Pantera

Pantera was an American heavy metal band formed in Arlington, Texas, in 1981. The group's classic lineup consisted of brothers Vinnie Paul (drums) and "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott (guitar), along with bassist Rex Brown and vocalist Philip Anselmo. Initially a glam metal band, Pantera later became famous for their heavier groove metal sound, which made them one of the most influential and successful heavy metal bands of the 1990s.

Formation and Early Glam Metal Years (1981–1986)

Pantera was formed by the Abbott brothers, Vinnie Paul and Darrell Abbott, in 1981. The initial lineup also included bassist Tommy D. Bradford and vocalist Donnie Hart, who were soon replaced by Rex Brown (then known as Rex Rocker) and Terry Glaze on vocals. During their early years, Pantera played glam metal and released three albums independently on their own label, Metal Magic Records: Metal Magic (1983), Projects in the Jungle (1984), and I Am the Night (1985). These albums were rooted in the glam rock style of the era but showed a gradual progression towards a heavier sound.

The Arrival of Phil Anselmo and a Shift in Sound (1986–1989)

In 1986, vocalist Terry Glaze left the band due to creative differences as the band wanted to pursue a heavier musical direction. After trying out a few other singers, they recruited New Orleans native Philip Anselmo in 1987. Anselmo's more aggressive vocal style was a better fit for the band's evolving sound. In 1988, they released the album Power Metal, which marked a significant transition from glam to a heavier, thrash-influenced sound, blending elements of both styles.

Mainstream Success and Groove Metal Pioneers (1990–1996)

Pantera signed with Atco Records in 1989 and released their major-label debut, Cowboys from Hell, in 1990. This album is widely considered their "official" debut and marked their definitive shift to a groove metal sound, characterized by Dimebag Darrell's heavy guitar riffs and Anselmo's aggressive vocals. The album featured iconic tracks like "Cowboys from Hell" and "Cemetery Gates."

Their next album, Vulgar Display of Power (1992), solidified their status as metal superstars. It featured some of their most famous songs, including "Walk" and "Mouth for War," and is considered one of the most influential metal albums of the 1990s. The album was certified double platinum and showcased an even heavier and more aggressive sound.

In 1994, Pantera released Far Beyond Driven, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, a remarkable feat for such an extreme metal album. This album was even more aggressive and remains one of the heaviest albums to ever top the charts. Tensions within the band began to surface during this period, exacerbated by Anselmo's struggles with substance abuse. These issues led to the recording sessions for their 1996 album, The Great Southern Trendkill, being conducted separately.

Internal Conflicts and Breakup (1996–2003)

The mid-to-late 1990s were marked by growing friction within the band. Phil Anselmo's involvement in numerous side projects, including the supergroup Down which he formed in 1991, contributed to the widening rift with the Abbott brothers. The band released their final studio album, Reinventing the Steel, in 2000. After a planned hiatus in 2001, the communication breakdown and ongoing disputes led to Pantera's official breakup in 2003.

Post-Breakup and Tragedies

Damageplan and the Death of Dimebag Darrell

Following the breakup, the Abbott brothers formed a new band called Damageplan. Tragically, on December 8, 2004, while performing with Damageplan in Columbus, Ohio, Dimebag Darrell was shot and killed on stage by a deranged fan. This event sent shockwaves through the music world and ended any possibility of a reunion of the classic Pantera lineup.

Hellyeah and the Death of Vinnie Paul

After his brother's death, Vinnie Paul formed the supergroup Hellyeah in 2006. On June 22, 2018, Vinnie Paul died in his sleep at his Las Vegas home due to a major heart attack caused by dilated cardiomyopathy and coronary artery disease.

Phil Anselmo's Projects

Phil Anselmo has remained active with several projects, most notably Down, which he formed with members of Corrosion of Conformity and Crowbar, and Superjoint Ritual.

Reformation (2022–present)

In 2022, the surviving members of Pantera's classic lineup, Philip Anselmo and Rex Brown, announced a reformation of the band for a tour to celebrate the lives and music of the Abbott brothers. They are joined by guitarist Zakk Wylde and drummer Charlie Benante.