6. Pantera
Pantera was an American thrash-groove metal band from Texas-Louisiana that formed in 1981 by brothers, Vinnie Paul and Diamond Darryl Abbot, and original singer Terry Glaze. While originally a glam metal band, they released three albums under this format, Metal Magic, Projects in the Jungle, and I Am the Night. In 1987, Pantera fired Glaze and eventually replaced him with Louisiana native Phil Anselmo forming the classic lineup of singer Anselmo, guitarist Dimebag Darryl, drummer Vinnie Paul, and bassist Rex Brown.
They released their first album together called Power Metal. While this album did contain some of the thrash elements that made the band famous, it was still mainly a glam metal album. In 1990, Pantera released their first classic major-label album with Cowboys from Hell (containing my favorite Pantera tune, "Cemetery Gates.") which was a transitional album from their glam style toward their trademark kick-ass, balls to the walls, Southwestern groove-thrash metal.
In 1992, Pantera achieved their trademark sound with the classic album Vulgar Display of Power which contained many favorites like "Walk," "A New Level," "This Love," and "Hollow." Their next album was even heavier with their 1994 release Far Beyond Driven.
The main thing that I always liked about Pantera was that you always knew what to expect from them. They always put out the heaviest, ass-kickinest (is that a word?) metal on the planet.
If you never had the chance to see them live, then you really missed out. I have never been to a show as intense with more energy. I highly recommend their live album Official Live: 101 Proof.
While their has been discussions and rumors of a reunion between the living members of Pantera to tour with Zack Wylde, I actually hope that it doesn't happen. I like Wylde as a guitarist, but he is no Dimebag.
Here is "Cemetery Gates."
"Walk"
"Becoming"
"You've Got to Belong to It"
"Power Metal" . . . rare shit here!
As always, thanks for reading!
MS
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