Pantera, one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time, consists of two members presently: Rex Brown and Philip Anselmo. Known for their eclectic style and echoing legacy, the band became integral elements to the world of metal.
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Key Takeaways
- The band was formed in 1981, consisting of Vinnie Paul (drums), Dimebag Darrell (guitar), Rex Brown (bass guitar), Phil Anselmo (vocals), and touring musicians Zakk Wylde (guitar) and Charlie Benante (drums).
- Pantera’s original style was glam rock before they transitioned to thrash/groove metal.
- They hail from Arlington, Texas, U.S.A.
- The two remaining members are Rex Brown and Philip Anselmo who re-started the band in 2022.
- Pantera’s influence persists even today, shaping the groove metal subgenre and inspiring many modern artists.
Pantera’s Lineup: Names and Ages
Pantera, often lauded as a groundbreaking band in the metal genre, had a distinctive lineup consisting of four key members, each contributing uniquely to their craft:
- Phil Anselmo (55): Serving as Pantera’s vocalist, Anselmo was born on June 30, 1968. He joined the band in 1986, at the age of 18, bringing a new range and aggression to their sound. He is one of two remaining members.
- Rex Brown (59): Serving as Pantera’s bass guitarist, Brown was born on July 27, 1964. He is an integral part of the band, joining when he was 17. He is the other remaining member.
- Dimebag Darrell: Renowned for his phenomenal guitar skills, Darrell was born on August 20, 1966. Early known as “Diamond Darrell,” he was only 15 when Pantera was formed. Sadly, he passed away on December 8, 2004, at age 38.
- Vinnie Paul: Born on March 11, 1964, Paul joined his younger brother Darrell as the drummer for Pantera. He was notably 17 when the band was founded. He passed away on June 22, 2018, at age 54.
Brief History and Origin of Pantera
Pantera was established in Arlington, Texas in 1981, starting off as a family operation with brothers Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell. Initially, they dabbled in glam metal before transitioning to thrash/groove metal.
- The band’s first major breakthrough came with their album ‘Cowboys from Hell’ in 1990. This marked the beginning of their shift away from glam, pioneering a new, raw sound.
- With the 1992 release of ‘Vulgar Display of Power’, they further solidified their influence in the heavy metal scene.
- Their seventh studio album, ‘Far Beyond Driven’ (1994), debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, demonstrating their mainstream appeal.
- Pantera’s later years were marked by tension. By the late 90s, conflicts within the band started emerging, fueled by Anselmo’s growing drug addiction.
- The band officially disbanded in 2003 due to these internal frictions, and the members pursued individual projects thereafter. However, Rex Brown and Philip Anselmo re-started the band in 2022.
Trivia and Unique Facts About Pantera
There’s more to Pantera than just their powerful music which adds to their enigmatic history. Let’s dig into some intriguing and lesser-known facts about them:
- C.F.H Tattoos: Standing for ‘Cowboys from Hell’, several band members had ‘C.F.H.’ inked on them, symbolizing their unity and shared identity.
- Dimebag Darrell’s Guitar Tuning: Darrell used a special drop D tuning, where the E string is tuned down to D. It’s a technique used by many metal guitarists today, often attributed to him.
- ‘Vulgar Display of Power’ Album Cover: The infamous cover features a man being punched in the face. The band claimed that the man was actually paid $10 for each punch and it took over 30 tries to get it right.
- Two of the members’ real names aren’t what you’d expect. Dimebag Darrell’s real name was Darrell Lance Abbott, and Rex Brown was originally named Rex Robert Brown.
Pantera’s Legacy and Influence
Decades after their inception, Pantera’s influence continues to resonate powerfully in the landscape of rock and metal. Here’s a glimpse into their enduring legacy:
- Pantera’s innovative transition from glam rock to a unique blend of thrash and groove metal has widely shaped these genres.
- They are often credited for the emergence of a more aggressive form of metal that attracted a new generation of fans during their peak.
- ‘Cowboys from Hell’ and ‘Vulgar Display of Power’ remain two of the most influential heavy metal albums of all time.
- Their music became anthems for legions of fans worldwide and inspired countless musicians who followed.
A testament to their enduring legacy, Pantera’s music is still widely listened to and celebrated, proving their timeless appeal and influence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pantera stands as one of the most influential heavy metal bands in history, with a legacy that has left an indelible mark on the genre. Formed in 1981 with a lineup including iconic members like Dimebag Darrell, Vinnie Paul, Rex Brown, and Phil Anselmo, the band transitioned from glam rock to thrash/groove metal, ultimately shaping these genres with their unique sound. Pantera’s impact on metal, characterized by their aggressive sound and anthem-like tracks, resonates even today, proving the timeless appeal and enduring influence of their music.
Pantera Featured Image by: DiegoVigueras, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
