Pantera was an American heavy metal band formed in Arlington, Texas in 1981. The band consisted of vocalist Phil Anselmo, guitarist brothers Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul, and bassist Rex Brown. Pantera’s music blended elements of heavy metal, thrash, and groove, creating a distinctive sound that helped define the metal genre in the 1990s. The band released nine studio albums, with their breakthrough album, “Cowboys from Hell” (1990), catapulting them to mainstream success. Pantera’s music is characterized by its heavy, pounding riffs, aggressive vocals, and powerful drumming.
The band’s live performances were legendary for their intensity and energy, with Dimebag Darrell’s virtuosic guitar playing and Anselmo’s commanding stage presence being particular highlights. Pantera was also known for their strong image and attitude, with the band members exuding a tough, no-nonsense persona that resonated with their fans.
Tragically, Dimebag Darrell was killed on stage during a concert in 2004, bringing an abrupt end to Pantera’s career. However, the band’s music continues to be revered by metal fans around the world, with their influence and legacy still felt in the modern metal scene. Pantera remains a testament to the power and vitality of heavy metal music, and their impact on the genre continues to be felt to this day.
1. Cowboys from Hell
“Cowboys from Hell” is the title track from Pantera’s breakthrough album released in 1990. The song starts with a thundering riff that leads into a powerful, driving groove that sets the tone for the album. The lyrics are a celebration of the band’s toughness and determination, with references to their Texas roots and the cowboy spirit. The song’s catchy chorus and memorable guitar solo from Dimebag Darrell have made it a fan favorite and a staple of the band’s live performances. “Cowboys from Hell” is a powerful anthem that showcases Pantera’s ability to combine heavy riffs, aggressive vocals, and memorable hooks into a perfect heavy metal package.
2. Cemetery Gates
“Cemetery Gates” is a classic heavy metal ballad by Pantera, released in 1990. The song features a melodic and emotive guitar riff, combined with the distinctive vocals of lead singer Phil Anselmo. The lyrics explore themes of love, loss, and mortality, with a sense of vulnerability and raw emotion that is unusual for a band known for their aggressive and intense sound. The chorus is a soaring and anthemic moment, inviting the listener to join in with the refrain “Revolution is my name!” “Cemetery Gates” is a standout track that showcases Pantera’s ability to blend elements of metal and hard rock with melodic and emotional songwriting, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with fans to this day.
3. A New Level
“A New Level” is a high-energy track from Pantera’s 1992 album, “Vulgar Display of Power”. The song features the band’s signature heavy riffs, intense drumming, and Phil Anselmo’s powerful vocals. The lyrics speak of overcoming challenges and rising to new heights, with lines like “Take it from a guy who’s done it all, the information’s here, the writing’s on the wall”. The song’s aggressive yet catchy chorus and Dimebag Darrell’s searing guitar solo have made it a fan favorite and a staple of Pantera’s live shows. “A New Level” is a prime example of the band’s ability to create intense, memorable heavy metal anthems.
4. Shattered
“Shattered” is a blistering and intense song by Pantera, released in 1994. The song features a relentless and powerful guitar riff, combined with the ferocious vocals of lead singer Phil Anselmo. The lyrics explore themes of rage and frustration, with a sense of anger and aggression that is typical of Pantera’s sound. The chorus is a thunderous and anthemic moment, inviting the listener to join in with the refrain “Shattered, shattered, fractured, splattered!” “Shattered” is a standout track that showcases Pantera’s ability to deliver raw and unbridled energy in their music, making it a fan favorite that continues to be a staple of their live shows.
5. This Love
“This Love” is a ballad-like track from Pantera’s fifth album, “Vulgar Display of Power”, released in 1992. The song features a slow, groovy intro that builds into a powerful chorus, with Phil Anselmo’s emotionally charged vocals and Dimebag Darrell’s soulful guitar playing. The lyrics are about a tumultuous and destructive relationship, with lines like “If you want to try to erase me, you cannot. You’ll just have to wait until it’s over”. The song’s heavy, emotional atmosphere and haunting melodies have made it a fan favorite and a standout track in Pantera’s discography.
6. Walk
“Walk” is a heavy metal classic by Pantera, released in 1992. The song features a menacing and powerful guitar riff, combined with the aggressive and intense vocals of lead singer Phil Anselmo. The lyrics exude a sense of defiance and strength, urging the listener to stand up for themselves and face their challenges head-on. The chorus is a powerful and anthemic moment, inviting the listener to join in with the refrain “Are you talkin’ to me?!” “Walk” is a standout track that showcases Pantera’s ability to blend elements of metal and hard rock with intense and aggressive songwriting, making it a timeless classic that continues to inspire and motivate listeners to this day.
7. Message in Blood
“Message in Blood” is a fast-paced track from Pantera’s 1992 album, “Vulgar Display of Power”. The song features the band’s signature heavy riffs, driving drums, and Phil Anselmo’s aggressive vocals. The lyrics speak of the consequences of violence and revenge, with lines like “Blood for blood, we’ve all had enough. The world is full of lies, so let’s get it on with the fight”. The song’s intense energy and guitar solo by Dimebag Darrell have made it a fan favorite and a standout track in Pantera’s catalog. “Message in Blood” showcases the band’s ability to create powerful, hard-hitting metal anthems.
8. Drag the Waters
“Drag the Waters” is a heavy and groovy song by Pantera, released in 1996. The song features a slow and deliberate guitar riff, combined with the powerful and soulful vocals of lead singer Phil Anselmo. The lyrics explore themes of redemption and personal growth, with a sense of introspection and vulnerability that is unusual for Pantera’s typically aggressive sound. The chorus is a powerful and emotional moment, inviting the listener to join in with the refrain “Drag the waters some more, like never before.” “Drag the Waters” is a standout track that showcases Pantera’s ability to deliver heavy and emotional music with a depth and complexity that is often overlooked.
9. Revolution is My Name
“Revolution is My Name” is a hard-hitting track from Pantera’s eighth and final studio album, “Reinventing the Steel”, released in 2000. The song features a heavy, groovy riff that serves as the foundation for Phil Anselmo’s aggressive and powerful vocals. The lyrics speak of breaking free from conformity and society’s expectations, with lines like “A new state of mind, is what I’ve found”. The song’s energy and message of rebellion have made it a fan favorite and a testament to the band’s ability to create timeless heavy metal anthems. “Revolution is My Name” is a standout track in Pantera’s later discography.
10. The Art of Shredding
“The Art of Shredding” is an adrenaline-fueled track by Pantera, released in 1990. The song features blistering guitar riffs and soloing from guitarist Dimebag Darrell, combined with the aggressive and intense vocals of lead singer Phil Anselmo. The lyrics are a celebration of the art of playing heavy metal music, with a sense of pride and mastery that is typical of Pantera’s sound. The chorus is a triumphant moment, inviting the listener to join in with the refrain “The art of shredding is all that’s on my mind!” “The Art of Shredding” is a standout track that showcases the virtuosic playing and intense energy of Pantera’s music, making it a fan favorite that continues to inspire aspiring guitarists and metalheads alike.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
