Pantera is an American band heavy metal band formed in Arlington, Texas, in 1981 by Vinnie Paul (drums) and Dimebag Darrell (guitar). They initially had glam metal roots but became one of the most influential metal acts of the 90’s as a pioneer of groove metal. Their best known lineup included Phil Anselmo (vocals), Rex Brown (bass), and the Abbott brothers.
The band’s early years included names like Gemini and Eternity, and were later changed to Pantera after the De Tomaso sports car Pantera. Their first lineup included Donny Hart on vocals and Tommy D. Bradford on bass, later replaced by Glaze and Rex Brown respectively. As the released of their first three independent albums Metal Magic (1983), Projects in the Jungle (1984), and I Am The Night (1985), they showcased glam metal with elaborate guitar work and vocals but remained regionally popular.
In 1986, Pantera brought on Phil Anselmo and his more violent style marked a critical pivot in the band’s history. Their fourth album, Power Metal (1988) had some glam traces, but found a harder, thrashier edge. Looking to shape a new image, Pantera signed Atco Records and released what many people consider their true debut album, Cowboys From Hell in 1990. The album embraced groove-laden thrash riffs which were an instant favorite and laid the groundwork for their skyrocketing fame.
In 1992, the band released Vulgar Display of Power which is viewed as their most aggressive record to date. The album featured hits like “Walk,” “This Love,” and “Fucking Hostile” and was key in growing their fanbase. Pantera reached a commercial peak in 1994 with their album Far Beyond Driven, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Along with their intense live shows and anti-mainstream attitude, they built a devoted fanbase and dominated 90’s heavy metal music.
Despite the whirlwind success, friction began to arise with internal band dynamics. Anselmo’s heroin addiction coupled with distancing himself from the band in the late 90s created tension. The band produced The Great Southern Trendkill (1996) and their last studio album, Reinventing the Steel (2000). Both albums received critical acclaim. But in 2001, Pantera entered an indefinite hiatus before officially disbanding in 2003.
The assassination of Dimebag Darrell during a Damageplan concert onstage in 2004 was devastating. Hellyeah was subsequently established by Vinnie Paul, who still held an estranged relationship with Anselmo and Brown. He died in 2018 of heart failure.
In 2022, Zakk Wylde (guitar) and Charlie Benante (drums) were added to the band, and Brown and Anselmo announced a reformation of Pantera for a 2023 world tour. This was their first major tour in more than twenty years, honoring the legacy of the Abbott brothers.
Pantera is influential in the creation of modern Metal music. Alongside acts like Lamb of God, Slipknot, and Avenged Sevenfold, they reshaped the music scene with their style of blending thrash and groove metal. They are also known for their unrelenting character, leaving a huge impact on the history of heavy metal.
Contents
Top Songs
- Walk – The title track ‘Vulgar Display of Power’ contains one of Pantera’s most recognizable anthems.
- Cemetery Gates – A power ballad in a slow yet forest melodic form that exhibits Anselmo’s vocal range along with Darrell’s lead guitar.
- This Love – A calm yet heavy emotional song that mixes different tempos of instrumentation.
- Cowboys from Hell – The introductory track of the album which showcases a new direction and evolution of aggression.
- Domination – Highlighted by a well-known brutal breakdown and extensive live fanfare.
- I’m Broken – Nominated for a Grammy, this song is known for addressing personal issues of pain and addiction.
- Mouth for War – A track that brings forth their aggressive new ethos. – High-octane sound ~ Aggressive Essence.
- Revolution Is My Name – A standout from their final studio album that includes a signature riff.
- Floods – Noted for Dimebag Darrell’s breathtaking guitar solo, it received acclaim.
- 5 Minutes Alone – Heavy track from Far Beyond Driven that is both defiant and a fan favorite.
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)
Notable Compilations and Live Releases
- Official Live: 101 Proof (1997)
- Reinventing Hell: The Best of Pantera (2003)
- 1990-2000: A Decade of Domination (2010)
Top Albums
- Walk – A crushing anthem of defiance from Vulgar Display of Power.
- Cemetery Gates – A melodic power ballad showcasing Anselmo’s range and Darrell’s lead guitar.
- This Love – A brooding, emotional track with a mix of soft and heavy elements.
- Cowboys from Hell – The title track that introduced Pantera’s new direction and aggression.
- Domination – Known for its brutal breakdown and live popularity.
- I’m Broken – A personal song addressing pain and addiction, Grammy-nominated.
- Mouth for War – A high-octane track symbolizing their new aggressive ethos.
- Revolution Is My Name – A standout from their final studio album, with a signature riff.
- Floods – Praised for Dimebag Darrell’s breathtaking guitar solo.
- 5 Minutes Alone – A defiant and heavy fan favorite from Far Beyond Driven.
Awards and Recognition
- Grammy Nominations (4):
- “I’m Broken” (1995) – Best Metal Performance
- “Suicide Note Pt. I” (1997) – Best Metal Performance
- “Cemetery Gates” (1998) – Best Metal Performance
- “Revolution Is My Name” (2001) – Best Metal Performance
- Platinum Certifications:
- Cowboys from Hell, Vulgar Display of Power, and Far Beyond Driven all certified platinum.
- Far Beyond Driven went double platinum in the U.S.
- Influence:
Widely regarded as a top 10 metal band of all time by outlets like Rolling Stone, Metal Hammer, and Loudwire.
Pantera – Complete Singles List
From Cowboys from Hell (1990)
- Cowboys from Hell
- Cemetery Gates
- Psycho Holiday
From Vulgar Display of Power (1992)
- Mouth for War
- This Love
- Hollow
- Walk
From Far Beyond Driven (1994)
- I’m Broken
- 5 Minutes Alone
- Becoming
- Planet Caravan (Black Sabbath cover)
From The Great Southern Trendkill (1996)
- Drag the Waters
- Floods
- Suicide Note Pt. I
From Reinventing the Steel (2000)
- Revolution Is My Name
- Goddamn Electric
- Yesterday Don’t Mean Shit
Other Notable Singles & Releases
- The Badge (1994 – The Crow soundtrack, Poison Idea cover)
- Cat Scratch Fever (1999 – Detroit Rock City soundtrack, Ted Nugent cover)
- Piss (2012 – unreleased track from Vulgar Display sessions, later single from 20th Anniversary Edition)