After making a stunning impression on the metal scene with the release of Cowboys From Hell, Pantera were a long way from their glam roots and had made a permanent settlement in Groove/Thrash Metal.
Vulgar Display Of Power expanded on their new, more aggressive musical change while pushing the envelope beyond the early 90’s standards. The brilliant concept behind the band’s songwriting was the confusion of what to call it. It’s the perfect blend of both thrash and groove, and at the end of the day the best way to describe it is: Pantera.
This was around the same time frame as Metallica‘s Black Album, which disappointed a majority of the thrash community. Pantera had the opportunity of a lifetime to upstage one of the leading innovators of the genre during their weakest moment.
And Pantera delivered…
Just by looking at the album cover, you are immediately assured that the group was about to carry out the same action being done on the artwork.
That’s what Vulgar does to you. It grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go from start to finish.
Tracks such as A New Level and Rise show darker maturity in the overall song structure while songs like Regular People (Conceit) and By Demons Be Driven offer a more in-depth expansion on the capacity of Groove Metal.
This Love and Hollow are perfect examples of how ballads can be melodic, heavy and still maintain the intensity Pantera is trademarked with.
Many legendary musicians have cited Pantera as a force to be reckoned with after the impact and influence of Vulgar.
Mike Portnoy stated that, “Vulgar Display laid the groundwork and Pantera carried metal through the rest of the 90s.” Brian Slagel credited the group for “breathing new life,” into the 90s scene after bands like Nirvana were taking over. Slayer guitarist Kerry King said, “Vulgar Display Of Power is my favorite Pantera record. To me, that’s their Reign In Blood.” Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine agreed that it was, “One of those records that really separates from the pack.”
Not only did the music itself effect the metal community, but Vulgar also reminded people how much energy can go into a song. Vocalist Phil Anselmo is responsible for popularizing the “screaming frontman” seen in a lot of modern metal bands. Gene Hoglan even mentioned that, “Rob Halford turned into Phil Anselmo’s look,” referring to his appearance during the Fight era.
Dimebag Darrell earned himself unlimited amounts of respect and a top spot among metal’s greatest guitarists. Portnoy agreed by saying, “he was next in line for metal guitar heroes and no one has come close since.”
In conclusion, Vulgar marked the band’s pinnacle moment by creating the ultimate headbanger album, much like Reign In Blood and Arise. Pantera would go on to evolve into even more hostile territory in the following years.
Leave a Reply