For most fans, Cowboys From Hell is the start in Pantera‘s story of conquering the metal world.
However there’s a forgotten era in their history that most would rather forget about.
In the early 80s when Metallica and Slayer were making their debut, Pantera were doing the same but in a very different style. The group was jumping on the popular glam metal scene that was reaching its peak at the time.
The members also changed their names to fit the persona. But despite the appearance of the band, the music was always their number one priority.
Dimebag Darrell was bound to be a guitar hero as early as his teen years. The 80s were a time to live life to the fullest and Darrell dove into that world without shame. He played just as good on stage as a glam rocker than he did in the 90s. He could shred as young as 18 and it didn’t matter that he was wearing makeup while doing it.
During this era, Pantera was heading towards a more melodic direction. Inspired by bands like KISS and Van Halen rather than Black Sabbath and Exhorder, there was less moshing and more ballads.
It was a far cry from the tough guy, take no shit attitude that embodied the group’s tone and image less than a decade later.
Metal Magic was the sound of a band cutting their teeth. It marks the beginning of a long road ahead of Pantera. They would only grow from it and challenge themselves as they question the potential of their capabilities.
Projects In The Jungle showed the evolution of the group’s musical ambitions. Producing a heavier tone in comparison to Metal Magic, the future of Pantera was more apparent especially in songs such as Out For Blood and the title track.
It also features a solo track from Darrell called Blue Lite Turnin’ Red, similar to Eruption and it puts a spotlight on the young guitarist as the inevitable prodigy in the making.
The band was already developing thrash metal riffs and groove metal breakdowns that would become their trademark in the years to come.
I Am The Night blended the best qualities of Pantera‘s first two albums together and created the ultimate 80s metal mix. Songs like Down Below and Come-On Eyes invited the aggressive headbangers and radio listeners to enjoy the same record.
Once vocalist Phil Anselmo joined the group, a new game plan was set in motion. The release of Power Metal was the first step in the transformation of Pantera. It brought hostility to their sound and established new territory in the music.
Soon enough, the band would eventually reinvent both their look on stage as well as their musical direction. The mid-80s opened their eyes to the thrash metal explosion that was sweeping up the American youth. Glam was already losing its mainstream audience and groups like Guns N Roses were rebelling against the trend of party rock.
Motley Crue and Poison ditched their spandex for jeans and leather jackets after the rise of GNR‘s notoriety. Pantera would become the next major piece in metal’s transition into the 90s.
Cowboys From Hell was the start of a new chapter. After years of developing their sound, they finally reached their goal. It’s a completely different band altogether and they were still testing themselves, constantly working to outdo each album.
Everyone has to start somewhere. Pantera had grown a life of its own and is still among heavy metal’s greatest acts.
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