The Band Index

Pantera

AmericasUnited StatesHeavy Metal
Community

Follow Your Favorite Band Today!

Be the first one to follow Pantera!

Top Pantera Community Posts

Loading posts...
Sponsor content

Band Timeline

1981

Formation of Pantera and Early Glam Metal Phase

Pantera was formed in 1981 in Arlington, Texas, by brothers Darrell Abbott (later known as Dimebag Darrell) on guitar and Vinnie Paul Abbott on drums. The band went through some early lineup changes and names before settling on Pantera. Initially, the band played glam metal and released three albums in the mid-1980s with vocalist Terry Glaze. Despite modest regional success, their style was typical of 1980s glam metal and did not achieve wide mainstream recognition.
1986

Phil Anselmo Joins as Lead Vocalist and Shift Towards Heavier Sound

In 1986, seeking a new direction and heavier sound, Pantera replaced Terry Glaze with Phil Anselmo as lead vocalist. Along with Anselmo's arrival, bassist Rex Brown solidified the lineup. This marked the beginning of Pantera shifting away from glam metal towards a groove metal style. In 1988, they released 'Power Metal,' which showcased their evolving sound and set the groundwork for their breakthrough.
1990

Breakthrough with 'Cowboys from Hell' and Major Label Debut

Pantera signed with the major label Atco Records and released their official major-label debut album, 'Cowboys from Hell,' in 1990. This album was pivotal in popularizing groove metal, combining aggressive riffs with groove-laden rhythms. 'Cowboys from Hell' received critical acclaim and attracted a larger fanbase, positioning Pantera as a leading act in heavy metal and setting the stage for future mainstream success.
1992

Release of 'Vulgar Display of Power' and Increased Popularity

In 1992, Pantera released their follow-up album 'Vulgar Display of Power,' which featured an even heavier and more aggressive sound. The album produced iconic singles like 'Mouth for War' and 'Walk,' which became staples of the band's live performances. 'Vulgar Display of Power' elevated Pantera's status in the heavy metal community and further solidified their influence in defining groove metal.
1994

'Far Beyond Driven' Debuts at Number One

Pantera's seventh studio album, 'Far Beyond Driven,' was released in 1994 and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The album's intense heaviness and technicality expanded their reach worldwide. Singles such as '5 Minutes Alone' and 'I'm Broken' received significant airplay, and a cover of Black Sabbath’s 'Planet Caravan' displayed their versatility. 'Far Beyond Driven' achieved platinum status and marked the peak of the band's commercial success.
1996

Internal Tensions and Release of 'The Great Southern Trendkill'

By 1995, tensions surfaced within the band, particularly due to Phil Anselmo's severe back problems and resulting heroin addiction. These personal struggles led to a fractured working relationship during the making of 1996's 'The Great Southern Trendkill.' The album's recording sessions were held separately due to these difficulties. Although tensions ran high, the album was critically praised for its raw intensity and dark themes, reflecting the band's internal chaos during this period.
2000

Final Studio Album 'Reinventing the Steel' Released

'Reinventing the Steel,' released in 2000, was Pantera's last studio album before their hiatus. The album continued their groove metal style with a blend of aggressive and melodic elements. Although the band was still facing inter-member tensions, the album was commercially successful and well-received by fans and critics. This release represented the closing chapter of Pantera's original active career before their eventual hiatus and breakup.
2001-2003

Hiatus and Breakup

Pantera went on an official hiatus in 2001 due to ongoing disputes and personal differences among members. In 2003, the band officially broke up. Following the split, the Abbott brothers formed a new band called Damageplan, while Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown pursued other musical projects. Pantera's dissolution marked the end of an era for the influential groove metal pioneers.
2004

Death of Dimebag Darrell

On December 8, 2004, tragedy struck when Dimebag Darrell was shot and killed on stage by a mentally unstable fan during a Damageplan concert in Columbus, Ohio. His death sent shockwaves throughout the metal community and solidified his legacy as an iconic guitarist. Vinnie Paul went on to form the band Hellyeah, but the loss of Dimebag deeply affected all members and fans of Pantera.
2022-2023

Reunion Tour Announced with Partial Lineup

In 2022, surviving members Rex Brown and Phil Anselmo announced they would reunite for Pantera's first tour in 22 years, beginning in 2023. Due to the deaths of the Abbott brothers, the band recruited Zakk Wylde and Charlie Benante to fill in on guitar and drums. The reunion began with a performance at the Hell and Heaven festival in Mexico in December 2022, with the tour scheduled to continue through 2026. This tour marked a significant moment, reviving Pantera's legacy for a new generation and longtime fans alike.

Albums

pantera_1st_album
Metal Magic
10 tracks
1983
pantera_2nd_album
Projects in the Jungle
10 tracks
1984
pantera_3rd_album
I Am the Night
10 tracks
1985
pantera_4th_album
Power Metal
10 tracks
1988
pantera_5th_album
Cowboys From Hell
12 tracks
1990
pantera_6th_album
Vulgar Display of Power
11 tracks
1992
pantera_7th_album
Far Beyond Driven
12 tracks
1994
pantera_8th_album
The Great Southern Trendkill
11 tracks
1996
pantera_9th_album
Reinventing the Steel
10 tracks
2000
Sponsor content

Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Rick Mythiasin

N/A

Lead vocals

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Dimebag Darrell

1981
2003

Background vocals

Guitar

Phil Anselmo

1987
2003

Lead vocals

Dimebag Darrell

N/A
N/A

Rex Brown

1982
2003

Background vocals

Bass guitar

Terry Glaze

1981
1986

Guitar

Lead vocals

Vinnie Paul

1981
2003

Drums (drum set)

Story of Pantera

Pantera: The Rise and Fall of a Groove Metal Titan

Pantera, a name synonymous with heavy metal fury, emerged from the Texan streets of Arlington in 1981. Founded by the Abbott brothers, Dimebag Darrell (guitar) and Vinnie Paul (drums), the band went through a few lineup changes before solidifying their legendary form with vocalist Phil Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown in 1986.

While they started with a glam metal sound, their early 80s albums, like "Metal Magic" and "I Am the Night," failed to make a significant impact. A turning point came with Anselmo's arrival, ushering in a heavier, more aggressive style that propelled them to the forefront of the heavy metal scene.

Their 1990 album, "Cowboys From Hell," is widely credited with birthing the groove metal subgenre, combining the raw power of thrash with heavy riffs and a relentless rhythmic drive. This was followed by the even more brutal "Vulgar Display of Power" in 1992, cementing their status as one of the most ferocious live acts on the planet.

The band's commercial and critical peak arrived with "Far Beyond Driven" in 1994, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. Their success was undeniable, influencing generations of metal musicians and selling over 20 million records worldwide.

However, despite their dominance, internal tensions began to simmer, primarily stemming from Anselmo's struggles with addiction and physical pain. This led to a growing divide between him and the Abbott brothers, eventually culminating in the band's bitter breakup in 2003.

Pantera remains a towering figure in heavy metal history, their legacy forever etched in the annals of the genre. While the band's story ended in acrimony, their music continues to inspire and resonate with fans around the world, leaving behind a thunderous legacy of raw power and unbridled aggression.

Sponsor content

Learn more about Pantera

Bands you may like