February 13, 2025

Pentagram w/Fuzz Evil at 191 Toole, Tucson

 (by Shay Smith/photos links at end of review)

February 11th, 2025, was a night to remember for doom metal fans in Tucson as two heavyweights of the genre converged at the intimate 191 Toole venue. Pentagram, the legendary pioneers of doom metal, brought their iconic sound to a packed house, with local act Fuzz Evil setting the stage on fire as the opening band.

Kicking things off was Fuzz Evil, a southern Arizona-based band with a raw, gritty sound that was perfect for warming up the crowd. With their fuzz-laden riffs and low-end, groove-heavy style, they had the crowd’s attention from the very first note. Their performance was charged with energy, creating an intense atmosphere as the venue filled up. Lead guitarist and vocalist Wayne Rudell delivered blistering solos while the rhythm section, consisting of Joey Rudell (bass/backing vocals), Preston Jennings (baritone guitar), and Cajun Adam (drums), kept the heavy grooves pulsating throughout the set. Fuzz Evil’s ability to blend classic fuzz rock sensibilities with a modern, almost stoner-rock edge made them an exciting act to watch live. Their sound is undeniably heavy but still has a groove that keeps the headbanging fun. Their new single, “Smear Merchants” (off their upcoming new album), is out now.

When Pentagram took the stage, the crowd was buzzing with anticipation. Known for their dark, ominous atmosphere and crushing riffs, the band did not disappoint. Lead singer Bobby Liebling, a living legend in the doom metal scene, commanded the stage with his unmistakable presence. His voice, still raw and haunting after all these years, was just as captivating as it was on their early albums.

The setlist had many tracks from their new album, “Lightning In A Bottle”, alongside classic crowd favorites such as "Forever My Queen" and "Review Your Choices." As expected, Pentagram’s sound was heavy, thick, and atmospheric, with Tony Reed’s guitar riffs that felt like they were slowly crushing the room while Scooter Haslip on bass and Henry Vasquez on drums held everything together in a doom-laden groove.

The chemistry between the band members was electric, especially between Liebling and Reed, whose towering riffs and solos felt like they were shaking the very foundation of 191 Toole. The production, while simple in a venue like this, was perfectly suited to the sound. The low-end vibrations and searing guitar tones reverberated through the crowd, enveloping everyone in a wall of doom.

Pentagram will be out on the road in support of their new album, “Lighting In A Bottle”. It is being released on Heavy Psych Sounds Records, along with reissuing their entire discography, including an awaited repress of the “Show ‘em How” album.

191 Toole proved to be an ideal location for such a show. The intimate setting allowed fans to get up close and personal with the bands, amplifying the raw energy of the performance. The acoustics were great for a show like this, and the vibe was perfect for the type of doom-heavy atmosphere both Pentagram and Fuzz Evil bring. The combination of Fuzz Evil’s fiery opening and Pentagram’s legendary headlining performance made this show an unforgettable experience for anyone who made it out. Fans of doom metal in Tucson were treated to a night of epic proportions, with both bands delivering performances that will likely be talked about for years to come. Whether you were already a die-hard Pentagram fan or a newcomer experiencing their live show for the first time, there was no doubt that this was a night for the history books.

PHOTO COVERAGE HERE:

Pentagram
Fuzz Evil