Pantera

Pantera is a US heavy metal band from Arlington, Texas. It forms in 1982 and remains active, and its line-up includes Terry Glaze, Dimebag Darrell, Vinnie Paul, Rex Brown, Phil Anselmo and Rick Mythiasin. The band works across glam metal, groove metal, heavy metal, southern metal and thrash metal, and is particularly associated with groove metal.

Early years and style change

Pantera begins with a glam metal sound. With vocalist Terry Glaze, the band releases Metal Magic in 1983, Projects in the Jungle in 1984 and I Am the Night in 1985 on its own label. These records have limited commercial impact. The group later recruits Phil Anselmo in 1986 and moves towards a heavier style.

Power Metal, released in 1988, marks a transitional stage in the band’s sound, combining glam metal with traditional heavy metal and thrash metal elements. Pantera then signs to a major label and releases Cowboys from Hell in 1990, an album the band often treats as its official debut. It shifts the group towards the groove-oriented sound for which it becomes known.

Main albums and recognition

Vulgar Display of Power follows in 1992 and strengthens the band’s reputation with a more aggressive vocal approach and heavier guitar work. Pantera’s profile grows further through radio play and music television. Far Beyond Driven appears in 1994 and debuts at number one on the Billboard 200. The band continues with The Great Southern Trendkill in 1996 and the live album Official Live: 101 Proof in 1997. Its final studio album, Reinventing the Steel, arrives in 2000.

The band sells an estimated 20 million records worldwide and receives multiple Grammy nominations. Its catalogue is issued through labels including Teenage Wasteland Records, ATCO Records and EastWest Records America.

Breakup and later activity

Pantera goes on hiatus in 2001 and breaks up in 2003 after internal disputes, particularly between Phil Anselmo and the Abbott brothers. After the split, the Abbott brothers form Damageplan, while Anselmo and Rex Brown continue with other projects. Dimebag Darrell dies in 2004 during a Damageplan concert in Columbus, Ohio. Vinnie Paul later forms Hellyeah and dies in 2018. In 2022, Pantera returns with Anselmo and Brown as the surviving classic members, using guest musicians for the absent roles, and continues touring internationally.