PANTERA — Vulgar Display of Power (review)

PANTERA — Vulgar Display of Power album cover

Album · 1992 · Groove Metal

3/5 · 2018-02-24
martindavey87

If you're a metal fan, you're no doubt gawking at this three-star review and seething with anger, and nothing I say will justify my views in your eyes. So let me just say, to Pantera; I'm sorry.

Pantera were one of the first metal bands I got into way back in the day, and I'm sure there was a time when I first purchased this CD that I thought it was awesome, even though I'd never really heard it enough times to familiarize myself with it. As a result, years of neglect and seeing absolutely nothing but the highest reverence for it has set the bar very high. Too high, in fact, as 'Vulgar Display...' has failed to live up to my expectations.

It's not a bad album, but it's very much the same as its predecessor, 'Cowboys From Hell', in that it's a good record with its fair share of filler songs, but it hasn't been helped by the expectations set by the countless fans who treat it like an absolute masterpiece. I mean, c'mon now... 'By Demons Be Driven' and 'No Good (Attack the Radical)' are incredibly forgettable.

But when Pantera do get it right... oh boy! 'Mouth For War', 'This Love', 'A New Level', 'Regular People (Conceit)' and the legendary though slightly overrated 'Walk' are all ballsy songs that are heavy as hell and groove-laden to the brim, with enough attitude and energy to make up for the albums shortcomings.

And the performances are all-round pretty good. Guitarist Dimebag Darrell shows off all the skills that would validate his countless accolades as one of the genres all-time greats, and vocalist Phil Anselmo screeches passionately with pure disdain at the world. While not every track is to my liking, there's no denying the chemistry between everyone.

In conclusion, 'Vulgar Display...' is one of the most influential metal albums from the 90's, and while it's reputation may be justified, I don't think it's stood the test of time too well. Perhaps it's one of those things where "you had to be there" to truly appreciate it.

more than 2 years ago
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siLLy puPPy wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Hey, you gave And Justice For All five stars, so i'm an EE-diot for even bringing it up. Yeah, you're right, i guess i only noticed the bad comments. Bad dog! I slapped myself :P

aglasshouse wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Hey Martin, as I'm a bit more knowledgeable about your feelings towards Pantera, I do have a few questions I'd like to ask you. First off, seeing as you gave this and Cowboys three stars, which do you think is better overall? Two, I'd like to see your thoughts on Nothingface, a nu metal band with a lot of groove metal influences that I enjoy quite a bit. 2000's Violence is a good start if you're curious.

Unitron wrote:

more than 2 years ago

I assume by comments you mean what he says in the review, which I think he usually says a lot of positive things about albums even when he rates something 2 stars. Look at his So Far So Good So What review, he says quite a few positive things about the album.

siLLy puPPy wrote:

more than 2 years ago

It's not about ratings, it's about comments. Whatever.

martindavey87 wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Actually, not that many of my reviews are negative, only the ones you seem to notice, in fact, a quick look at our profiles shows that you actually have a lot more lower-rated reviews than I do. So perhaps I should ask you the same thing. :-p

siLLy puPPy wrote:

more than 2 years ago

A favorite of mine as well although i like the first one better. Dimebag was one of the best guitarists the 90s had to offer. I'm curious, what do you like? Almost all your reivews are negative

UMUR wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Fantastic album. Influential, original, and damn powerful...

Vim Fuego wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Childish as it is, Fucking Hostile is far and away my favourite song on this.

Unitron wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Forgettable tracks? On this album? I guess we'll just have to heavily disagree. By Demons Be Driven is one of my favorites.

Also there's nothing like spinning this record when I'm pissed off, perfect music to release anger with.