Vulgar Display Of Power Review · 4:14am Jun 30th, 2022
Date Of Release: February 25, 1992
Pantera was an American Groove metal band that fromed in Arlington, Texas, 1981. The band's members consist of: (90's Lineup)
- Phil Anselmo (Vocals)
- 'Dimebag' Darrell Lance Abbott (Lead Guitarist)
- 'Vinnie' Vincent Paul Abbott (Drummer)
- Rex Robert Brown (Bassist)
Pantera is cited as one of the most successful and influential bands in Heavy metal history. They also helped develop and popularize the Groove metal subgenre. So much so that other bands soon followed, such as Metallica's Black album, Megadeth's Countdown to Extinction, and Sepultura's album Chaos A.D, just to name a few. In addition to that, they have also sold 20 million records worldwide and have been nominated for 4 Grammys.
Pantera originally started out as a Glam metal band in the 80's. During this time the lineup was largely the same, except the singer was instead Terry Glaze instead of Phil Anselmo. During the 80's they would release 4 albums: Metal Magic (1983), Projects In The Jungle (1984), I Am The Night (1985), and Power Metal (1988). They however found little success during this time. Which lead them to search for a new and heavier sound, Pantera hired Phil in 1987 to do just that.
In the year 1990 Pantera's 5th studio album Cowboy's From Hell would be the band's big breakthrough album, being massively successful. They would then follow it up with 1992's Vulgar Display Of Power, 1994's Far Beyond Driven, 1996's The Great Southern Trendkill, and 2000's Reinventing The Steel.
Tension would grow among the band members when Phil Anselmo became addicted to heroin in 1995. It got so bad that Phil almost died from an overdose in 1996. This tension would last 7 years until in 2003 the band would officially disband. Tragically on December 8, 2004, Dimebag Darrell would be shot dead while preforming onstage by a mentally deranged fan. His brother Vinnie Paul, would later die of heart failure in 2018 as well. Leaving Phil and Rex as the two remaining members of the band.
Pantera has been a band that's been escaping me when it comes to what metal bands I listen to. I am of course familiar with a lot of their hit songs such as: Domination, Walk, I'm Broken, and 5 Minutes Alone. But other than that I've never listened to any of their albums, well until recently.
I started out with Cowboys From Hell and let me just say, for an album that came out in 1990 it fucking blew me away. To think they managed to produce this work of art is just crazy. So after listening to that album my expectations grew significantly with their next album, Vulgar Display Of Power, and let me just say it didn't disappoint at all. In fact I loved it, so much so that it's now one of my favorite metal albums ever. It's right up there with Kill'em All, Rust In Peace, Chaos A.D, and Reign In Blood. With that being said, we'll be focusing on that album for today's review.
Songs
Mouth For War
An absolute sucker punch of an opener, Mouth For War wastes absolutely no time and blasts you with heavy groovy guitar riffs. This song is not only a phenomenal opener but also a great display of the band's more refined and signature tone/style that they would later use in future albums.
Seriously, Dimebag Darrell's riff is groovy as all hell, it's impossible not to bang your head to it. Vinnie Paul's drumming is fucking phenomenal as well, a complete master of his craft. Rex's bass has a lot going on and is one of the best bass lines I've heard in metal. So much so that it makes me want to sit down one of these days and learn how to play it. Phil's harsh vocals are full of anger and goes well with how angry this song is. The cherry on top however is towards the end of the song, it effortlessly and smoothly transitions into a thrash metal song, picking up speed till the remainder of the song. To say I love this song is an understatement, and we're just getting started!
Depsite how angry this song sounds it's lyrics are actually pretty inspiring. This song is about Phil overcoming his past low self-esteem, as well as his newfound confidence. A theme a lot of people can relate to. One of my favorite verses is, "I've been wrong for far too long. Been constantly so frustrated, I've moved mountains with less. When I channel my hate to productive. I don't find it hard to impress". It's a piece of lyric that really speaks to the listener.
A New Level
Moving on to the next song, A New Level opens with an absolute grueling, wretched, and heavy riff, courtesy of Dimebag Darrell of course. Seriously I can't get over how awesome that riff is. I especially love Phil's snarling and rough vocals on this song, combined with Vinnie Paul's amazing drumming this song feels like a straight punch to the face. There's these parts in the song where the riff returns and slows the song down which I fucking love.
Lyrically this song is about newfound confidence after a life of constantly being put down by others. Really this song perfectly represents Pantera's 'Take No Shit' attitude.
Walk
We have arrived at what is perhaps Pantera's most famous song, which is easy to see why. This song opens with one of the most recognizable riffs in Metal. Walk is the embodiment of testosterone in audio form. This is Dimebag Darrell's song, the way all the other instruments revolve around him. Rex doesn't fall behind however, there's a part in the song where Rex's bass is playing in one ear and Dimebag's solo is playing in the other. It makes the song much more fun to listen to.
Fucking Hostile
Picking up the pace, the next song up is like an adrenaline shot for the listener. This song is very much in the like of Thrash metal and Hardcore punk rock. I love how Phil's vocals are slightly distorted and his yells come off as inhuman at times. Dimebag and Vinnie Paul raise hell on this track. I'm left in awe at listening to Vinnie Paul's drumming, it's fucking amazing. Rex's bass line is absolutely nuts as well, like god damn the speed at which you have to play it is crazy. Overall a quick and fun song to listen to.
This Love
Up next on the tracklist is This Love, a song with a more calm tempo, well, as calm as you can get with Pantera. The riff that plays at the intro and throughout the track is haunting and menacing, yet at the same time there's a certain kind of beauty to it. Along with that you have Phil singing in a much more soft spoken matter, that is till the chorus kicks you in the stomach with it's loud and aggressive delivery. There's a part at the halfway point and near the end of the song where the tempo goes even slower and the song gets even heavier. So much so that I had a sour facial expression the first time I heard it and started nodding my head to it. This song is so fucking great!
Lyrically this song is about 'clingy' women. In an interview, Phil was asked about what the song was about to which he replied, "It was just a message to "clingy women" at the time - young ladies. I was a very young man when I wrote that song, as well. I was young, and thought "Let's not make more of this relationship than need be".
Rise
Diving right back into the chaos, Rise is the polar opposite of the previous song when it comes to tempo. This song is like a combination of Thrash and Groove metal. It has the speed of Thrash but also contains the heavy riffs of Groove metal. You're left speechless at times from how fast they play on this song. it sounds like everybody is playing against the clock for their lives or something. The guitar solo and breakdown at the halfway point kicks some serious ass. As for vocals, I'm not sure how Phil managed to not blow out his vocal cords from singing this song, those raspy yells and screams hype you up. Vinnie Paul is a complete monster on this track as well.
Given how extreme this song sounds the lyrics match it quite well. Rise is a political song about standing up for what is right in the world and not succumbing to hate. The bridge to the chorus contains my favorite verse, as well as what I think represents the theme as a whole. "Taught when we're young to hate one another, It's time to have a new reign of power. Make pride universal so no one gives in. Turn our backs on those who oppose. Then when confronted we ask them the question, What's wrong with their mind? What's wrong with your mind?
No Good (Attack the Radical)
Getting right into it, No Good hooks you in immediately with Dimebag's amazing riff and Vinnie Paul's striking of the drums. The chorus kicks some major ass, especially with Phil's excruciating screams and the song sounding like it's rising higher and higher before exploding. The guitar solo in this song is fucking awesome and connects smoothly to a heavy breakdown and satisfying ending.
Lyrically this song is about racism, more specifically it's about Phil addressing the allegations of him being a racist. In this song he sings about looking beyond your eyes and seeing past color. Phil has never been shy of being bold with with opinions, in this song he does just that. Due to his choice of words however, people tend to misinterpret the lyrics and think this song is about pro racism, which wasn't the intention at all.
Live In A Hole
The intro to this next track is groovy as all hell, you can't decide whether to dance or headbang lol. This track also utilizes a talk box, an attachment to the guitar. It's a tube that you stick in your mouth, you play notes and shape your mouth in different ways to get different sounds. It doesn't feel out of place and is a pretty fun addition to the song. Dimebag Darrell's 'on and off' strumming is so cool and satisfying to hear. I don't know what is is about this song but Vinnie Paul's drumming really captivates me, I tend to focus on it. All in all, a pretty good song.
Regular People (Conceit)
Leading you to believe this song is gonna be another Thrash inspired song. It instead takes a sharp turn and turns into the best opening and grooviest intro off the album. The intro is just fucking unbelievable! major shout out to Vinnie Paul for the sick drumming. Rex's bass line is one of, if not, the best bass line on the album. Dimebag's guitar work is also one of the best off the album, especially at the breakdown near the halfway point. Overall one of my favorite songs off the album.
This song is directed at arrogant people with massive egos. Specifically this song takes an aim at male machismo and people who fake being tough. My favorite verse and one I believe represents the song as a whole goes, "You practice in your mirror to be just like me. But you just can't see, you ain't got the balls, son. I fight for love of brother. Your friends fight one another. You can't see because your head's up your ass, and just in cast you think you're bad. I crush your rush. I rule you fool"
By Demons Be Driven
Another awesome intro comes our way for this next song. Those nasty and angry power chords from Dimebag Darrell as well as Vinnie's drum strikes make for a menacing and memorable intro. Phil's inhuman screams during the chorus are just satisfying to hear, almost like I'm letting my own pent up anger out. This song as a whole is just pure anger, something you'd put on to hype you up for a fight. That outro as well, just wow.
Hollow
The final song of the album, Hollow's first half is nice and mellow, with a touch of sadness. The first half is so chill and nice to hear, it's almost like you needed it after everything you endured. I can easily imagine myself driving down an interstate highway in the American Southwest as the sun is setting. Phil's soft singing, coupled in with Dimebag's calm riffs, and Rex's soothing bass makes for an excellent sound. I kinda wish the whole song was like that if I'm being honest. But at the halfway point the song switches gears and angry Pantera comes back. This part is by all means not bad, I just wish they kept the energy of the first half all the way throughout. It would've made for a better ending in my opinion. Though, given the lyrics of the song I understand why they decided to go in that direction.
Hollow's lyrics are about somebody reflecting on a friend who has slipped into a comatose or vegetable state. Phil has gone on to say that the song isn't about anyone in particular but rather a series of losses he's suffered. The lyrics to the first half of the song are filled with heartbreaking realizations of the friend's situation, as well as fond memories of their friendship. The second half represents the friend trying everything in their power to get their best friend to wake up or fight their way out of their state. The narrative of this song is touching and again, makes for a great album closer.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Vulgar Display Of Power by Pantera was an absolute masterpiece and enjoyable listen. I can see why many Pantera fans crown this as the band's greatest achievement. This album marked and launched their own unique style, a sound that was completely new for it's time. This album is more brutal, heavier, quicker, and gets straight to the point as opposed to their previous album Cowboys From Hell. Keep in mind, I'm not denouncing Cowboys From Hell at all, I love that album as well. This album from start to the finish is a hit, after hit, after hit.
I massively urge you to give this album a listen if you haven't already or if you're at all interested. I know I'm completely late to the party by saying that, and I wish I would've checked them out sooner. But so far, I'm loving what Pantera has to offer and I think you will to.
If I Had To Rate It Out Of 10: 10/10
Songs I Liked:
- Mouth For War
- A New Level
- Walk
- Fucking Hostile
- This Love
- Rise
- No Good (Attack the Radical)
- Live in a Hole
- Regular People (Conceit)
- By Demons Be Driven
- Hollow
Songs I Disliked:
- None!
My Favorites:
- Mouth For War
- A New Level
- Fucking Hostile
- This Love
- Rise
- No Good (Attack the Radical)
- Regular People (Conceit)
- By Demons Be Driven
- Hollow
For Those Interested In Checking It Out Here's A Preview Song:
Pantera’s reuniting for a 2023 tour with the remaining members Phil and Rex. But Zakk Wylde, and I forget who’s playing the drums will be taking the Abbott brother’s spots. In a way, I’m excited to see Pantera reunit, but in another way, I’m not one hundred percent sure if the band will be the same without the Abbott brothers in a way.
Love Pantera with Phil as their vocalist. I gotta listen to more of their stuff. Lol.
5673049
Yeah I heard the news! Definitely excited to have an opportunity to hear their songs played live, hopefully they come to my city. Still though, it definitely won't be the same without the Abbot brothers, they were the heart and soul of the band. Zakk Wylde and Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante make for great place-ins for the tour though. A tribute dedicated to the Abbot brothers would be nice.
And dude same! Phil is a monster on vocals. I just listened to Far Beyond Driven about a week ago, loved it. Personally I think Cowboys From Hell and VDOP still beat it. Pantera are one of the best out there.