Power Metal

Power Metal is the fourth studio album by Pantera, released in May 1988 through Metal Magic Records. Its total length is 38:10. It is the first Pantera album to feature Phil Anselmo on vocals. The bands lineup also included guitarist Dimebag Darrell, bassist Rex Brown, and drummer Vinnie Paul. I would describe this album as a transition album that became much heavier, but still had traces of the glam metal throughout. The strengths of this album definitely include much better vocals due to the addition of Phil Anselmo. Phil Anselmo does not give his typical vocal delivery that you see on Pantera albums after this.

Instead of using the deep growl like vocals he used throughout the 90's, he used much higher vocals similar to Rob Halford of Judas Priest. Another strength is obviously Dimebag's guitar playing, which continues to get even better on this album. The weaknesses of this album are definitely the lyrics and the weaker second half of the album. Also, Pantera yet again ends with the weakest track on the album. Here are my thoughts about each track.

1. "Rock the World" 3:34 (4/5)

Pantera introduced new vocalist Phil Anselmo with this track. Phil has incredible high vocals on this track that matches the likes of Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden and Rob Halford of Judas Priest. The guitar riff is great and Dimebag delivers another great solo. Basically "Rock the World" was Pantera’s way of introducing their new heavier sound and telling everyone that they were here to stay.

2. "Power Metal" 3:53 (3.5/5)

Beginning with a fast paced guitar riff, pounding drums, and very good bass work, "Power Metal" is quite a change of pace right away. Phil Anselmo continues to prove he is an elite vocalist with vocal chops that can stand up to anyone. Throw in another great solo from Dimebag, who just continues to get better and you have a track better than basically anything on the last album.

3. "We'll Meet Again" 3:54 (2.5/5)

"We'll Meet Again" certainly reverts back to the formula of previous albums, but is done in a more tasteful way. Phil’s vocals are actually good enough to perform such a song. It is still really cheesy though, but thanks to another great guitar solo and a solid vocal performance, this song is tolerable.

4. "Over and Out" 5:06 (4.5/5)

"Over and Out" begins with some fast paced guitar riffing, but then quickly switches to a different guitar riff that reminds me of the band Megadeth. As a matter of fact this entire song sounds like a Megadeth track and a really good one at that. Phil has a really unsettling somewhat nasally voice that goes well with the rest of the track. Obviously, we get another great guitar solo, but on this one you can really hear Dimebag’s distinct style. Then the song ends with the band playing at rapid fire speeds for the last ten seconds.

5. "Proud to Be Loud" 4:02 (3/5)

"Proud to Be Loud" has a decent guitar riff and solo, but lyrically it’s pretty simple and unoriginal. Phil Anselmo gives a nice vocal performance that fits the track, but a track like this really cannot be much better than mediocre.

6. "Down Below" 2:49 (3.5/5)

This version of "Down Below" is improved from the last because it has Phil Anselmo, who can actually deliver on the vocals. The song is similar to the version on their last album. It is just as fast paced and rocks just as hard.

7. "Death Trap" 4:07 (3/5)

Fast paced and full of adrenaline, "Death Trap" continues the heavier nature of this album. The guitar riffs are pretty good and as usual Dimebag delivers another really good speedy shredding solo. My problem with the song is the really repetitive nature throughout. Overall, it is still a decent track.

8. "Hard Ride" 4:16 (2.5/5)

"Hard Ride" is one of those typical 80’s tracks. It has a solid guitar riff and chorus that is easy to sing along to. Dimebag delivers with another solid guitar solo and performs well throughout the entirety of the song. Lyrically, it’s somewhat lacking like many of the tracks on the album. Overall, it is an okay track.

9. "Burnnn!" 3:35 (3/5)

"Burnnn!" is another fast paced track on Power Metal. It has some preety sweet guitar work from Dimebag, wailing vocals from Phil, and a speed and ferocity not used on previous albums from the band. The lyrics are uninteresting again though, which continues to take away from these songs. I enjoy "Burnnn!" for what it is thought, a simple hard rocking track.

10. "P*S*T*88" 2:51 (1.5/5)

Dimebag Darrell actually takes on the lead vocals of this track. The lyrics are as bad as it gets for Pantera. So vulgar and cringe worthy, honestly it is a lyrical embarrassment for Pantera. Still, Dimebag does a solid job vocally and has really good guitar riffing throughout the song. Yet again, he gives another good performance on the solo. Overall, it is definitely still the worst song on this album due to its terrible lyricism.

My Verdict:

This is definitely the first Pantera album I actually enjoyed. With Phil Anselmo as the front man, Pantera can now finally move in the correct direction. The combination of Phil and Dimebag is what makes this album solid. Power Metal is not up to the same standards as their work after this, but is certainly the best album of the glam era for Pantera.

Grade:

B-

Here is an image to honor the end of "Glamtera"