Penance - Pittsburgh Doom

While reading through a Black Sabbath book, there was a chapter dedicated to all the bands they've inspired. A good portion I knew (or was a least aware of), but one that I never heard was Penance out of Pittsburgh. They released 4 or 5 albums through the 90's and early '00 and have apparently broken up sometime around 2005 with the lead vocalist now in Argus (classic 70's metal with doomy parts, also good).

As luck would have it, I found one of their discs, Spiritualnatural, in the used bins of FYE. For $6 bucks, it seemd like a good risk. Paid off too. I like what I'm hearing, so now I'm looking around for more. Surprisingly, there are no threads about the band here, but surely they must have some fans of their brand of doom.

What should be my next step in investigating the Penance discography? Any clunkers I should avoid or any I must have? Any opinions, good, bad or indifferent are welcome.

Penance RULES!!! Especially the albums with Brian "Butch" Balich on vocals. Their drummer played on the first Cathedral album too, I think.

I've been buddies w/ Butch for over 10 years now...good dude. He used to ask vocal advice from me.

Shawn Of Fire wrote:

Penance RULES!!! Especially the albums with Brian "Butch" Balich on vocals. Their drummer played on the first Cathedral album too, I think.

I've been buddies w/ Butch for over 10 years now...good dude. He used to ask vocal advice from me.

Yea, I dig his style. He's not as smooth as some doom singers. Has a bit of grit to his vocals and has more of a "shouty" approach which works well with the music.

Have you heard his work in Argus?

Oh yeah....Argus is killer too.

One of my favorite bands! Here's what you need:
1. Parallel Corners, with Lee Smith on vocals.
2. Proving Ground, Butch's debut with the band. My favorite.
3. Alpha and Omega.
I miss going to see them around Pittsburgh. I have seen Argus and they are excellent.

trock67 wrote:

One of my favorite bands! Here's what you need:
1. Parallel Corners, first album with Lee Smith on vocals.
2. Proving Ground, Butch's debut with the band. My favorite.
3. Alpha and Omega.
I miss going to see them around Pittsburgh. I have seen Argus and they are excellent.

I have Proving Ground on my way to me. I'll be on the lookout for the others as well. Thanks!

I love Parallel Corners. I got lucky awhile back and found Road Less Traveled, Proving Ground, Alpha & Omega, and Spiritualnatural in Amoeba's discount rack. Didn't know they were from Pittsburgh. Guess I just assumed they were a Maryland band.

Parallel Corners and Proving Ground are my favorites! But I really enjoy all their albums.