In 1983, Pantera was founded by Darrel and Vinnie about and Rex Brown. They formed thier own record company Metal Magic Records.Pantera released their first independent album Metal Magic. The lyrics on this album were sung by Terrance Lee.
Pantera released two more independent albums: Projects in the Jungle (1984) and I am the Night(1985). The band kepted getting heavier and heavier. They had developed a power-groove style of music.
Pantera had been noticed by record companies by struggling through making independent records. They always sold out clubs when they played. Shortly after Atco made a deal so they could get a good record lable and have suffcient funds to make records. By this time Pantera producing a very unique sound. They were starting to get really noticed. It was evident to the band that they needed a new frontman for their new unique sound. So they fired Terance Lee. The band new a guy from playing clubs in New Oleans, that they thougtht could do the job for them. His name was Philip Anselmo. He brought aggression, power and energy to the band. They knew he was the guy for the job.
In 1988, Pantera Released Power Metal, their last album on an independent label.
In 1990, Pantera exploded on to the scene with the fast but heavy album Cowboys From Hell. Their first album on a major lable. This album set a good fan base.
1992 saw the release of Vulgar Display of Power. They charted the Billboard for the first time at no. 42 and headlined their first show. This album would eventually go platinum in five countries. They paid a guy to get punched for the cover of this album. He ended up getting punched about thirty times and walked away with $300.
In 1994, Far Beyond Driven is released. This album was the first metal album to debut at no.1. Pantera did their first arena tour in the US and Europe. The media labeled Phil as a racist after incorrectly interpreted what he said.
The Great Southern Trendkill was released in 1996. This was one of the most kick ass albums of the year. This was a year of sellouts and sad alternawave. Phil overdoses on heroin and dies. He was clinically dead, but thankfully was revived.
In 1998, 101 Proof was released. Their first live album. Great album.
And only time will tell...
