Power Metal: the 30th Anniversary
The Blind Eternities forum
Posted on Jan. 14, 2018, 10:06 p.m. by DemonDragonJ
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Power Metal, the fourth album by heavy metal band Pantera. That album was their first with vocalist Phil Anselmo, who replaced original vocalist Terry Glaze, who left because the other members of the band wished to pursue a heavier sound for their band. Although most followers consider Cowboys from Hell, Pantera's fifth album, to be their breakthrough album, wherein they developed their signature sound, I believe that the importance of Power Metal in music history should not be overlooked.
Pantera's first three albums, with Glaze on vocals, were very reminiscent of Kiss or Def Leppard, with some influence from Motely Crue or Van Halen, but Power Metal is much heavier, and actually displays hints of the stylistic change that would be fully realized two years later on CFH. In fact, I personally believe that it sounds very similar to Judas Priest from that era, most notably with Phil Anselmo's vocals; if one were to listen to Power Metal and Painkiller by Judas Priest consecutively, one could almost think that they were performed by the same artist. I certainly believe that Pantera changing their musical style was for the better, but I still think that they could have had great success if they had kept the style that they had on Power Metal; it also is very unfortunate that Anselmo's voice degenerated from a Rob Halford-esque tenor to the gruff tone for which he is well-known.
I myself would very much like to see Pantera reissue this album to commemorate its 30th anniversary, along with their other three albums from the 80's, as those albums are as excellent as their albums from the 90's in their own way. As a side note, while Phil Anselmo left the band with great animosity between him and the other members, Terry Glaze parted on very amicable terms with his former bandmates, and remains good friends with them, so I cannot help but wonder if a reunion with him is possible, however improbable; that may not be the Pantera reunion that the fans have been desiring, but any reunion would be better than none at all.
What does everyone else say about this? What are your thoughts about Power Metal celebrating its 30th anniversary?
DemonDragonJ says... #3
Bulldawg1310, yes, that is true, and it makes me very sad, as the disbanding of Pantera was one of the most acrimonious breakups of any band in music history, and it is such a pity that a band that created such great music had to end as they did, with the members all hating each other and refusing to speak to each other.
I agree that any reunion is highly unlikely, but, given that James Hetfield and Dave Mustaine reconciled and that Slash and Axl Rose reconciled, both of which most fans thought would never happen, do you believe that there is even the slightest chance of Vinnie Paul and Phil Anselmo reconciling?
January 15, 2018 9:17 p.m.
Bulldawg1310 says... #4
Doubt it, i mean, vinnie lost a brother right after phil said some very ill timed things about him. Somehow I think this falls under the realm of unforgivable. I could see if dime was alive we may get a reunion show as a one night only in texas, but sadly hes not. Meanwhile, Rex Brown released his first solo album and it was... lackluster to say the most.
January 16, 2018 5:59 a.m.
DemonDragonJ says... #7
Bulldawg1310, do you think that a reunion between Vinnie, Rex, and Terry Glaze is possible, or does Vinnie wish to not have any association with Pantera any further?
January 22, 2018 10:03 p.m.
Bulldawg1310 says... #8
The problem with doing some kind of reunion with glaze, is... nobody knows who the fuck he is. The average pantera fan is completely unaware of any of the first 3 or is it 4?? Albums before cowboys, see, i barely know and pantera is in my top 5. Last bit of research i did, said rex aint speaking to any of em anyway, hes super jaded since he got booted from down. While its unfortunate, Pantera should probably just be left to the remaining fans and wonderful music and stories theyve left in the history of metal.
January 22, 2018 10:31 p.m.
DemonDragonJ says... #9
Bulldawg1310, yes, that is likely for the best, I must concede. Many fans of Led Zeppelin have been desiring a reunion of its surviving members, but Page, Plant, and Jones are not interested, so the fans should be content with the great music that they made during their career, and the same is likely true with Pantera, as well.
Bulldawg1310 says... #2
I happen to own EVERY pantera album ever recording and while i do love power metal and think it was certainly a step in the proper direction for them to create their signature sound, they will never remaster or re-record power metal, for a couple of reasons: 1( they hate the album, they have said numerous times that CFH is the first album of the band. 2( they hate eachother, vinnie and phil cant even talk on the phone together let alone spend time in the studio. 3( dime is dead, maybe if dime was alive I could maybe see them making a case for it, but vinnie wont touch anything else for/from pantera because he doesnt wanna give phil the satisfaction or have his brother not be around to enjoy the reception that comes from it.
January 14, 2018 11:25 p.m.