Very High Frequencies Episode: 160 Pantera

Very High Frequencies 160 examines the output of nineties metal titans, Pantera. Between 1990 & 2000 the Abbott brothers, Dimebag & Vinnie Paul, (guitars/drums) along with  bass player, Rex Brown, and high energy mouthpiece slash frontman, Philip Anselmo. He was only 18 years old when he auditioned to be the singer in what was then a struggling regional Texas based spandex & hairspray band. With his impressive Hetfield  meets Halford delivery was hired by Dimebag and Vinnie Paul on the spot. However , growing up on the road isn't easy. Clashing ego trips, hard drugs, daily alcohol intoxication and the trappings of fame all contributed to the disinigration of the band. In 2003 Dimebag was murdered while performing live with post Pantera outfit, Damageplan, sadly another victim of America's rampant gun violence. This tragedy cemented Vinnie Paul's resentment towards his former vocalist
 until his early death attributed to heart disease. Did he die from a broken heart?

Flash forward metalheads, because after nearly 20 years since Cowboys From Hell, Rex and Phil are touring as Pantera. Zakk Wild is covering Dimebag's manic guitar leads and industry vet Charle Benente of Anthrax is banging the skins. On the road now with soul mates and professional inspirations, the legendary powerhouse foursome, Metallica. Listen to VHF-160 (Pantera) and you may be surprised to realize the band constantly evolved their sound, even though they worked in a genre that often repeated any successful formula. Perhaps there's more to Pantera than shirtless wasted frat house fist bumping mosh pit nightmare scenarios. Phil and the  boys worship the cornerstone of metal, Black Sabbath, so prepare for thy doom this week on Very High Frequencies. Loud volume is recommended. Very loud.