Pantera

Vulgar Display Of Power

The best metal album of the '90's.

Review Score:

(10/10)
Calling this album the best metal album of the 1990's isn't an insult to Pantera's "Far Beyond Driven" album, or any Metallica albums, but I truly believe this is as good as metal gets. I don't understand how anyone, especially metalheads, can give it less than five stars. Every song is a hit and not a single song is forgetable. Dimebag Darrel (R.I.P.) is, in my opinion, a modern day Jimmy Hendrix. Drummer Vinnie Paul and bassist Rex Brown are also on the top of their game, here. And Phil Anselmo may not go down as one of the all time greatest singers, but no one can yell or snarl better than he, and he actually does some real singing on here (i.e. "This Love", "Hollow.")

Highlights include:
Everything! Every song is a hit!

"Mouth for War", the first single, includes a great opening riff which speeds up as the song goes along, as do the drums, and falls into a surging groove. A good headbanger, and very catchy. Phil's howl is still ringing in my ears.
"A New Level" opens with sound of glass shattering, then turns to more excellent guitar riffs.
"Walk" is one of Pantera's most famous songs, mostly due to the staccatto riff that runs through the whole song. This riff is about as catchy as you'll ever hear, and the drum beats are mighty catcht too (adding that "boom-boom boom" sound). The riff only stops briefly for a speaker shredding guitar solo, and you'd be hard pressed not to shout along to the chorus ("RE!SPECT! WALK!")
"F'in' Hostile" is another fan favorite. Amazingly fast and brutal.
"This Love" gives the first bit of relief to the listener. It's actually a semi-ballad, with almost "haunting" opening riffs. The choruses are still brutal and shout-along worthy, though.
"Rise" begins even faster and more brutal than "F'in' Hostile". When Phil's vocals come on, the song turns extremely catchy. The beat is almost bobs in places, and you'll have this chorus running through your mind all day. The real highlight here, though, is the guitar solo. It's one of my favorite guitar solos of all time. It just builds and builds, then builds some more. Your air guitar fingers will be itching after you hear this.
"No Good" has a riff which builds like a snowball, gaining speed. Phil's vocals go from growling (in the beginning) to yelling in the unforgettable chorus. Another wailing guitar solo is included, as well as a killer ending which echoes Sepultura.
"Live in a Hole" almost begins with a guitar solo, then turns to a riff which goes up and down throughout the whole song. A shorter guitar solo is included near the end--Pantera always has great solos-- but ends with Anselmo whispering.
"Regular People" has another great intro. The guitars and drums begin by pounding the same beat ("boom boom boom boom"), which builds as if it's running up a hill, then levels out. What really makes this song catchy, though, is the chorus. Every time I listen to this song, I have the chorus running through my mind all day.
"By Demons be Driven" might be my favorite song on here. My air guitar fingers itch, again, at the beginning and end of this song. Phil's singing in the chorus shifts from a howl to a growl. When I hear this song, I pause the C.D. and think one of two things: (either "Yeah!" or "God, I love metal!") Another high point of this song is the ending. Most of the songs on here usually end when the vocals are done, but the guys keep playing on this song. Excellent riffs and almost machine gun hand drums.
"Hollow" is the other semi-ballad. It adds good melody and texture to the C.D., the second half of the song is metal (which no one does better than Pantera.) When it turns to a metal song, the beat turns to an irresistable bobbing beat. Phil's howl rids the beat well, too. If, when you hear this part of the song, you don't bang your head and stomp your foot, there's something wrong with you.

Overall, this is one heck of an album! Now, obviously, metal isn't everyone's favorite genre, so I can't recommend this to anyone who loves music. But, personally, I can't get enough of it. No metal collection is complete unless this C.D. included.

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