PANTERA: Cowboys from Hell
Before I start elaborating anything about “Pantera” or their record, “Cowboys from hell”, I would like to mention a little about their genre history. “Pantera” was an American heavy metal band formed in the 1981. They released their first 4 studio albums as a Glam metal (heavy, crushing, distorted guitar riffs, high pitched vocals, use of gaudy clothing accessories and make up) band. Later, they started shifting towards Thrash metal (fast paced guitar riffs, fast solos, speedy and ever changing tempos, double bass blast drums, fierce or harsh vocals). When they released their fifth studio album “Cowboys from Hell (1990)”, their music came to be known as Groove metal (a derivative of Thrash metal or neo thrash, use of mid paced guitar riffs and solos, boosted bass, emphasis on tune, melody and heaviness, double bass drums, harsh vocals). “Pantera” were then recognized as the pioneers of groove metal scene in the 90’s. Pantera were almost forgotten until the release of “Cowboys from Hell”, and many considered this to be their official debut as a heavy metal band.
About their record “Cowboys from Hell”, it would not be wrong to say that it is one of the best influential heavy metal albums of all time. The album can be described as a high adrenaline and power packed experience lasting for 57:29 minutes. A brief description about the songs can prove to be good enough reasons to have this record.
“Primal Concrete Sledge” is a short, fast track without a solo and ends even before you realize. “Psycho Holiday” and “Heresy” will make you jump off your seat. Both of them are amazing fast tracks with complex riffs, harsh & screamed vocals and a nice solo. “Shattered” easily reminds me the song “Painkiller” by “Judas Priest”. The track has it all, starts with fast double bass, screaming vocals followed by a perfect solo and ends with a glass shattering sound.
“Clash with Reality” and “Medicine Man” may not be a memorable songs despite pretty good riffs at the start and a nice solo. The lyrics are sometimes spoken rather than sung and act as good fillers for this record. “Message in blood” is a powerful track with the groovy riffs right from the start and the changing tempos keep you guessing about what is to follow.
“Cemetery Gates” and “Sleep” are the only power ballads in this record. The former is gem of a track and is one of the most memorable ballads. The solo is unbelievable and you wait for it the next time you listen to “Cemetery Gates”. Both the tracks can be noted to have cleaner vocals unlike the others, and the guitar work is simply amazing. “Cowboys from Hell”, “Domination” and “The Art of Shredding” are tracks which make this record significant in the history of heavy metal. The riffs and solos in these songs are recognized worldwide and are considered as anthems. Both “Cowboys from Hell’ and “Domination” are regularly played live and also feature as one of the toughest songs to play in “Guitar Hero” game.
Band Members:
Vinnie Paul (Drums): The drumming for this album has been nothing less that awesome and it’s a fine example of proper double bass for any new drummer.
Dimebag Darrel (Late) (Guitars): Do I have say something about a guitar god? The legendary Dimabag has been exceptional in this record to say the least. Be it his signature riffs or mind-blowing solos, ” Cowboys from Hell” would have been impossible without Dimebag.
Phil Anselmo (Vocals): Very few can exhibit a variety of vocal styles as Phil can. He has smartly used his clean vocals for the ballads and set the trend for growling vocals mixed with clean singing and high pitched screams in groove metal.
Rex Brown (Bass): The groovy sound is a result of the melodic bass work by Rex and does exceptionally for making every track memorable.
Conclusion: The message is simple. If you are into heavy metal music then I am sure you have this album, if you don’t, kick yourself and buy it immediately.
Track Listing Order:
- Cowboys from Hell
2.Primal Concrete Sledge
3.Psycho Holiday
4.Heresy
5.Cemetery Gates
6.Domination
7.Shattered
8.Clash with Reality
9.Medicine Man
10.Message in Blood
11.The Sleep
12.The Art of Shredding
PS: My brief information in the first paragraph regarding the different categories of Heavy metal can be best comprehended only by listening to that kind of music as I had done the same before writing anything about metal. Feel free to point out anything you find ambiguous in the posted matter.