Can Pantera Still Show An Crowd That They Can Walk

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Pantera – Live in Burgettstown, PA (July 28, 2023)

Star Lake Amphitheater

Pittsburgh, PA

by Andrew Latshaw

On a scorching summer night in Pittsburgh, metalheads from all ages and walks of life gathered at the Star Lake Amphitheater for a monumental event: the highly anticipated return of Pantera. Despite the years that have passed since the band’s heyday, the raw power and indomitable spirit of their music still resonated deeply with their devoted fanbase.

First up was SNAFU! If you have not heard of these guys yet, I am not surprised! Check them out when you are able! Their set was surprisingly fun and entertaining! When I saw that they were on the ticket for the Pantera show, I had not heard of these guys either. The great thing about today is that we have access to everything. I pulled up Spotify, and on 7/26/23 they had 664x monthly listeners. At the time of this writing they have almost tripled that!

SNAFU is a band that has been around in various forms since 2006, and their self-released independent full length album – Fear the Future. They are touring and promoting their third full length release – Exile//Banishment. Having listened to their work from start to finish, I can say that their growing popularity is long overdue! There is little about them online, I wanted to list the names of the members and their roles in the band, but I am falling short. I will say that they are incredibly entertaining to watch live, and a treat for the ears if you hit them up on any streaming service!

Next up, and direct support for Pantera was Lamb of God! Let me say that per usual, Lamb of God put on a hell of a show! There is no as guests for Pantera. The band played a blistering set of their signature heavy metal, with frontman Randy Blythe delivering his trademark guttural vocals with a passion that was both intense and infectious.

The setlist was a mix of old and new, with fan favorites like “Walk With Me in Hell,” “Laid to Rest,” and “Redneck” being interspersed with newer tracks from their latest album, Omens. The band sounded incredible, with guitarists Mark Morton and Willie Adler tearing it up on their respective axes. Drummer Chris Adler was also on fire, providing a solid foundation for the rest of the band to build on.

The crowd was absolutely wild, with people moshing, crowd surfing, and singing along to every word. It was clear that everyone in attendance was there to have a good time, and Lamb of God definitely delivered.

Overall, it was an incredible show from a band that is still at the top of their game. If you’re a fan of heavy metal, then you definitely need to catch Lamb of God live if you get the chance.

As the crowd anxiously waited, the arena’s atmosphere crackled with energy, reminiscent of the band’s legendary performances from the past. The anticipation reached its peak as the lights dimmed, and the stage was engulfed in darkness. The distant sound of a haunting guitar riff pierced through the air, setting the stage for an explosive night ahead.

The surviving members of Pantera, Phil Anselmo (vocals), Rex Brown (bass), were accompanied by Zakk Wylde (guitar) and Charlie Benante (drums) when they took to the stage. The absence of the late, great Dimebag Darrell was deeply felt, but his spirit lived on through the heartfelt tributes and classic anthems that followed.

Kicking off with a thunderous rendition of “A New Level,” the crowd erupted into a mosh pit frenzy, losing themselves in the raw energy and aggressive sound that defined Pantera’s music. Phil Anselmo’s voice resonated with power and emotion, a testament to his enduring talent as a frontman. Rex Brown’s basslines, along with Charlie’s pounding drumbeats, laid down the foundation for a sonic assault that shook the venue to its core.

Before Pantera took to the stage, they paid tribute to Dimebag Darrell’s memory. A touching video montage showcased his jaw-dropping guitar solos and genuine passion for music, and a lot of his off-stage shenanigans leaving not a single dry eye in the house (me included). It was a poignant reminder of the irreplaceable talent that had been lost far too tragically!

The setlist was a perfect blend of Pantera’s greatest hits and deep cuts, ensuring both casual listeners and die-hard fans had something to revel in. Classics like “Walk,” “Domination,” and “Fucking Hostile” unleashed a wave of nostalgia, transporting the crowd back to the heyday of 1990s metal. Something that really hit me was after the second song of the set, Phil stopped and addressed the crowd and said that the absence of Dimebag and Vinnie was absolutely felt and the void that they left will never be filled.

Pantera’s stage presence was electrifying. Phil Anselmo’s charisma had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand, leading them through chants and sing-alongs. Rex Brown’s bass grooves and interaction with the crowd were infectious, while Charlie Benante’s drumming was an awe-inspiring tribute to Vinnie Paul, blending perfectly with Zakk Wylde’s signature style.

As some a lot of people may not know, it is industry standard that photographers (me) have to stow their gear after the first three songs of a set, being that Pantera was the headliner, I took my gear to my car and heard Phil address the already frenzied crowd again. He talked us about how music travels throughout time, and touches us all throughout our lives.

Phil said: “I see a lot of you young bloods out there in the crowd, and that is awesome! Now, turn and look around, look to the old folks near you! Learn from them! Watch their lips and mouths as they sing and scream every word with us! Learn the words, and carry the music on for our future generations!”

As I was walking back into the show, they were starting into “I’m Broken,” and was taken over by the site and sounds of the show, singing along and it was awesome to see that there were a few young ones staring at me with awe struck smiles! Apparently they heard Phil’s words and was forced to accept that I am one of the old people!

The lighting and pyrotechnics elevated the experience, adding a visual spectacle to the sonic onslaught. Flames danced across the stage, syncing with the primal intensity of Pantera’s music, amplifying the connection between the band and their fans.

As the night drew to a close, Pantera treated the audience to an unforgettable encore, culminating in a heart-pounding performance of “Slaughtered” and “Revolution is My Name.” With emotions running high, the crowd belted out every word, turning the arena into an echo chamber of metal passion. Pantera’s return to Pittsburgh was nothing short of epic. Their music remains a cathartic outlet for fans to release their energy and emotions, reminding us all of the power of heavy metal to bring people together. Though the band has faced challenges and loss, their dedication to their craft and their fans shines brightly, ensuring that the legacy of Pantera will endure for generations to come.