Did Metallica influence Pantera?

Pantera is an American heavy metal band from Arlington, Texas.

In 1981, the Abbott brothers—Vinnie and Diamond Darrell formed the band Gemini before finally settling on Pantera. The group’s best-known lineup consisted of the Abbott brothers (drummer Vinnie Paul and guitarist Dimebag Darrell), along with Rex Brown and Anselmo.

Commencing as a glam metal band, Pantera released three albums in the mid-1980s with lead vocalist Terry Glaze (Metal Magic, Projects in the Jungle, and I Am the Night), with little success.

Anselmo joined the band in 1987, following David Peacock, and served as the frontman until Pantera broke up in 2003. In Anselmo’s time, Pantera became known as the pioneer of “groove metal,” thrashing crowds with a heavy dose of aggressive rock and smart lyrics.

Pantera was reformed in 2022. It is currently composed of vocalist Phil Anselmo, bassist Rex Brown, and touring musicians Zakk Wylde and Charlie Benante.

Did Metallica influence Pantera?

Yes, American heavy metal band, Metallica influenced Pantera.

Metallica has become one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time and is credited as one of the “big four” of thrash metal, along with Slayer, Anthrax, and Megadeth.

Thrash titans Metallica demonstrated that mainstream success could still be achieved with an extreme, aggressive sound, pointing the way for Pantera’s transformation on 1990’s ‘Cowboys from Hell,’ and enlightening Dimebag’s rhythm guitar work, as much as his leads.