The story of Heavy Metal band Pantera is really quite interesting. Dating all the way back to 1981, many do not realize, but prior to Phil Anslemo leading on vocals in ’86, they released three records independently. A polar opposite of what people recognize Pantera as, at first more a Glam Metal act, what they would become is one of the most powerful Metal bands of the ‘90s.
A force of power, energy, and aggression, unfortunately by 2003 they would all but disband. In the wake of this, the classic lineup would dive into other projects, but tragically in 2004 founding Guitarist Dimebag Darrell was murdered on stage while performing with Damageplan. An event that sent a shockwave through the Metal world, sadly over a decade later, his brother Vinnie Paul would also pass away in 2018.
With two of the founders of Pantera passed on, all hopes of any reunion were thought to be impossible. However, classic lineup members Phill Anslemo and Bassist Rex Brown decided to pay tribute to the legacy of Pantera with a massive tour which is still going strong into 2024. A tour which finds Metal royalty Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society) and Charlie Benante (Anthrax) filling in for the passed-on Abbott Brothers, Pantera is in the forefront of many fans’ minds once again.
This story laid out; it seemed like the time was prime for the release of some special Pantera material. That is why it was super exciting to hear that Rhino would be putting out a new 5-LP boxed set called The Complete Studio Albums 1990-2000. Self-explanatory, the set is comprised of five studio albums from their most impactful decade – Cowboys from Hell (1990), Vulgar Display of Power (1992), Far Beyond Driven (1994), The Great Southern Trendkill (1996), and Reinventing the Steel (2000). All records that have left a lasting impression on fans, this set includes each of them on beautifully laid out picture disc vinyl records.
A real must have for any fan of Pantera, the set is packaged in a solid box with individual sleeves and the records donning each respective album’s original artwork; front and back. Really attractive, each album sounds as powerful as ever and offers you a chance to sit back and listen to a decade of Pantera all together. Furthermore, the set includes a poster featuring all four members which is a nice add on for fans.
A set that really sells itself, it was released on July 21, 2023 and is currently available exclusively online at Rhino.com, Pantera.com, and indie retailers. A great Christmas gift for any Metal lover, it is recommended not to hesitate acquiring a copy, because it is very limited… with only 3,500 copies for sale worldwide. Offering a great recollection of this essential Metal band, Cryptic Rock gives The Complete Studio Albums 1990-2000, 5 out of 5 stars.
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