PR wire brings tales of darkness:

Bedemon (early Pentagram): Child of Darkness to See Reissue

Archival Recordings From America’s First Doom Band To Be Released February 24th

Relapse Records is proud to announce the official re-release of BEDEMON’s archival recordings, Child of Darkness. Widely considered America’s first doom metal band, BEDEMON formed in 1973 and consisted of original Pentagram members Randy Palmer, Geof O’Keefe, and Bobby Liebling. The group was an offshoot of Pentagram, with a darker and doomier tone. BEDEMON recorded various sessions spanning from 1973-1979 which are being made available once again after being out-of-print for over 10 years.

Child of Darkness will be made available on CD/LP on February 24th. Pre-Orders are available HERE while the title track is available for listening via YouTube HERE and via Soundcloud HERE.

Additionally, the release includes extensive liner notes from original members Mike Matthews and Geof O’Keefe and is a must for fans of Pentagram or traditional doom metal. BEDEMON’s Child of Darkness is truly a crucial glimpse into the nihilistic minds that gave birth to an entire genre!

Bedemon is:
Randy Palmer (deceased), visionary songwriter and guitarist
Mike Matthews, bass and lead guitars
Geof O’Keefe, drums and lead guitar
Bobby Liebling, lead vocals

Pre-Order ‘Child of Darkness’ from Relapse Records HERE

1. Child Of Darkness
2. Enslaver Of Humanity
3. Frozen Fear
4. One-Way Road
5. Serpent Venom
6. Last Call
7. Drive Me To The Grave
8. Into The Grave
9. Skinned
10. Through The Gates Of Hell
11. Touch The Sky
12. Child Of Darkness II
13. Time Bomb
14. Nighttime Killers
15. Axe To Grind

http://www.relapse.com/bedemon
https://www.facebook.com/bedemondoom
http://bedemon.com/
https://www.facebook.com/psychocalifornia

Bedemon, “Child of Darkness”