Pantera started as a glam band, but as guitarist Diamond/Dimebag Darrell mastered more advanced techniques and the band as a whole became disillusioned with the image of glam and its general lack of substance they transitioned to a heavier sound. Then Phil Anselmo was brought in to handle the vocals and they became the slayers of grunge and banner-bearers of metal in the early 90's. Anselmo is a charismatic performer, unstable personality, and warped lyricist. They caught the attention of the rock consumer with COWBOYS FROM HELL, which has since become very overrated. The follow-up, VULGAR DISPLAY OF POWER was the heaviest thing many people had heard, and then came FAR BEYOND DRIVEN. Those two albums represent Pantera's best recording efforts and their heyday. They are necessary listening for those who want to know and understand American metal.
