Pantera performing during the The Heaviest Tour of the Summer at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater in Austin, Texas on September 2, 2025, with Phil Anselmo, Charlie Benante, Zakk Wylde, and Rex Brown. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
The shadow of Pantera's original, game-changing sound looms large over heavy metal, a legacy forged in the fiery crucible of Texas grooves and unbridled aggression. Forged in the '80s and perfected in the '90s, the band's classic lineup of brothers Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul, alongside singer Phil Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown, crafted a sound so powerful it became its own subgenre.
Albums like Vulgar Display of Power and Far Beyond Driven weren't just records, they were sonic declarations, a masterclass in rhythm, riffing, and a raw, guttural vocal delivery that resonated with a generation of headbangers. Pantera's shows were the stuff of legend, a chaotic and cathartic experience that cemented their place in the pantheon of heavy music. But after a painful split and the tragic deaths of the Abbott brothers, it seemed the band’s chapter was permanently closed, leaving a void that no other group could fill.
The conversation about a Pantera reunion has been a constant hum in the metal community for years, but few believed it would ever truly happen. The impossible became reality when it was announced that Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown would return to the stage to honor their fallen bandmates. They enlisted two of the most respected musicians in metal to serve as trusted stewards of the music, Black Label Society's Zakk Wylde on guitar and Anthrax's Charlie Benante on drums. Both men were close friends of the Abbott brothers, a crucial detail that gave this new iteration the authenticity it needed to be accepted by fans. This wasn't a cheap cash grab, it was a brotherhood of musicians paying tribute to their fallen friends.
The current tour is a pilgrimage for millions of fans, a chance to witness the music of Pantera played live on a grand scale once more. The shows are an explosive and emotional experience. The setlist is a relentless assault of classics, from the furious chug of "Walk" to the anthemic power of "Cowboys from Hell," each note delivered with the intensity and precision of the original recordings.
The chemistry between the four musicians is undeniable, with Zakk Wylde’s searing guitar solos serving as a faithful homage to Dimebag’s inimitable style while still incorporating his own flair. Charlie Benante's drumming is a powerhouse tribute to Vinnie Paul's rhythmic genius, providing the foundation for a sound that is both crushing and precise. Phil Anselmo commands the stage with his iconic presence, his vocals as powerful as ever, and Rex Brown’s bass provides the thunderous backbone. But what makes these shows truly special is the communal feeling, a sea of metal horns raised high as a collective nod to the past and a celebration of the present. The reunion isn't about replacing anyone, it’s about ensuring the music continues to live and breathe, and that the spirit of Dimebag and Vinnie Paul is honored in the most fitting way possible, by being played for the people who love it most.
Fan reviews:Setlist for the show at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater
Awesome show! It was such a great show! Panthers definitely did not disappoint. Loved watching Zakk Wylde play the guitar. Amon Amarth was also great! King Parrot was good as well. I have never heard of them but will be sure to check them out.
Excellent show! Excellent show, all 3 bands were really good, parking was easy to get in and out. Everything went well. The venue is excellent.
One of the best shows I've ever seen! Hands down! One of the best shows! Parrot King awesome! Amon Amarth Amazing! Pantera... enough said!
Pantera is amazing! The show was stellar! If you even like Pantera just a little you have to see them live. Great showmen, Phil's voice is beauty, Zakk Wylde is an animal on the guitar and he has so much energy. Rex is amazing, as always. Adding Charlie Benante was a great move, he played the songs with perfect justice.
- Suicide Note Pt. I
- Suicide Note Pt. II
- Hellbound
- 5 Minutes Alone
- Strength Beyond Strength
- Mouth for War
- Goddamn Electric
- Becoming
- I'm Broken
- 10's
- I'll Cast a Shadow
- This Love
- Cowboys From Hell
- A New Level
- Walk
- Domination / Hollow
- Fucking Hostile
Pantera was the main act at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater with guests Amon Amarth, King Parrot, and Flesh Hoarder. They continue across the United States and Europe with the last stop at the iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach, Florida on September 13, 2025.
Pantera
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