Respect The Triumphant Return, As Pantera Take What’s Theirs To Have

Wembley Arena was abuzz with palpable energy, the bustle of the crowd building more powerful by the minute. For a 12,000 strong army was moments away from seeing, what many would describe as a bucket list moment. Perhaps even their elusive unicorn. 

This was not just any night in Wembley, this was a historical moment. For Pantera, one of the most iconic bands in metal history, were to finally play London once again, having not done so since April 2000 at Brixton Academy.

Before the crowd were quite ready to meet total fever pitch, a show opener was required to stir the frenzy. Cue, King Parrot, the Australian Grindcore band, to open proceedings in the arena, giving the baying mob direction for their energy and setting a high tempo for the show.

Following on, the main support of the evening were none other than Texan Thrash Metal-ers Power Trip. Returning to London, with new frontman Seth Gilmore after the sad passing of Riley Gale in 2020. Power Trip being perhaps, one of the best bands to support Pantera. With their furious thrashing skills and high energy they were worthy of the slot, in fine form and playing a complementary style to Pantera. The powerful force smashed out, 'Executioners Tax (Swing Of The Axe)', 'Hornets Nest' and 'Manifest Decimation', amongst others. Leaving the crowd hyped up and absolutely ready for the main feast.

Two great bands complete, both serving their role, to warm the crowd. Earning them both respect for taking on the mantel, opening for a band that had been absent for so long. Realistically everyone in attendance was truly only in Wembley for one thing. One moment. One band. Pantera!

The arena fell dark and the screens on the stage began to kick into life. Those iconic letters emblazoned in red on the black curtain for all to see. PANTERA. A video package began, delving into the history of Pantera, paying homage to the Abbott brothers, who we have had to sadly say goodbye to over the years. For this evening wasn't just a music show but a celebration of the life and work of the Abbott brothers.

Phil Anselmo (vocals), Rex Brown (base), Zakk Wylde (guitarist), and Charlie Benante (drums) entered the stage and launched straight into opening song 'A New Level'.

If ever there was a gig that appeared to be spat out from the depths of hell, one with face melting riffs and ear blistering crashing drums, Pantera coming back to London after a 25 year absence may just be it. The stage set like an inferno, with consistent pyro, belting flames into the air throughout the set. 

Kicking into 'Mouth Of War' and 'Strength Beyond Strength'. Wylde and Benante doing a superb job of standing in as new Pantera men, honouring, not replacing Dimebag Darrell, (sadly murdered on stage in 2004) and Vinnie Paul (who passed away in 2018). The gig is already so loud, ferocious and heavy. It's a metalheads dream.

Anselmo, the barefoot and controversial front man, took a moment to interact with the crowd. Asking for the lights to be turned up, he acknowledged the last night of the tour and thanked everyone in attendance so much. He continued "Who got to see us in the 90s?" Again thanking those responding, for “Teaching their kids well." Honouring both the original Pantera fans and the new generation of followers.

Pantera set back into motion whilst under the red and blue lights, the crowd slowly move, like an ocean, beginning like a gentle sea swell. Zakk Wylde standing tall, with a swish of his wrist, like Poseidon brandishing his trident, giant waves of fans crashed with thunderous force against the rock like barriers and bystanders. There truly isn't anyone more fitting than Wylde to play guitar in Pantera, one of Dimebags greatest friends and a legendary guitarist in his own right.

Pantera storm through a greatest hits set, playing; 'Becoming', I'm Broken, Suicide Note Part 2, and 'Five Minutes Alone'. Sounding really tight and on great form, the foursome working well together. Consistent circle pits breaking out everywhere in the heaving crowd. The band then slowed into 'This Love'.

Pantera wouldn't have existed without the Abbott  brothers and Dimebag is considered by many, as one of the absolute greatest guitarists ever, so the evening needed to embrace the heritage of the band. Portraits of the Abbott brothers were proudly displayed on the double kick drums. The band briefly fell silent as a video montage began, set to rain and thunder. Opening the band up into playing 'Floods'. The video continuing for the duration. It was an emotional moment for fans and band alike. The members stopping and turning to face the drummer, looking up at the videos for a moment, with Wylde slowly building back into the song with a solo, Anselmo just standing, listening. Finally a photo of the brothers lingers on the screen as the video of Wylde's solo is overlaid.

Anselmo gives an introduction, stating "One hundred percent of you will know the next song", dedicating it to everyone. Wylde opens the shredding, 'Walk' begins, fire shooting everywhere, the crowd going absolutely insane. Suddenly people begin to flood the stage, members of the support acts joining in with the iconic song. Even Jason Momoa strides on, joining Anselmo at the mic, to a roar from the crowd.

A huge circle pit opens as 'Cowboys From Hell' rings out, more and more crowd surfers, launching like torpedo’s from a fighter ship.The show nearing the end, the band clear the stage. Encore time!

Several strikes to a cowbell and more blistering drums cry out, before the full band emerge from the shadows once again. Anselmo introduces the next song as 'Revolution Is My Name'. Anselmo finally declares "there's still one more we haven't done...".

The band dive into 'Fucking Hostile'. Huge circle pits open once more. Ever increasing pyro, shredding guitars and total face melting music reverberates across the arena, the band giving their absolute all. After 90 minutes the show, the tour, the longing, is done, the band hug each other, throw dozens of items to the crowd and applaud their fans. Taking tour pictures of the crowd, the bands and all the crew.

Rhys Tagg

 Zombierocker86

Image: Pantera Tour Poster 

 

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