Pantera--The Great Southern Trendkill

Pantera--The Great Southern Trendkill (1996) Rating--7.5

Don't let the less-than-appealing opening track fool you---there are a few gems here. The band shows subtle changes in several areas of its music on this one. One is Anselmo, whose smooth voice is now a rare treat instead of a regular occurance, like back in '90. One such return is on "Suicide Note Pt. 1," which soon slides into "Pt. 2's" earache madness. The other change, interestingly enough, is the lack of total speed and the every-song groove. The riffs are there, just not consistent. Ok, enough complaining---we said there were high points, and there are...
"Drag The Waters" is a definite shining moment, with a "Walk"-ish viper riff. Another cool riff-based highlight is "Living Through Me," with a good chug and broken-nose frame of mind. The band's choice to go even heavier and darker than the first two discs is commendable, even if the quality of the product slips a bit.
HOT CHOPS: While the main riff to "Drag The Waters" is pure delight, you may have been waiting patiently (like me) for it to really kick in. Well, the band finally gets around to it towards the end of the song, when they swing into a mean double-time beat. Check out the stutter riff! Meanstreak, baby!!
TRACK LIST: The Great Southern Trendkill/War Nerve/Drag the Waters/10's/13 Steps to Nowhere/Suicide Note Pt. 1/ Suicide Note Pt. II/Living Through Me (Hells' Wrath/Floods/The Underground in America/(Reprise) Sandblasted Skin

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