Pantera--Cowboys From Hell

Pantera--Cowboys From Hell (1990) Rating--8.6

After a brief two-year hiatus to get rid of the spandex and hairspray, the "new debut" album from this Texas powerhouse put Pantera among the best thrashers in the genre. This was about the time metal started to hurt a little bit, but Pantera was one of the few that made it through the lean years. An opening slot for Skid Row helped a great deal, as did pure attitude from the music.
When the title track kicks in you can tell these boys don't play around. Phil Anselmo has the voice of the devil/angel on each shoulder, and guitarist Dimebag Darrel's razorblade sound has yet to really be matched in metal. This one is a nose-bleeder from start to finish, and the band's Judas Priest-meets-Slayer style is all the more impressive, considering it's glam-tinged beginnings.
Highlights include "Heresy," "Domination," "Cemetary Gates," "The Sleep," and the rip-fest title track.
HOT CHOPS: Check the smooth intro to "Cemetary Gates," with a soulful, yearning Anselmo. This kicks in nicely when solo rolls around, and should send goose bumps over any guitar player. The intros to both the title song and "The Art Of Shredding" demand attention... yeah, you know what those buildups are leading up to...
TRACK LIST: Cowboys From Hell/Primal Concrete Sledge/Psycho Holiday/Heresy/Cemetary Gates/Domination/ Shattered/Clash With Reality/Medicine Man/Message in Blood/The Sleep/The Art of Shredding

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