Mr_D's Full Review: Reinventing the Steel [PA] by Pantera
Despite the title of Pantera's year 2000 release - Reinventing the Steel - Pantera isn't reinventing anything. In fact, the band seems to move back a little bit - To find a sound more similar in early 90's releases Cowboys from Hell and Vulgar Display of Power.
However - as the cliche goes, you don't have to reinvent the wheel to find something that works. Reinventing the Steel is Pantera's best release since 1994's Far Beyond The Driven - And actually may rival that album for quality.
On a side note - Is it just me, or does Dimebag look more like the singer from AC/DC on each passing release? :)
The album starts off with the quick (2:48) power metal tune "Hellbound" - Setting the tone for what's to come. The album starts off fast and powerful, and never lets up. It's driving, in your face, metal that you can't run away from. Phil Anselmo - who may have overdone the vocals a bit on Trendkill - Sounds back in top shape here, and adds the right blend of anger and aggression to the music.
Here's the track listing: 10 Songs -
1. Hellbound 2. Goddam(n) Electric 3. Yesterday Don't Mean Sh!t 4. You've Gotta Belong to It 5. Revolution is My Name 6. Death Rattle 7. We'll Grind that Axe for a Long Time 8. Up lift 9. It Makes them Dissapear 10. I'll Cast a Shadow
During my first few listens through on the CD, I was pleased, but not overwhelmed. The only two songs that really stuck out for me are "Yesterday Don't Mean Sh!t" and "Revolution is My Name" - Both of which sound like that could have first appeared on the earlier Pantera releases.
But further listens to album revealed a couple of the true gems on Reinventing the Steel - "Goddam(n) Electric" brings that pulsating heavy beat back to the table ala "Walk" (Off VDOP) - And the other song that become one of my favorites, if not my ONE Favorite was "Death Rattle" - Which is a constant noise attack with a very catchy chorus riff. Another song that grew on me was the dark "I'll make them disappear" - A little slower, and more dark, it is another strong song.
None of the rest of the songs are bad at all, you'll never need to press skip on the CD Player. However, "G... Electric", "Revolution...", "Yesterday...", and "Death Rattle" are the tunes that most stand out.
People who are worried about the state of metal, and those who are sick of rapcore acts, will be refreshed by the classic sound that Pentera has "Reinvented". I'd say its a good pick up for all Pantera fans, and for hard metal fans in general.
Mr_D
On another side note - I got to see Pantera at Ozzfest in Saratoga New York of the summer, and I have to say - Besides Phil Anselmo getting more insane by the day - They played as good a live show as ever. They were powerful and really got the crowd going and were one of the better sets at the concert. They completely avoidid pyrotechnics and lighting effects, they just went with a pure music and hard metal set - it was a nice change of pace from the rest of the acts - And was very memorable.
Ounce for ounce, decibel for decibel, few bands can even approach the fury that is Pantera. For years they have been unleashing their anger in front o...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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