REVIEWS:
Back in the early 80's Pantera were a glam band. And not a very good one at that. They played clubs and bars, etc. The original group consisted of Darrell Lance Abbott (now known as Dimebag Darrell) Rex Brown (also known as Rexx Rokker [yes, I spelled that right] back in the glam days), and Vincent Paul Abbott (Now known as Vinnie Paul), and various glam singers up until they picked up Phil Anselmo. I believe they also put out one more glam album before Cowboys From Hell, with Phil in the band, but getting Phil is generally considered a turning point for the band stylistically and popularity.
Phil started out on Cowboys with a shriek not all dissimilar to Dave Mustaine. Thankfully, he ditched that vocal attack and now screams like no other. Some people hate his vocal delivery (I really can't call it singing), but I believe it fits the band's music perfectly. So the lineup for all the major-label releases is as follows: Phil Anselmo (vocals), Dimebag [Diamond] Darrell (guitars), Rex Brown (bass), and Vinnie Paul (drums). Oh yeah, and they're Texans.
--Pat D.
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COMMENTS
although most the time phil is screaming he can sing very very well take for example hollow, cemetary gates, this love, and floods amazing vocal tracks also with some of his screams he does a thing were he is sing/screaming its odd but its awesome. like his vocal pattern are moving up and down like singing but he is screaming.
I am in absolute devastation about Darrell, he was a great guy very down to earth. I will miss him very much as a person, and artist he brought a lot to the world.
CJ
(Pat D.'s review)
Well, if you want to go back to the days when Dime was shredding every other guitarist in the business, this is the album. Phil's got the vocal problems on this album (see above), but the riffage and solos are downright incredible. Clearly the best song on the album, and Pantera's best ever, is "Cemetary Gates". You'll love this song if you've never heard it. One of the more incredibly catchy riffs of all time coupled with great lyrics and an awesome Dimebag solo make this a definite high spot in all time metal. I still think it's behind Metallica's "One", but its close.
Dime is also known for making weird effects with his Dean-Markley custom axe, and the title track is no exception. It's a great tune, also. "The Art of Shredding" is just that. "Heresy" has a chunky little bridge, and "Psycho Holiday" is certainly a weird little tune. But alas, despite the guitar heroics from Dime, some of the songs on this album are just plain average. But still, a very good album, and it's got "Cemetary Gates" on it.
As Pat D. has long made it clear to metal fans out there, this obviously isn't Pantera's debut, but it probably might just as well be. After several 'glam' releases that I haven't heard (but I do have at least a little bit of curious desire to do so at one point), they finally hit their stride as one of the most brutal and uncompromising metal bands out there this side of Slayer. And watch out for the guitar playing - whether the music is in your face, just thrashing along, or just there to create atmospheric textures, you've got to admit that the effects-laden, often pulverizing, tone of Dimebag Darrell is really one of the most unique in the genre. And of course, it's easy to call Phil Anselmo a weak link in the band now, but back during the time of this album, he did have quite versatile pipes, whether he's hitting high notes into the stratosphere (like Sebastian Bach or someone like that), furiously grunting, or even singing normally, which, believe it or not, he was able to do once.
Of course, this album should be a staple of almost every metal fan on the planet for one song, and one song alone - and that is "Cemetery Gates", perhaps one of the greatest epics metal has ever given us. Not only does it have the most well-written melody on the album by far (not a trivial factor, considering the rest of this stuff), the introductory guitar line and lyrics both contribute mightily to the haunting and moody edge here. But there's more to it than that - the song builds on it dynamically with multiple riff crunch and some truly phenomenal guitar soloing. And I always love it when Phil belts out 'cemetery... gaaaaaaaaaates...', and everyone else should, too. This song sets a very, very high standard for the remainder, no question, and unfortunately, there's not a whole lot out of the rest I can actually remember well after its' over, and that's a darn shame, since this sounds like quite a thrilling record while it's on.
Regardless, props must be given out to the title track for its' absolutely fantastic speed riff and thundering groove, which begins the album on a mighty, kickass note. Elsewhere, "Medicine Man" and "Primal Concrete Sledge" both score mostly on account of adrenaline rush chanting choruses (the latter in particular with fabulous power drumming from Vinnie Paul), while two of the first half's stronger tracks "Psycho Holiday" and "Heresy" define both the power groove and thrashy side of the band very respectably - they don't really have strong melodies (though I have to get a kick out of the screaming in the latter track), but sound exciting, nonetheless. Actually, the remaining side one track, "Domination", is quite good too, as it effortlessly flows from thrash to groove mode.
The second side, however, is where the album loses me a bit. Too bad they couldn't have made the album like, 15 minutes shorter or something like that, because the Pantera style of intensity really starts to get tiring over the course of damn near an hour. The songs here aren't bad, as on their own they're about as exciting as the others, but in the context of the album, they all seem to follow the same pattern after awhile, and this is where the lack of catchiness with these songs really starts to bug me. Even the more memorable ones aren't even that distinguishable - the fifth song on the side, "The Sleep", starts out as a "Cemetery Gates" knockoff before going into a very standard power groove, and the over-the-top singing is about the only thing that distinguishes "Shattered". The remaining three songs, meanwhile, kind of escape me at the moment - maybe you can find them for me. Regardless, though, this album is essential, even if it's just 'good' as a whole. CEMETERY GATES. Remember these two words.
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I used to listen to these guys! (I won't be ashamed to admit it.) I guess Vulgar was always my favorite, but I sure got bored of it ("Walk on home, boy!"), and I'd rather hear this one again today. The two albums are pretty much interchangeable -- good first side, awful second side. "Medicine Man" is catchy in a creepy sort of way, but most of the second half here is hardly memorable; "Message in Blood" and "The Art of Shredding" (sorry Pat) are especially dull and tuneless songs. "Sleep" is also sluggish and aptly titled -- definitely doesn't touch "Hollow" with a ten-foot clown pole. I guess I listed four of them, but I don't remember any other songs on the second side. Hmmm . . . isn't "Shattered" this stamping double-bass song with lots of silly screeching from Phil? (Left over from his butt-rock days for sure.) The first side is cool though (except for "Domination" -- bleh!). I enjoy the broken double-bass/guitar groove of "Psycho Holiday" and the stomping "Heresy" and "Primal Concrete Sledge." The title track is, well, amusing. Oh, and, yes, "Cemetery Gates" is a cool power ballad with some infectiously ugly guitar work from that guy who call himself "Dimebag." (All part of their '90s image I guess; I wonder if he called himself "Hairspray Can" in the '80s.) I guess that song's a "classic" by Pantera's standard.
(reviewed by Pat D.)
This USED to be my favorite Pantera album, until I realized that side two really sucks. Its not even that the majority of the songs are unlistenable, they just don't go anywhere. Side one, however, is another story altogether. "Mouth for War" rules. Damn, that is a great riff. And for those of you who are computer geeks (like yours truly) will recognize this song from DOOM. Can't remember exactly what level that song was used for, but I'm sure it was in there somewhere....
And just about every song on the first side is also great- each in it's own way. However, there is one extremely dumb track on here, the inexplicably macho "Walk". Apparently the legion of Pantera fans out there worship this song like it was the second coming of "Angel of Death" (Slayer), so it appears that I have no clue what I am talking about after all. Vulgar is also the album that almost everyone thinks is their best. I, on the other hand, think it is FAR too inconsistent to attain this status. It's not bad; and of course Side 1 alone may make some of you want to crush my typing fingers, but I believe they could do better.
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[email protected] (Alan Philippa)
wtf.6? this is their best definately the solos on here make it worth the purchase alone. and the second halfis fuckin awesome im talking about tracks hollow(classic), no good, live in a hole, rise, regular people, the only track that isnt up to standard is by demons be driven. this is a classic heavy album by on of the best heavy bands
(reviewed by Pat D.)
Well, folks, here we have the #1 Redneck Metal album. This is also the first (and only) time you will hear me praise Mr. Douchebag Darrell's use of his effects pedals. He actually got those weird little noises to WORK with the music. Unfortunately, Dumbass Darrell really went overboard on their next release, so who knows what the band is going to sound like when they get their collective asses in gear and release another album.
The best thing about this album is , you guessed it, it's consistency. None of the previous Pantera releases (and certainly none after it) were completely enjoyable. In the case of Cowboys and Vulgar, it was side 2 that ultimately made those albums imperfect. The studio album after this release spreads out the mediocrity. And finally, even this release isn't totally great. Two tracks in particular, "5 Minutes Alone" and "25 Years" are both very poor tracks. "5 Minutes" is bad for its awkward and dumb chorus. "25 Years" is a prime example of Dipshit Darrell spending entirely too much time with that damn effects pedal. "Years" is nothing but a stupid whammy noise repeated over and over with Anselmo screaming some truly ludicrous fragments on top.
But thats where the insults end. The rest of Far Beyond Driven is first rate 90's Metal. Make no mistake; this is not really a thrash album. Vulgar is probably the last time Pantera will be considered thrash. This is some kind of grind/sludge metal with a bit of 80's speed metal thrown in. But it's GOOD. Such songs as "Strength Beyond Strength", "I'm Broken", "Shedding Skin", "Use My Third Arm", "Slaughtered", "Hard Lines, Sunken Cheeks", and "Becoming" all have such GREAT grooves to them. Yeah, that's right! A metal album that GROOVES. For those less educated, this is where those so-called 'innovators' Korn got their style from. The only difference is Pantera did it first, with much more consistent and enjoyable results. Even the weird drug opus "Good Friends and a Bottle of Pills" is quite interesting, despite the idiotic title. You really can't go wrong with this CD, and I feel it is a step above any of their other releases. It doesn't get a 10 cause the two songs mentioned above REALLY blow.
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(Pat D.'s review)
OK, this is starting to get a little ridiculous, Phil. Heavy for heavy's sake is not a good enough reason to compromise your music. And Dodo Darrell isn't helping any with his overuse of the effects pedals. It seems like Pantera go into the studio every two years and say, "Hey man, were going to be called sell-outs like Metallica if we don't make this album 10x heavier than the last!". Okay, enough Pantera-bashing for the moment. You will probably hate this album when you first listen, unless you're some die-hard Pantera freak. But again, if you give it time, like FBD, it will grow on you.
Highlights include "War Nerve" which contains a kickass Vinnie Paul drum lead. Also "10's" is a decent song, but I' ve grown tired of it lately. "Drag the Waters" has a catchy riff line. My favorite track on the disc is "13 Steps to Nowhere". That song has a delightful screaming chorus where Phil spews "13....13....13...13....13...STEPS!". Very nice. "Living Through Me (Hell's Wrath)" has a Eddie Van Halen-sounding guitar behind the chorus. And "Floods" won best solo in Guitar World last year. But the best part of that song is the beautiful rain-storm/guitar ending. It's incredible. At least give that song a listen.
Other than those songs, there really isn't much to write about. "Suicide Note Pt.1" is a sort-of acoustic ballad that's OK, but nothing to write home about. And the second part is pure unfocused rage that leaves me wishing that they had made that song a one-parter. Everything else is generic Pantera metal that borders on "Why did they bother?" Only recommended if you're a die-hard Pantera fan, or you like your music as heavy as possible.
Pantera's tendency to get heavier and heavier with each album culminated with the release of The Great Southern Trendkill, which is chock full of complex, often brutal riffs and solos from Dimebag Darrell (it's no coincidence that he was generally regarded as one of the best metal guitarists around that time). It's not just Dimebag that runs the show however - in the powerful time changes of "13 Steps To Nowhere", it's the rhythm section that really helps make that track a monster. The attitude-laden "War Nerve" and the bottom-heavy "10s" are also convincing stabs at this heavier direction, and the closing "Sandblasted Skin" is no slouch in that department either.
Unfortunately, with all the worthwhile guitar work here, there are also a few factors that keep The Great Southern Trendkill from being anything truly 'great'. Extremely juvenile lyrics, weak song structure, and terrible 'vocals' (more like screams) from Phil Anselmo (apparently, he did have a good range once, or so I'm told) make such songs as the irritating screamfests "Suicide Note Part 2" and the title track nearly unlistenable. When Anselmo actually does try to sing, though, the results are unarguably fantastic, especially with Dimebag to help out. The lone ballad "Suicide Note Part 1" has such chilling and dramatic instrumentation, melody and lyrics, and the extended epic "Floods" builds up from a similar ballad-like structure to a phenomenal guitar solo (and outro!!). In all, a decent album, but there's only so much of that screaming and aggression I can take at one time.
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(reviewed by Pat D.)
I will be the first to admit that I don't really care for live albums. I much prefer the precision and ambience that only studio cuts can provide. Speaking of which, there are two studio cuts at the end of this album in addition to the live material. So, if you love live albums, bump this rating up to a 7. This album is basically Pantera's greatest hits, live. All of the favorites are on here, save "Mouth for War", and generally they are performed well. But the live performances, as well as they are played, pale in comparison to the studio cuts.
Whether its because they play/sing slower, or Dime has to sacrifice rhythm/lead because he is only one guitarist playing two tracks, there generally seems to be something missing on listening. But its an OK album, and I guess it would be a good starting point for a new fan, cause its got all the great songs on it. But the reason I don't give it higher than a 6 is that there is nothing new on here performed live. Usually, a band will do a cover or some song they never cut before to add an element of surprise, but that is not the case here. The two studio tracks are new, but this is a LIVE album, dammit, and besides the only decent one is "Where You Come From".
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(reviewed by Pat D.)
The word for the day is groove folks. And unfortunately, this album proves that an overabundance of anything can be extremely annoying. This is one of those albums that a metalhead should have been rooting for. Dimebag kept talking for years and years after the melodicless (see I make up new words every day!) Great Southern Trendkill, how the next album was going to be "A return to their roots" or more accurately for those of us that realize that Pantera used to be a glam band, "a return to Vulgar Display of Power". Now, despite some metal fans' dislike of these sellout southerners, you have to admit "Revolution is My Name" was far better than any other "heavy" song that made its way onto popular rock radio. And hey, if Pantera can break the stranglehold of Mr. Fred Dunce-t and Limp Suckit, maybe some of your Iced Earths might be able to follow, right?
As we all know by now, "Revolution" has been gone from the airwaves for a few months now, with no second single from the P-men in sight. Oh well, so the cause of metal will have to fought another day, with another band. You could look at it this way: Maybe this album is sooo metal that none of the program directors at 92.3KCock would play anything else. Unfortunately for me, and most of the fans of Pantera's earlier major label material, this is not the case. Nor does this album have much in common with Vulgar Display Of Power, despite Diamond .....er ... Dimebag Darrell's insistance to the contrary. He is right about one thing though, it sure as hell grinds. To a fault. I cant recall an album in recent history that I screamed "speed this fucker up please!" over and over again at the stereo.
Now don't get me wrong, there are certain songs on this album where all out speed isn't missed. The best songs on here, the aforementioned "Revolution is my name", "Death Rattle", and "Yesterday Dont Mean Shit" all have very catchy, well crafted, crunchy hooks to go with their slightly-faster-than-midtempo stylings. But then you get such sludgefests like "Goddamn Electric" (which picks up at the VERY end with speedy Dime riffing and a blazing solo from guest Kerry King) or whammy fests like "You've Got To Belong To It", or grinding, boring detuned chord progressions in "We'll Grind That Axe A Long Time" and "It Makes Them Dissapear".
Speaking of "We'll Grind", that song has one of the stupidest choruses I've heard in a long time. I'll give you one guess what it is. The other lyrics on this album also suffer from sheer pointlessness. At least Far Beyond Driven had a little bit of social commentary here and there. Finally, I really am getting tired of Phil screaming monotonously throughout albums. It didnt really get to me before, because up until now, only two Pantera albums were non stop throatfests (Trendkill and Driven), but this being the third album of toneless screaming in a row is just too much. Its almost sad when you listen to this album all the way through and wish Phil would just shut the fuck up.
So, to summarize, major dissapointment. I won't say that I didn't enjoy parts of this album (I did) and I even enjoyed parts of the bad songs listed above. For example, "I'll Cast A Shadow" has a killer ascending guitar melody during the chorus. But the rest of the song is mostly drivel. As is a lot of this album. Skip this one and get Far Beyond Driven, which, even after listening to this album, still rates very highly in my mind. Oh yeah, and pray for a better band to champion the cause of real metal. BTW, disregard my comments on Robert Grazer's rant about this being thrashy. I still can't figure out what drugs I was on when I wrote that. This is not remotely thrash.
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[email protected] (Shaun Downton)
Check out Down:II. An album containing Phil where he doesn't scream all the time. A nice mix of styles but i haven't really gotten into it.
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