In addition to an on-off relationship with Pentagram that had him touring with that band a decade ago before leaving not yet to return, much of Victor Griffin’s time since the turn of the century, musically speaking, has been dedicated to Place of Skulls. And reasonably so. Griffin, known for his time in Death Row in addition to Pentagram, for working with Joe Hasselvander, Wino, and others, established Place of Skulls in 2000, and whether viewed as a vehicle for Griffin’s riffcraft or a classic doom band bold enough to put its faith front and center in the tradition of Trouble, the band left an impression.

The most recent Place of Skulls album is 2010’s As a Dog Returns (review here), which like the rest of the band’s catalog was issued through Stone Groove Records in 2016. As Griffin‘s then-post-Place of Skulls unit, In~Graved, had their 2013 self-titled (review here) included in that batch — interestingly, it seems to have been rebranded as a Place of Skulls release in 2016; fair enough — it seems likely it will be included in the Ripple bunch as well.

It’s all part of the label’s ‘Beneath the Desert Floor’ series, which is ongoing. And if they’re gonna start doing catalogs, look out. There’s a lot of underrated shit in this little niche of heavy music that no one gave a crap about until like 2013. Not likely to run out of source material anytime soon, is what I’m saying.

Label head and soon-to-be published author Todd Severin had this to say:

Been dying to let this one out of the bag!

“Ripple is thrilled to announce that we’ll be working with the legendary Victor Griffin for reissues of the classic Place of Skulls and In-Graved albums. Victor, the inventor of Drop B tuning, was an early member of Pentagram before forming Place of Skulls with bassist Lee Abney and drummer Tim Tomaselli. Expect to see the Place of Skulls catalog as part of the Beneath the Desert Floor series!!

Please welcome them to the family!”

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063178960941
https://placeofskulls1.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/theripplemusic/
https://www.instagram.com/ripplemusic
https://ripplemusic.bandcamp.com/
http://www.ripple-music.com/

Place of Skulls, As a Dog Returns (2016)

Place of Skulls, In~Graved (2013/2016)

Some of the material on Victor Griffin‘s solo collection Late for an Early Grave — originally released in 2005 but newly reissued through Stone Groove Records — also showed up on the 2013 self-titled debut from In~Graved (review here), an ultimately short-lived project that coincided with his touring with Pentagram. They’re Griffin‘s songs, either way, as either of those records made plain enough, so to have him playing the material live with his new outfit, Pistonhead, isn’t such a surprise, especially as the band seems too new to have its own full set of material yet.

The new Griffin-fronted trio will make their live debut next month in Atlanta, playing alongside Royal Thunder, and finds Griffin joined by bassist Lee Abney — with whom he also worked in Death Row and Place of Skulls — and drummer Andrew Bryant (also of Wampus Cat). I have no idea what the plan is for the band, whether they’ll eventually get around to recording or when that might happen, or if new songs are in progress as well as playing the Late for an Early Grave stuff live — one imagines Griffin has a trove of riffs to draw from at all times, but that’s different than a finished song that all three members know and to which they’ve contributed their own parts — but a new Griffin band is only good news as far as anyone who appreciates tone should be concerned, and with the dude’s track record, I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt in terms of knowing what he’s doing with the riffs and the doom and all that.

Griffin posted the show info thusly:

In support of the recently reissued ‘Late For An Early Grave’ CD and new vinyl version coming soon, Pistonhead will bring it live along with a few choice Griffin penned classics to motorize the doom vibe!

Once again teaming up with bassist Lee Abney along with Andrew Bryant on drums, our first show will be at the 529 in Atlanta, GA on August 23, 2019.

So get your motor runnin’ to Hotlanta for the lightning of Royal Thunder, Pistonhead, & Hot Ram!

(A. Rippin’ Production)

Godspeed,
Victor

Order ‘Late For An Early Grave’ @ Stone Groove Records

https://www.facebook.com/VictorGriffin.official/
https://stonegrooverecords.storenvy.com/

Victor Griffin, “Late for an Early Grave”

It happened a couple weeks ago that doom legends Pentagram wound up playing shows as a trio without their legendary frontman Bobby Liebling. For three East Coast gigs alongside Brant Bjork in Baltimore, New York and Boston, they performed as the three-piece of guitarist/vocalist Victor Griffin, bassist Greg Turley and drummer “Minnesota” Pete Campbell, and now it looks like they’ll be taking that same show to Europe this summer as well. It doesn’t seem unreasonable to me to think of this as a revamped lineup of Death Row or even Place of Skulls, but having seen Griffin in both those outfits as well as in Liebling-fronted Pentagram, I know that the chance to see him singing those songs is worth taking advantage of while you can, because you don’t necessarily know when it’s coming around again.

In the meantime, questions loom about just what exactly Liebling‘s situation is. Of course, his history of opiate abuse is well-documented, and it doesn’t seem far-fetched to think the hospitalization and apparent arrest discussed below have something to do with that, but though reports have started to surface driving speculation that he assaulted his mother and was arrested for that, details have yet to really be confirmed of what his situation is in either the short or longer term, whether drugs are involved or not, and so forth. What I do know for sure is that after eight triumphant years of Liebling fronting Pentagram‘s resurgence, it’s a bummer to see something like this happen, and it goes without saying that on behalf of myself and this site, I wish all the best to Griffin, Turley and Campbell going forward, and that whatever help Bobby Liebling needs, he gets.

Here’s their update and upcoming shows:

PENTAGRAM PRESS RELEASE

As was the case for the recently completed US shows, vocalist Bobby Liebling will not appear with Pentagram for previously booked European dates this summer.

To elaborate, Bobby called on April 17 saying he had been admitted to the hospital. He called again on April 19, this time after being transferred to a Maryland detention facility.

He’s now awaiting a preliminary hearing at which time it will be determined if a follow-up on any alleged charges are necessary. An update will be published when information is available. The band will be fulfilling all currently booked appearances with 36-year mainstay guitarist Victor Griffin performing all vocals.

A PERSONAL NOTE FROM THE BAND

The outpouring of support on our recent US dates was outstanding! Your energy was matched ten-fold and encouraged us to carry on and deliver what many have called, even by skeptics, some of the best Pentagram performances they’ve seen. Thank you!

We have the best fans in the world and if not for you, the legacy of this band would have died long ago. We won’t let you down now. The music lives on and as we move forward, we reiterate the lyrics of “Curious Volume”: “In this venture death waits in the shadows, but in survival the volume won’t die!”

Sincerely,
Victor, Greg, & Pete

VICTOR GRIFFIN STATEMENT 05/11/17

As I sit here reading the Pentagram headlines and wondering what to say…

I can only thank you for such an overwhelming level of support under the circumstances. It’s been 36 years of dealing with more drama than you can probably imagine. The ‘Last Days Here’ documentary was only a glimpse. Constantly squandered opportunities led me to quit Pentagram on several occasions, only to eventually give benefit of the doubt and rejoin. With this latest incident, and not to pronounce guilt before trial, the pinnacle of that era has been reached.

I also personally apologize for any less than straight forward and possibly confusing updates posted on the Pentagram site.

Greg, Pete, and I are excited about carrying on with a greater enthusiasm than was even possible before. Regardless of how we do that beyond the currently booked summer dates, and under what name…our appreciation for your support is inexpressible.

We hope to see you on the road…Godspeed!

P.S. For those of you who may believe in prayer…Bobby is a man who needs all he can get.

PENTAGRAM UPCOMING LIVE DATES
May 15 Kocaeli Sabanc? Culture Center Kocaeli, Turkey
Jun 18 HELLFEST Clisson, France
Jul 12 Patronaat Haarlem, Netherlands
Jul 14 Arena Wien Bezirk-Landstrasse, Austria
Aug 17 Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas, NV

http://www.PentagramOfficial.com
https://www.facebook.com/pentagramusa
http://www.peaceville.com/store

Pentagram, Live in Cambridge, MA 04.23.17

Every year, no matter who’s playing or what’s going on, Roadburn offers an experience like no other festival. Some of it is just performances, like someone doing a full album or a reunion gig or something like that, and then some of it is stuff like this — a Victor Griffin and Jeff “Oly” Olson master class set to take place as part of the 2013 festival. The powers that be behind Roadburn recently announced that the doors to the 013 in Tilburg, the Netherlands, would be opening earlier this year than in years past, and I guess stuff like this is part of the reason why. A good cause if ever I heard of one.

Griffin and Olson will be touring together as part of In~Graved‘s lineup (recent album review here), and few and far between are people more qualified to impart wisdom in the ways of doom. I am in perpetual awe:

We’re proud to announce the very first 2013 “Roadburn Master Class and Performance Clinic.” The master class and clinic will be taught by doom-metal legends Victor Griffin (Pentagram, Place of Skulls, In~Graved) and Jeff “Oly” Olson (Trouble, Retro Grave, In~Graved).

Walter Hoeijmakers, Artistic Director and Promoter of Roadburn Festival comments: “We’re organizing a few clinics at this year’s Roadburn, as we think that some of the attendees and other musicians would like to learn from their peers. Victor (Griffin) and Oly (Olson) have played a seminal role in all things doom for over the last twenty years and I think that their musical endeavors (as well as playing at the festival) are the embodiment of the spirit of Roadburn. I’m extremely proud to have Victor and Oly as our guests.”

Griffin and Olson will answer questions from both spectators and seasoned musicians alike, discuss various techniques, music theory, and more. The clinic and master class is available for Roadburn ticket holders (no additional fee) and will be held between 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM on Friday, April 19 located at the Hall of Fame venue in Tilburg, Holland.

Guitarist Victor Griffin’s invention of the “Drop B” tuning was introduced with Pentagram‘s debut album, Relentless (1984). This heavy-handed hallmark went on to influence handfuls of players and defined a sub-genre. On October 2012, Griffin announced his departure from the legendary cult rock act Pentagram stating, “Of course, the future is always uncertain… but for now, it’s time to move on with my new band’s album and tour plans for 2013.“

Drummer Jeff “Oly” Olson left Trouble in 1986, after the release of Psalm 9 (1984) and The Skull (1985), to teach music while also writing musical scores and later receiving a Bachelor of Music degree in Film Scoring (cum laude) from Berklee College of Music. Olson returned to the band for the albums Run To The Light (Hammond organ), Trouble (pre-pro for drums, keys), Plastic Green Head (drums), Simple Mind Condition (drums, French Horn), Unplugged and Live in L.A.

In July 2008, Olson announced his departure from Trouble. His last show with them took place at The End in Nashville, Tennessee on July 19, 2008. However, on February 16, 2013 Olson announced that he will appear on Trouble‘s next, as-yet-untitled album, due for release later in the year. Olson stated: “[I’ve] been working on some [keyboard] intros [for the CD].”

Coming subsequent to guitarist/vocalist Victor Griffin putting to rest his band Place of Skulls to rest and once more severing his ties to American doom legends Pentagram, it’s not at all a challenge to read his forming of the new outfit In~Graved (also written sometimes as the less-stylized In-Graved or Victor Griffin’s In~Graved; a matter for time to clear up) as the beginning of a new era. The one-time Death Row leader plays to many of his long-since established strengths throughout In-Graved‘s self-titled debut, released by Svart, but even so, his methods have changed. While some of what makes up In-Graved will be familiar to those who’ve followed Griffin over however long an expanse of years — riffs, solos, passion and faith coming to mind immediately as consistent elements — the personality of In-Graved is nonetheless distinct, and that’s thanks in no small part to Griffin and drummer “Minnesota” Pete Campbell (also Place of Skulls and Sixty Watt Shaman) being joined by a host of bass players throughout the course of these eight tracks.

And I do mean a host. Along with Guy Pinhas (The Obsessed, Goatsnake, Acid King), who will join Griffin and Campbell as part of In-Graved‘s touring lineup in support of the album, Trouble‘s Ron Holzner (also Earthen Grave and The Skull), Place of Skulls‘ Greg Turley, West Virginian doomer Dan Lively (also Sweet Cicada), Marty Swaney (Death Row, Pentagram) and even Griffin‘s own wife, Anne, all contribute bass throughout, and Trouble‘s Jeff Oly Olson (also Retro Grave) and Orodruin‘s Mike Puleo play keyboards, so In-Graved‘s debut is nothing if not densely packed in terms of its personnel. That it manages to get through its 40-minute span and come out on the other end with a cohesive sonic personality is perhaps the album’s greatest achievement, but like Place of Skulls before it, that musical personality ultimately becomes deeply tied to Griffin‘s as he leads the new band with his characteristic guitar tone and soulful vocal approach.

The album begins with “Digital Critic,” its lyrics a familiar indictment of those hiding behind internet anonymity while levying harsh criticism at an artist’s work. I don’t recall either Place of Skulls‘ last album, 2010’s As a Dog Returns (review here), or Pentagram‘s triumphant Griffin-inclusive comeback, Last Rites (review here), being met with vitriol — particularly in the case of the latter, the praise bordered on hyperbole — but perhaps some in the online sphere dug into As a Dog Returns on account of Griffin‘s up-front, here-it-is-so-deal-with-it Christian thematics, very much present on that album in songs like “He’s God,” “The Maker” and “Breath of Life.” Well, as if in a follow-up response to the initial charges brought forth in “Digital Critic” — the chugging riff and keyboard work of which make a strong opener — Griffin moves directly into “What If…,” which marks In-Graved‘s most directly Christian lyric, the central question being what if you died and there turned out to be an afterlife, if there wasn’t just an end, nothing, done, but a heaven and eternity to come, the second verse seeming to recoil at the meaninglessness of a life that just ends when it’s over.

As a nonbeliever, I have my answers to these questions, but I see value neither in spewing them here or answering back Griffin‘s faith — which he has blatantly, bravely and passionately expressed in a manner 100 percent free of irony — with what would likely only come across as condescension or sarcasm. Instead, it seems more useful to me to consider a track like “What If…” as a work of Christian art presenting a Christian perspective, and remind myself that just because someone doesn’t share that perspective doesn’t mean they can’t appreciate the art. I don’t believe in the teachings of Buddha either, but that doesn’t mean I can’t think a statue is beautiful, and so as Griffin rips into one of In-Graved‘s many impressive solos, the songwriting, the central riff around which the song is based, and the melodic depth added by the keys make “What If…” a quality track, not because or in spite of the faith in the lyrics, but including them as well for the honesty they carry.

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After already being announced for Roadburn and Days of the Doomed III, the word came through today that Victor Griffin‘s new project In~Graved will make a showing at Desertfest in both London and Berlin. Griffin is hitting it pretty hard to start out with his many-bassed new band, but he’s working with some awesome people (anytime Guy Pinhas is slated to show up, you’re already winning) and I’m really looking forward to what he’s got going on with this new band. Judging from the pic above, he’s pretty relaxed in the face of all the work ahead. Right on.

Here are the Desertfest announcements, courtesy of the Desertfest London website and the Desertfest Berlin website, respectively:

London

As if Pentagram wasn’t enough for you lucky devils, along comes an extra slab of US doom classicism! Having respectfully stepped down from his recent two-year stint with Bobby Liebling’s rabble, Victor Griffin has rounded up a US doom super-group in support of his new album, ‘In-Graved’, which has been in gestation since 2011 and will be released in March.

Desertfest 2013 is honoured to play host to the London round of his exclusive tour and there’s plenty to look forward to; along for the ride is Guy Pinhas (The Obsessed, Acid King, Goatsnake), Pete Campbell (60 Watt Shaman, Mighty Nimbus, Place Of Skulls) and Jeff ‘Oly’ Olson (founding member of Trouble). These names, and a lot of others, contributed to recording the album which also includes the skills of Ron Holzner of Trouble fame, Marty Swaney (Death Row, Pentagram) and Dan Lively (Sweet Cicada).

Watch out for a new addition to Vic’s sound, with In-Graved he has pursued a long-held ambition to add the dynamic of keyboards. After involving Orodruin’s keys-man Mike Puleo in recording, live hammond-organ duties are to be carried out by Jeff Olson and are sure to add a welcome classic rock element to proceedings! It’s early days for Vic’s latest project, but with pedigree’s such as those that are involved, a memorable performance is guaranteed. Don’t you dare miss out!

Words Courtesy of Rich after Sabbath

Berlin

It is with great honour that we announce Victor Griffin’s IN-GRAVED will taking part in Desertfest 2013 !!

IN-GRAVED, the new band led by former Pentagram and Place of Skulls guitarist Victor Griffin, will release their self-titled debut in Europe and the UK on Friday, March 22 via Finnish label Svart Records and in the US on Tuesday, March 26 via Veritas Vinyl. This album was recorded and produced at Lakeside Studios in Knoxville, Tennessee, by Travis Wyrick (Place of Skulls) and founding guitarist/vocalist Victor Griffin.

Original drummer of doom metal legends Trouble, Jeff “Oly” Olson, will play the Hammond organ on this forthcoming debut album which also feature drummer Pete Campbell (60 Watt Shaman, Place of Skulls), bassists Guy Pinhas (The Obsessed, Acid King, Goatsnake), Ron Holzner (Trouble, Earthen Grave, Debris Inc), Greg Turley (Pentagram), Marty Swaney (Death Row, Pentagram), and Dan Lively (Sweet Cicada), as well as keyboardist Mike Puleo (Orodruin).

IN-GRAVED will perform at the DesertFest Berlin for a memorable performance ! Don’t miss this opportunity to witness this doom metal All Star new band !

Touring line up is as follows :

Victor Griffin – Guitar/Vocals
Guy Pinhas – Bass
Pete Campbell – Drums
Jeff “Oly” Olson – Hammond Organ

Don’t get me wrong, I was gonna go to Days of the Doomed III anyway, but adding a Penance reunion and Victor Griffin‘s new In~Graved project with Guy Pinhas from The Obsessed sure does make that 15-hour drive to Wisconsin seem shorter. Over the weekend, fest organizer Mercyful Mike Smith unveiled the two additions to the third annual event, set to take place June 21 and 22 next year, also noting that Pale Divine have joined on as well and that While Heaven Wept have had to back out owing to family concerns. As in, starting one, or at very least adding to it.

Here’s the announcement, followed by a video trailer. Something to look forward to:

I know you’ve all been waiting patiently for this announcement, myself included! We have a lot of ground to cover, so let’s get to it, shall we?

I am excited to say that my first announcement is actually breaking news, and this will be the first anyone has heard of it!!! It is with great honor that I announce Victor Griffin’s IN~GRAVED will taking part in Days Of The Doomed Fest III! Consisting of Victor Griffin (Pentagram/Place Of Skulls) on vocals/guitars, Guy Pinhas (The Obsessed/Goatsnake/Acid King) on bass, Pete Campbell (Place Of Skulls/Sixty Watt Shaman) on drums, and Derek Hall on keyboards, IN~GRAVED will be performing songs from their highly anticipated upcoming debut album due out early this spring, as well as a few choice Place Of Skulls tunes. Do not miss this opportunity to witness doom metal royalty and his brand new band! Victor Griffin’s IN~GRAVED will make believers of us all!

Next up, something I wasn’t sure was going to be possible to pull off, but through several conversations and a great line of communication, I am announcing to all of you today to brace yourselves for the return of PENANCE!!! Here is the official statement provided by the Penance camp:

“Not since vocalist Lee Smith sang with PENANCE in support of their 1993 European tour with CATHEDRAL & SLEEP have these two forces come together in a live setting. It has been nearly 20 years since PENANCE followed up that tour with their now legendary sophomore release Parallel Corners on Century Media records, long considered a classic record and the band’s strongest effort to date. Many consider it to be one of the greatest post Sabbath records of all time, including Fu Manchu who recently covered “Words To Live By”. With their rich lineage as pioneers of Doom firmly intact, the time is now right for the lineup of guitarist Terry Weston, bassist Rich Freund, and drummer Mike Smail to reunite with vocalist Lee Smith as PENANCE. Their exclusive appearance and only U.S. show will take place at Days Of The Doomed Fest III on the weekend of June 21st and 22nd, 2013 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. See you all there!” Parallel-fucking-Corners! That’s all I’m saying folks!

As if this isn’t enough, we’ll also be welcoming back another Days Of The Doomed Fest alumni… PALE DIVINE! We’re all familiar with their stellar back catalog, but next June, we’ll all be treated to some of the instant classics off of “Painted Windows Black”, undoubtedly one of the top releases of 2012. So get ready… PALE DIVINE IS BACK!

I’m also extremely happy to announce that Infernal Rock Radio will once again be sponsoring our Thursday night pre-show! Chicago’s SPYDERBONE is the first band to be announced for the pre-show, but others will be announced soon!

I also have some bitter-sweet news to report. WHILE HEAVEN WEPT has been forced to pull out of Days Of The Doomed Fest III, but for good reason! There will be a new addition to the WHILE HEAVEN WEPT family due right around the weekend of the fest next June! So obviously, this is a “family first” situation! I wish the band and family all the very best! Congrats!!!

The official Days Of The Doomed Fest website, www.daysofthedoomed.com, has been updated, and you will want to check out the “Lodging Options” link! Best Western Milwaukee and Super 8 Milwaukee are the exclusive hotels of Days Of The Doomed Fest!!! There are links to both hotels, and each one has a special “fest rate” for rooms!!! They also offer free shuttles to and from the airport, and we are working on setting up a shuttle to and from the fest! I encourage you to take advantage of this special offer!!! Both hotels are only a 5 minute drive to the venue!!!

I am also very proud to welcome back Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer as one of our main sponsors!!! Tallboy specials and PBR swag will once again be available at Days Of The Doomed Fest III!

I should also mention that I am working on setting up a shuttle bus from Chicago to Milwaukee and back to help out all of our Illinois friends who would like to attend the fest but may not want to drive. More info on this as it becomes available!

So get ready! Days Of The Doomed Fest III is returning to the Blue Pig Bar/Venue and is going to be the biggest one yet! Online ticket sales begin 12/1/12 – just in time for X-mas! Grab your tickets early and book your rooms! I am fully anticipating a sell out next year! Oh, and I’m not quite done yet… one more trick left up my sleeve! Big, massive, giant size bag of Ruffles goes to Kathy Reeves for creating our teaser trailer below! Cheers everyone!!! Happy Halloween!

The forum is lucky enough to play host to a resurrected and updated version of the Scott “Wino” Weinrich: Buyer’s Guide that was originally posted on (the still-missed) StonerRock.com. The Wino buyer’s guide is a proven resource, and author Throatwobbler provides insight, context and real guidance on a release-by-release — and in the case of Wino, band-by-band — basis. If you’re new to Weinrich‘s work, or even if you want an interesting read, I highly recommend it. I have it and Throatwobbler‘s also-updated Pentagram buyer’s guide bookmarked for future reference, and I’ve copied the Wino one after the jump here for ease of access. It’s huge.

As I was reading through it looking for inspiration for this week’s Wino Wednesday post, I was reminded of Place of Skulls‘ excellent 2003 album, With Vision. It turned out to be little more than a blip in Weinrich‘s storied career — that is, it was Victor Griffin‘s band even before Wino added his profile to it and he only stayed on board for that one record — but the Weinrich/Griffin pairing resulted in some truly landmark tracks, among them “Last Hit,” on which (as Throatwobbler notes in the guide), they trade vocals.

Here’s that song for your YouTubular pleasure:

Extra special thanks to Throatwobbler for his hard work writing the guide, posting it on the forum and for allowing me to host it here. Please click “Read more” below to view it in its entirety.

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