POWER METALLLLLLL!!!!!!!...Well not really. Despite the title, the fourth release from Pantera really isn't much of a power metal release, but it’s definitely a powerful metal release. Power Metal was released in 1988, and is surprisingly short at around 38 minutes, in 10 tracks. Pantera seems to have a thing for only putting 10 songs on each album up to this point. They did however take 3 years between releases. The big thing about this album is that it is the first one with the now infamous Phil Anselmo. Another interesting fact is that Rex Brown apparently played the tubular bells on this record. Let's get into the review.
It's apparent from the opening track “Rock The World,” that the band has once again turned up their heaviness. I would say this is the beginning of the shift they would begin to make heading into future albums. I wonder of the shift to a more traditional, aggressive metal style was due to Phil joining the band. For me I could hear certain influences in certain songs. The songs “Burnnn!” and “Power Metal” really reminded me of something I would hear from Accept. I could also hear a little Judas Priest influence sprinkled in a few of the songs. While it’s not my favorite track, I must point out the song “Proud To Be Loud,” as possibly the most fun song on the album. It's a total fist pumping heavy metal anthem, with cheesy lyrics included. Also I want to mention that Dime’s guitar playing continues to get better, and there are still some great solos, and key riffs on here despite being heavier.
I would say the biggest complaint for many is the style of Phil’s vocals. This is very confusing to me because they aren’t that much different than what he brings to the table on their next release, Cowboys From Hell, which people seem to love. Maybe it's the lyrical content that people aren't fans of. If that is the case then i could see it, because despite the shift to a heavier style, the lyrics and song titles are still full of 80’s cheese. There is also still some of the hair band-esque style in songs like “Hard Ride” and “We’ll Meet Again.” which people may not like. Personally I love that stuff though, and think it makes for a really fun listen, which people forget to do sometimes in the world of metal.
Power Metal is really good if you are a fan of traditional heavy metal. Personally it is one of my favorite releases from the band. It combines the heavy grooves we would come to hear in later releases, yet keeps the key features I really enjoy of many styles of metal throughout the 80’s. Its just so much fun to listen to! Many Pantera fans still refuse to acknowledge this release from the band, however I highly recommend everyone that's a fan of classic heavy metal to check this one out. And if you hated it the first time, give it another try. 4 ½*
It's apparent from the opening track “Rock The World,” that the band has once again turned up their heaviness. I would say this is the beginning of the shift they would begin to make heading into future albums. I wonder of the shift to a more traditional, aggressive metal style was due to Phil joining the band. For me I could hear certain influences in certain songs. The songs “Burnnn!” and “Power Metal” really reminded me of something I would hear from Accept. I could also hear a little Judas Priest influence sprinkled in a few of the songs. While it’s not my favorite track, I must point out the song “Proud To Be Loud,” as possibly the most fun song on the album. It's a total fist pumping heavy metal anthem, with cheesy lyrics included. Also I want to mention that Dime’s guitar playing continues to get better, and there are still some great solos, and key riffs on here despite being heavier.
I would say the biggest complaint for many is the style of Phil’s vocals. This is very confusing to me because they aren’t that much different than what he brings to the table on their next release, Cowboys From Hell, which people seem to love. Maybe it's the lyrical content that people aren't fans of. If that is the case then i could see it, because despite the shift to a heavier style, the lyrics and song titles are still full of 80’s cheese. There is also still some of the hair band-esque style in songs like “Hard Ride” and “We’ll Meet Again.” which people may not like. Personally I love that stuff though, and think it makes for a really fun listen, which people forget to do sometimes in the world of metal.
Power Metal is really good if you are a fan of traditional heavy metal. Personally it is one of my favorite releases from the band. It combines the heavy grooves we would come to hear in later releases, yet keeps the key features I really enjoy of many styles of metal throughout the 80’s. Its just so much fun to listen to! Many Pantera fans still refuse to acknowledge this release from the band, however I highly recommend everyone that's a fan of classic heavy metal to check this one out. And if you hated it the first time, give it another try. 4 ½*
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