The
History

1983

Pantera was formed by founding members Diamond Darrell, brother Vinnie and Rex. 
They release their first independent album titled Metal Magic..

1984

Their second independent album Projects In The Jungle is released.

1985

The third independent album I Am The Night is released

1988

Through the release of three successful independent albums, the band became progressively heavier and to complete their direction added "The original circus freak" Philip Anselmo. With Philip, the band recorded their most successful independent album to date - Power Metal. The album combined with their incredible live shows, gained Pantera a large underground following worldwide.

1990

Pantera sign with East West / Atlantic and release Cowboys From Hell, produced by Terry 'Rope King' Date. The album breaks new ground with its own style and direction. Incorporating raw and aggressive energy with their polished songwriting and emphasising their trademark 'Power Groove', Cowboys From Hell is a worldwide success.

1991

The Cowboys From Hell long form video is released and the band perform at the 'Monsters Of Rock' festival in Moscow. The Russian audience go 'BUGFUCK' at the band's earth shattering brutality.

1992

Vulgar Display Of Power is released! Mouth For War was the first metal single ever to debut at #1 - beating Metallica's "Enter Sandman", while the album topped the U.S. metal charts for weeks on end! Critics are unanimous in their entusiasm...Guitar World raved "Anselmo sings with the fury of a post office psycho" and the Village Voice called Pantera an "angry, cantankerous, ferally aggressive band that channels all the free-floating rage of their enviroment into a murderous mettlic growl."

1993

Pantera's first headliner tour of the UK begins. Band members prepare for the recording of a new album.

1994

Pantera release new album, Far Beyond Driven. "It's Fucking Heavy!" quotes singer Philip Anselmo. In March, Far Beyond Driven is released debutting at No. 1 on the Australian and U.S. album charts simultaneously. The world tour begins. The true definition of Pantera is their live performance which literally rattles every bone in your body and crushes at your ears like a vice - a sheer hostile takeover...

1996

Pantera released The Great Southern Trendkill on May 7th. The long awaited release following FBD was everything everyone expected it to be plus some. It's unfair to compare it to "Vulgar" or any of their previous albums, because here is where the band "Pantera" become one in the same. The Power Groove is now driven by the force of all the members more than ever before... The Tour is slated to start in the summer, with co-hosts White Zombie and opening acts EYEHATEGOD and the Deftones. What an intense summer this will be! With the summer ending Pantera has diecided to do a solo tour because singer Philip Anslmo explains, "We want to fucking play longer".

1997

Pantera releases the "Official Live 101 Proof"