The Story Of: Pantera – Reigning in Heavy Metal

Few bands in the history of heavy metal have had the seismic impact and lasting influence that Pantera has. Emerging from the heart of Texas, Pantera revolutionized heavy metal in the 1990s, bringing a new level of aggression, technical prowess and raw energy to the genre. Their transition from glam metal to thrash-infused groove metal superstars. Combined with their legendary live shows, cemented their status as one of the greatest metal bands of all time.

The Early Years: Glam Metal Roots

Pantera formed in 1981 in Arlington, Texas by brothers “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott (guitar) and Vinnie Paul Abbott (drums). Originally the band played a style of music more aligned with glam and hair metal, heavily influenced by acts like Kiss, Van Halen and Judas Priest. Their first few albums—“Metal Magic” (1983), “Projects in the Jungle” (1984) and “I Am the Night” (1985). Featured high-pitched vocals, flashy guitar solos, and an image that fit the era’s hair metal aesthetics.

The band’s early vocalist was Terry Glaze, whose glam-metal vocal style reflected Pantera’s early sound. While the band found some regional success, they had yet to find their true identity and sound.

A New Direction with Phil Anselmo

When Phil Anselmo joined Pantera as their new lead vocalist in 1987, the band suffered a significant transition. With his gritty, more aggressive vocal approach Anselmo helped Pantera move away from their glam metal origins and into a harder, thrash-influenced sound. With their “Power Metal” album from 1988 which foreshadowed the change to the heavier sound Pantera would become known for, this transformation would be cemented.

Pantera didn’t really find their voice, though, until their 1990 album “Cowboys from Hell” released. With Anselmo ferocious vocals, Dimebag Darrell crushing riffs and Vinnie Paul thunderous drumming, the band had embraced a new, heavier direction that would come to be known as groove metal. “Cowboys from Hell” was a turning point for the band and a landmark in the evolution of metal. Blending elements of thrash metal with slower, more groove-oriented riffs.

For a new generation of metal fans the album title track “Cowboys from Hell” became an anthem and songs like “Cemetery Gates” and “Primal Concrete Sledge” demonstrated the band range and technical skill. Pantera ascent to fame began with “Cowboys from Hell” as they gained a reputation for giving jaw-dropping live shows and creating a sound of their own.

Vulgar Display of Power: Redefining Aggression

Released in 1992, “Vulgar Display of Power” was Pantera next masterwork. Building on the popularity of “Cowboys from Hell” but also advancing the band’s violent, primal sound. “Mouth for War” the first song on the album, established the tone for the rest of the record. An endless barrage of riffs, breakdowns and Anselmo now-famous deep growls.

“Vulgar Display of Power” is widely regarded as one of the heaviest and most influential albums in metal history. Tracks like “Walk”, “F Hostile” and “This Love” combined crushing guitar riffs with a groove that made their songs impossible not to headbang to. With his elaborate solos and brutally hard riffs. Dimebag Darrell guitar work on this album was especially pioneering and would influence a whole generation of guitarists.

The album cover—featuring a man getting punched in the face—perfectly encapsulated the raw aggression and unfiltered power of the music. “Vulgar Display of Power” became a commercial success. Catapulting Pantera to the forefront of the metal scene and making them a household name among metal fans.

Far Beyond Driven: Metal Ascends the Charts

With the release of “Far Beyond Driven” in 1994, Pantera achieved an unusual feat for such a brutally heavy album: it debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, making history. “Far Beyond Driven” pushed the envelope of heaviness while preserving the catchy rhythms that had come to define the band’s sound. With songs like “5 Minutes Alone”, “Becoming” and “I’m Broken”.

Pantera proved with this album that they could remain a top metal group of the 1990s. And yet make their uncompromising sound acceptable to a wider audience without compromising on intensity. For lovers of hard music, the combination of Phil Anselmo’s vocals, Rex Brown’s bass, Vinnie Paul’s drumming and Dimebag Darrell’s riffs produced an intense auditory assault.

Internal Tensions and Changing Times

Despite their success, tensions within Pantera began to surface in the mid-1990s. Particularly between Phil Anselmo and the rest of the band. Anselmo’s growing struggles with substance abuse and a separate creative vision for his other projects. Such as Down and Superjoint Ritual, led to internal conflicts that affected the band’s dynamic.

With the publication of “The Great Southern Trendkill” in 1996, Pantera revealed the developing discord inside the band. With songs like “Drag the Waters”, “Suicide Note Pt. I & II” and the title track exploring themes of rage. Addiction and emotional upheaval, the album was darker and more disorganised than their earlier work. The album is still a favourite among fans despite not having the same level of economic success as “Far Beyond Driven” because of its unadulterated emotion and exploration.

Released in 2000, “Reinventing the Steel” was their last studio album. Despite the positive reception from fans, it signalled the beginning of Pantera demise. As internal conflict grew, the band announced an extended break in 2003 following a last tour.

Tragedy and Legacy: The Loss of Dimebag Darrell

An unbelievable tragedy hit the heavy metal community in 2004. During a live concert with his band Damageplan in Columbus, Ohio on December 8, 2004 Dimebag Darrell was fatally shot on stage. Tributes from both musicians and fans alike were received after his passing, which shocked the metal scene.

Dimebag’s death untimely ended any hopes of a Pantera reunion. He was not only a virtuosic guitarist but also a beloved figure in the metal world, known for his larger-than-life personality, infectious energy and dedication to his craft. His innovative approach to guitar playing, particularly his use of harmonics and explosive solos, left an indelible mark on the genre.

In the years following Dimebag’s death, Pantera’s influence only grew. They became one of the most celebrated and revered bands in metal history. With their albums standing as pillars of the genre. Their combination of groove, aggression and technical brilliance set them apart and made them an inspiration for countless metal and hard rock bands.

Conclusion: Cowboys from Hell – Forever

Pantera influence as one of the most influential metal bands of all time is undeniable. Their music continues to connect with listeners all across the world with albums like “Cowboys from Hell”, “Vulgar Display of Power” and “Far Beyond Driven”. Regarded as must-listens for every metalhead. Their pioneering fusion of thrash, groove and hardcore elements helped shape the sound of modern metal. And their uncompromising attitude toward their music made them legends.

From their glam metal beginnings to their reign as the kings of groove metal. Pantera’s journey was one of evolution, rebellion and innovation. Despite their internal struggles and the tragedy that struck their family, their music lives on, forever a part of the heavy metal canon.

Pantera will always be remembered as the true “Cowboys from Hell”. Riding high in the annals of heavy metal history. Long live their reign of groove and fury!

Discography

Studio Albums

Metal Magic (1983)
Projects in the Jungle (1984)
I Am the Night (1985)
Power Metal (1988)
Cowboys from Hell (1990)
Vulgar Display of Power (1992)
Far Beyond Driven (1994)
The Great Southern Trendkill (1996)
Reinventing the Steel (2000)

Members

Current members

Rex Brown – bass, backing vocals
Phil Anselmo – lead vocals

Touring musicians

Zakk Wylde – guitars, backing vocals
Charlie Benante – drums