I just watched VH1's "Behind the Music" special on Pantera. I've seen one or two of these before (the Megadeth one is particularly good) and have always been impressed. The Pantera one is no exception - a riveting watch. It reminded me though of how incredible a band they were, and what a significant impact they had on metal music and my life in the '90s (and now). I remember first hearing "Vulgar Display" and thinking what an insanely heavy album it was. And then "Far Beyond Driven" came out - and it was a million times heavier. I always thought it was the heaviest thing that could ever be recorded. Then "The Great Southern Trend Kill" came out... oh my GOD. The title track from that album still stands with me as one of the heaviest songs I've ever heard (really only rivalled by some of Opeth's work). I love the way it starts - it's just blistering, bludgeoning and a sonic assault. Pantera certainly were a force to be reckoned with, and with really only their last album being somewhat substandard. Everything else they did was magnificent, and it's a shame that it ended as it did. At least we got some great stuff while they shone brightly. RIP Dimebag.

Labels: Music