Showing posts with label 90s metal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 90s metal. Show all posts

Cowboys From Hell Review

Cowboys From Hell
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Cowboys From Hell ReviewLike all instruments, playing the guitar is an art form. It takes a lot of time and patience to understand and learn. Many try, but few succeed. Those who do succeed have either learned from someone else, or they are simply born with "God-given talent." "Dimebag" or "Diamond" (as he was known then) Darrell Abbott definitely mastered his art due to both of these.
Diamond Darrell and his brother, drummer Vinnie Paul formed a band while they were still in high school. These cowboys from Hell (or Texas, as they'd lead you to believe) were a cover band before anything else; until the early 1980's, when the Abbott brother's dad convinced them to start writing their own music. They formed a band, Pantera, that released their first album when Diamond was only 17. They continued releasing "hair/glam" metal albums until 1990.
"Cowboys from Hell" is the group's major label debut (as well as their second album with vocalist Phil Anselmo and the last album before "Diamond" Darrell changed his nickname to "Dimebag.") Starting with this album, Pantera turbo-charged their sound, making their metal ten times heavier. Some believe they aborted their original sound (in favor of a more vengeful one), because they were signed to a major label. Others believe they did it because the `90's were a new era and hair metal was no longer popular. I, however, only partially believe both of these theses. I think Pantera aborted their `80's style of music because of the influence Diamond/Dimebag Darrell had on the band. In the early days, Dime was influenced by such artists as Ace Frehley of Kiss (thus explaining Pantera's hair metal sound), Eddie Van Halen, and Randy Rhodes. But as Pantera aged and released increasingly heavy albums, he cited influences among his contemporaries such as Kerry King of the extreme metal band Slayer.
Whatever the reason, there's no disputing that Pantera changed its sound for the better. It's a good thing that "Cowboys from Hell" was Pantera's breakthrough album, because if one of their hair/glam metal albums had been a hit, Pantera probably would have been tempted to continue playing that kind of music, and hair metal isn't what Pantera was meant for. Phil Anselmo, Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul Abbott, and bassist Rex Brown were put on this earth to play heavy as f*ck heavy metal. It's like Phil says: "We had to decide where our musical hearts were. After short deliberation, we realized our intention was to be the most devastating 'hardcore-heavy metal' band in the world."
There is also no denying that Pantera were backed by one of the strongest rhythm sections in metal. Sure, Vinnie Paul's drumming and Phil's howling were both top notch, but Dimebag Darrell's unbelievably powerful, talented riffing and wonderful solos were the biggest reason why Pantera were the heavy, influential, famous, and all around great band that they were.
"Cowboys from Hell" has lightning fast, cascading riffs at the beginning and a winding guitar solo near the middle. Not much can be said about this song that hasn't already been said. It's an instant classic that defined Pantera.
"Primal Concrete Sledge" is a short, sludgy song with lurching riffs.
"Psycho Holiday" has more classic, thumping Pantera riffs and near the end, the guitar changes speeds and turns to a fast chug. The real highlight here though, is the 45 second-long, wailing guitar solo that has three parts to it. These solos would become renowned worldwide and a trademark of Dimebag. I've always really enjoyed how Dimebag could riff fast and hard, pause briefly to lay down a solo, then go back to the great riffs.
"Cemetery Gates" is the semi-ballad of the album. Phil sings about his longing for a loved one who has passed away and, even though the song gains momentum and speed, the theme of this one is much slower than the other songs. It begins with light, spacey guitar notes, has a solo in the middle, and ends with really high-pitched falsetto screams, which are matched by high, harmonic guitars.
After the album's semi-ballad, Pantera pick up where they left off with maybe the heaviest song on the album. "Domination" has guitars and drums that thud thunderously. The beginning is really fast, similar to another Pantera anthem, "F*cking Hostile," with great back-and-forth work between the guitars and drums. It has another great solo near the end, and the song's last few seconds are slow chugging, booming riffs.
Machine gun riffs and drums occupy much of "Shattered", making the song so fast it almost sounds like it's vibrating. When Phil's vocals begin, he lays down some Judas Priest-esque screams that are so high, it almost sounds like he's squealing.
"The Sleep" begins slowly, with acoustic guitar licks. The song then turns to a galloping beat, with punching guitars and it's rounded off by not one, but TWO more superb solos.
Dimebag's virtuoso guitar work also makes "Cowboys from Hell," like all landmark metal albums, stand the test of time. At the time, "CfH" was about as heavy as heavy metal got. 15 years later, it's nothing short of a classic. Like Metallica's "Kill `Em All" or Slayer's "Show No Mercy," "Cowboys from Hell" is not the band's best offering. But, it's a great album that's essential for all metalheads. Plus, since this was Pantera's most thrashy-sounding album, it's essential for 1980's thrash fans, too. The bottom line is if you like heavy metal, you should be sinking your teeth into this album.
If you learn from the best, you'll be the best. He has Eddie Van Halen and Randy Rhodes to thank for it, but Dimebag was the best of his generation. Thus, as the best, it was his job to influence a new generation of guitarists. Even though Dimebag is now deceased, his legend lives on through younger, aspiring guitarists. There's only one Dimebag Darrell Lance Abbott, but there will surely be many more people coming our way who have mastered the art of guitar shredding...and they'll have Dimebag to thank.Cowboys From Hell OverviewNo Description AvailableNo Track Information AvailableMedia Type: CDArtist: PANTERATitle: COWBOYS FROM HELLStreet Release Date: 07/24/1990

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Far Beyond Driven Review

Far Beyond Driven
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Far Beyond Driven ReviewYeah, as everyone knows, Dimebag Darrell's life was taken abruptly last night by some crazy fan that blamed him for breaking up Pantera (or so I've read). Damageplan were just warming up when this gunman leaped up on stage and took Darrell's life (and the lives of several other fans). Right now, I am at a loss of words for what I've just heard this morning.
"Dimebag" Darrell Abbott was truly one of the greatest guitarists the metal world has ever seen and heard. He pulled off riffs like no other guitarist I've heard. And it was this album that truly made me a metal fan.
Sure, Slipknot got me into "nu" metal, but it was Pantera's "Far Beyond Driven" that opened my eyes to a better view of heavy metal. I still remember when I first listened to this album. I heard it back in my freshman years of high school. And, yeah, Slipknot were my favorite... but not until a friend loaned me a copy of this album. I put it in my CD player... and I was just in complete awe. "Strength Beyond Strength" was the harshest song I've heard (at the time). The music was loud and the band played at a fast pace. The lyric "F*** you and your college dream! Fact is we're stronger than all!" really stuck into my head. Phil sings angrily about certain economical issues like drugs. And Dimebag comes in with an eerie guitar sound. "Hail! King! The new... king! Stronger than all!" Phil immediately growls when Dimebag finishes his haunting solo. Yes... hail Pantera. Hearing that line immediately made me a newcoming fan of Pantera.
Just hearing that first track catipulted me into the real heavy metal world. No nu-metal like Slipknot. The absolute harshness and darkness that heavy metal is. This album is downright brutal only to still be bested by "Vulgar Display of Power." It sure packs a hell lot of great and kickass heavy metal music. Phil growls unlike anything before with lyrics that give a glimpse of the American Southwest and being born again with snake's eyes. Rex on the bass is still kick ass, sounding like a reincarnated Cliff Burton. And Vinnie Paul (Darrell's brother) on the drums is equally as good as John Bonham (former Led Zeppelin drummer that passed on). Pantera truly were a great heavy metal band, and I always considered them to be the best.
And Dimebag played the guitar like no other that I've heard... at the time. He played fast and relentlessly. His guitar screeched to the point where you feel as if you're going to go deaf or make your ears bleed. And his solos are simply amazing as each song progressed. He is no Hendrix, Page, or Kirk Hammett... no he isn't any of them. He's better than all of them. That's what I think. That's what I've always thought ever since first I heard this album and discovered Pantera.
Dimebag Darrell will truly be missed by this fan, as well as his millions of other headbanging fanatics. From Pantera to Damageplan, Dimebag Darrell still kicked ass on the guitar. It's so sad that he left this world so soon. But nevertheless, his music will continue to live on for the years to come. His legacy will never be forgotten.
Because my friend, "Dimebag" Darrell Abbott will always be stronger than all.
May he rest in peace and my condolences go out to the familes of the victims who's lives were taken abruptly last night.Far Beyond Driven OverviewNo Description AvailableNo Track Information AvailableMedia Type: CDArtist: PANTERATitle: FAR BEYOND DRIVENStreet Release Date: 03/22/1994

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Vulgar Display of Power Review

Vulgar Display of Power
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Vulgar Display of Power ReviewAlthough I personally like Cowboys From Hell better, and Far Beyond Driven is heavier overall, Vulgar Display Of Power remains Pantera's greatest achievement. Influential, technical, catchy, heavy, and to a degree, intelligent.
Phil Anselmo, at one time, did write great lyrics. He covered everything: decay of society, racism, war, peace, self-respect, self-loathing, love, loss of a friend, anger towards parents, hatred, everything. "Hostile," for instance, is a song dealing with teen angst. However, there's no KoRny sludge here. It's a fast-paced romper-stomper that sounds more like an adolescent furiously making a point rather than a 12-year-old whining about not getting a dirt bike for Christmas. Phil's vocal range is good, too. He is mostly using the 'tough-guy' voice, occasionally singing with that amazing choirboy voice of his, and no longer screeching like Plant or Halford. The Abbott brothers, Diamond Darrell and Vinnie Paul, are amazing as usual. Dime's probably one of the best metal guitarists. His solos are never messy, always precise. Vinnie is pretty much the same. Insane double bass. It's not always fast, but precise. The foot-rhythms are nothing compared to the crushing groove of the hi-hat and snare, or the crazy fills. They're both great. Rex Brown fills in nicely with bass. Funky, groovy, and going just as fast as Vinnie and Dime. Truly the stuff of legend.
"Mouth For War" took this album to the top of the pop charts, with its barreling main riff and the unforgettable opening line--"Revenge! I'm screaming revenge again!" "Walk" is a simple, anthemic, Texas-styled metal song, with a great chorus, and even better solo. "Hostile" is a pile driver, "Rise" even faster, with a great riff later stolen by Helmet. "No Good," "Live In A Hole," and "Regular People" aren't as spectacular, but aren't quite filler, "No Good" being the best with its rapped verses. "By Demons Be Driven" is a heavy death-metal-esque tune with a killer chorus. "Hollow" is the epic closer, with wonderfully sung verses and a surprise heavy riff-filled ending.
"New Level" and "This Love" are good songs. I rarely listen to them, although the former is heavy as hell and the latter a great semi-ballad.
A great album. I like CFH better because of the Texas influences, but this is better than FBD and Reinventing The Steel. However...
I will never forget being twelve years old and seeing this album for the first time, with the brutal cover, ominous PA sticker, and insane song titles. What got me the most was the picture on the back. Four guys who LOOKED metal. Who WERE metal. I remember seeing that picture and saying to myself, "Now those guys, they're COOL."
I tip my ten-gallon hat to the boys in Pantera for helping to shape one little boy's life...probably for the better.Vulgar Display of Power OverviewCD > POPULAR MUSIC > ROCK

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Undertow Review

Undertow
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Undertow ReviewAs a progressive rock fan who entered Tool's world with Lateralus, I've been collecting their albums in reverse order. It's pretty strange going from Lateralus (their most progressive) to Opiate (their "simplest"). It must have been very interesting for fans who started at the beginning and watched this remarkable band grow into the powerhouses they are now.
At face value, Undertow seems simple and heavy, pulled down because of a muddy mix that never seems to raise the guitars above a buzz or Maynard James Keenan's voice to the heights where it should soar. It's more song-oriented than the multifaceted epics of Lateralus and even ::whoa!:: catchy at times. I love the rapid, quick-fingered picking of the infectious main riff for "Bottom". Heavy stuff can have hooks too, right?
At face value...
Undertow, however, is a pretty rich heavy metal album. Only traces of the alternative/grunge sound hover around Undertow's edges -- mainly the production style and some of the riffs. But in most respects, this is very much a metal record. Intellectually, however, Tool steps well beyond most metal bands with innovative musical intricacies and astute lyrics. Keenan is one of the most powerful vocalists in rock/metal, and his delivery is perfectly dramatic on songs like "Sober" (with its powerful ending) and "Crawl Away", where he whispers and roars. Adam Jones is a very unique guitarist, not playing conventional solos, and usually basing his playing on just a few chords per song. However, Tool is more about band interplay than individual playing: Danny Carey's exact and meticulous drumming; Paul d'Amour's gritty, growling bass; Jones' scratching guitar sounds, silent nuance, or earsplitting power chords. The title track is the most dynamic musically, with clever riffs and awesome vocals. "4 Degrees" shows the band's interest in Middle Eastern influences (which would inform parts of Lateralus). I recommend getting the lyrics from Tool's site and following along as you listen. It really gives the songs more impact.
And, of course, we expect a Tool album to have something weird on it. The trippy 16-minute "Disgustipated" finishes off the album, starting on track 10 and ending on track 69. Tracks 10-68 are just blank, 1-second bits. Then, on track 69, things start to happen. There's some dialogue, some sounds, some singing, and a *bit* of music. Listen closely to the words and think about it...interesting stuff. It's amusingly weird and cool.
Explore one of the best bands out there.Undertow OverviewArguably their finest album, this follow-up to Opiate showcases Tool at their best, assisted by clean, crisp production, without the muddiness of Aenima. Edgy guitar riffs are complemented by spitting, heavy bass, especially on "Sober" and "Crawl Away". Lyrically, Tool are at their vitriolic best, targeting religious hypocrisy ("Intolerance," "Sober"; always a popular theme), the loss of innocence and its consequences ("Prison Sex"), and deliberate ignorance ("Swamp Song"). Henry Rollins makes a guest appearance on "Bottom," which, along with "4 Degrees," deals with questions of identity. Undertow is also Tool's most musically adventurous album, lacking the occasionally numbing sameness of Aenima, and with considerably more sophistication than their previous work.

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Give Me Air Review

Give Me Air
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Give Me Air ReviewI bought this one on a chance because John Corabi(vocals), Joe Lynn Turner(vocals) and Bob Daisley(bass) were on this. Funny thing is, my favorite song on the cd, "I'll Lay Down" doesn't include any of them and has a killer guitar riff that is very catchy. Lots of different performers on this cd, usually means it is going to be ok or not so good. Not this time. Even though I'm not rating it 5 stars, it is close because for some reason I just keep putting it back in my car cd player to hear it again. It's nice to have a good rockin cd with alot of different singers, guitars, etc, and have it all blend together nicely. I think if you are a UNION fan you will also like this group.Give Me Air Overview

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