It’s pretty much impossible to think about Pantera without headbanging just a little bit. The legendary Dallas-based metal band, known for heavy, shrieking guitar riffs and intense lyrics has returned, bringing a new lineup to the Woodlands Pavilion for their first Texas show in more than 20 years.
Consisting of vocalist Phil Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown of the band’s classic lineup, along with new members Zakk Wylde of Ozzy Osbourne and Black Label Society and Charlie Benante of Anthrax, the reformation of Pantera has been a topic of hot debate within the music community and among fans.
Originally formed in the early-1980s as a glam metal band, Pantera was the project of brothers Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul, with Brown and Anselmo joining the roster in ’82 and ’86, respectively. After a shift in sound with 1990’s Cowboys from Hell, now considered the be the band’s debut album, Pantera found mainstream success and spent the next 13 years conquering the world, with four Grammy nominations and multiple platinum albums.
After a highly acrimonious breakup in 2003, the members went their separate ways, with the brothers forming Damageplan and Anselmo forming Down. Less than a year later, Darrell was shot and killed on stage by a fan. Since the incident, Paul repeatedly said that there would never be a reconciliation with Anselmo, a position he held until his death in 2018.
In Summer of 2022, it was reported that the band would be reuniting for their first tour since 2001, leading to a wave of public opinion as to whether or not it truly was Pantera without Paul or Darrell. Fans are still highly split on the topic, even after months of shows.
Thursday’s show kicked off with a short set from Texas-based Flesh Hoarder, who were quickly followed up by Lamb of God. Taking the stage just after 7:45, Lamb of God played through a 10-song setlist, opening up with “Memento Mori” and “Walk With Me in Hell.”
With fireworks, pyro, and a massive backdrop, Lamb of God played an explosive set to a packed house as vocalist Randy Blythe belted lyrics into the crowd. Part of the new wave of metal that has taken the US by storm, the band wrapped up their performance with “Laid to Rest” and “Redneck,” leaving the fans anticipating what was to come.
There was definitely a bit of nervous energy in the crowd as the Pantera curtain rose, with fans excited but unsure what to expect from the band. Just after 9:15, the curtain fell and Pantera burst into “A New Level” off of their now-legendary sophomore album Vulgar Display of Power.
Immediately the crowd went wild, with multiple mosh pits forming across the GA areas of the venue. With no new music since 2000’s Reinventing the Steel, the entire setlist was comprised of classics, including “Walk,” “Domination,” “Fucking Hostile,” and “Cowboys from Hell.”
Anselmo repeatedly paused between songs to thank the fans, the crew, and the opening acts for their support throughout the tour. Standing barefoot on the stage, the vocalist also stopped to invoke the names of his former bandmates.
Halfway through the set, the band took a short break while a video montage of the brothers played on the screens.
Overall it was a great show, with the band putting on a stellar performance with plenty of fire, fury, and ferocity that Pantera is known for. Despite this, it’s still hard to fully accept the band as Pantera without the founding members. It’s conflicting, as on one hand here’s a great concert that certainly sounds like Pantera, but on the other there’s a lingering feeling that maybe the name was better left in the past with Paul and Darrell.
However you might feel about it, one thing is for certain: the band put on an unforgettable show, and gave fans the opportunity to hear some of the greatest ever metal songs live, which despite the accompanying baggage was worth the price of admission.
Pantera wrap up their 2023 tour on November 10th in Detroit, MI.
I'm a Houston-based concert and automotive photographer. I've been a music fan my whole life, and previously was the director for Coog Radio, the University of Houston's student radio station. I listen to a bit of everything, from blues to rock to EDM, but predominantly metal. Some favorites include Slayer, Iron Maiden, and Metallica. When I'm not behind the camera, you can catch me skating, going to car events, and buying too many coffee table books.
