Pantera Electrify New Jersey With Tribute To Dime and Vinnie Paul

Pantera Return

As a die-hard metal music fan, I had been eagerly awaiting the summer return of the legendary Pantera. The excitement was palpable in the air as fans from all over flocked to the venue, their passion for music bringing them together. The atmosphere was electric, and little did we know that we were about to witness an absolutely mind-blowing performance.

As I made my way into the concert venue, the anticipation built up with every step. Lamb of God was warming up the crowd with a killer set kicking things off with “Memento Mori” as singer Randy Blythe took up space center stage one leg on the monitor screaming his heart out.

Blythe, who shaved his head recently leaving behind his long signature dreads ran across the stage like a mad man for the fan favorite “Walk With Me In Hell”. The bands 11 song setlist spanned a variety of songs from throughout the metal legends career including “Laid To Rest” and “Redneck” Lamb of God were the perfect warm up for Pantera’s return to the stage.

The crowd was buzzing with energy, their enthusiasm for the legendary metal band un-matched. The lights dimmed, and the crowd erupted into cheers as Pantera’s curtain lit up with pot leaves and a video of Pantera with their original members Dimebag Darrel and Vinnie Paul played on the screen.

The curtain dropped and the guys were greeted by deafening cheers from the crowd. The legendary quartet wasted no time and dived into their setlist, starting off with their classic, “A New Level“. The massive amplifiers roared with power as Dimebag Darrell’s signature guitar riffs played by Zack Wylde filled the air, captivating every single person in that venue.

Phil Anselmo’s savage vocals reverberated across the amphitheater, and the thunderous rhythm section, consisting of Rex Brown on bass and Charlie Benante of Anthrax on drums, lay down the intense groundwork for the show.

It was as if the entire band was possessed by some greater force, channeling their collective energy into each note. The sheer intensity and skill displayed by each band member were awe-inspiring.

The setlist for the evening was an impeccable blend of Pantera‘s greatest hits and fan favorites, spanning their illustrious career. Songs like “Walk”, “Fucking Hostile”, and “Domination” sent the crowd into a frenzy, igniting mosh pits and causing a sea of headbanging. The symbiotic relationship between the band and the fans was undeniable, with Pantera feeding off our energy and giving it back in a massive wall of sound.

One of the most unforgettable moments of the night came during the performance of “Hollow”. As the iconic intro chords rang out, the entire crowd erupted into a unified chant, singing every word back to the band. It was a truly magical experience, witnessing the power of music bringing people together as one, all sharing a deep connection through Pantera‘s music.

Zack Wylde’s guitar solos were nothing short of legendary. His fingers effortlessly danced across the fretboard, creating a symphony of melodic chaos and his passion was contagious. His solos brought tears to the eyes of some fans, reminding us all of the immense talent we lost too soon when we lost Dimebag tragically.

Throughout the performance, the stage production was top-notch. A stunning light show accompanied the band, creating a visually captivating experience. The pyrotechnics added an extra level of excitement and intensity to the already explosive performance. The entire stage setup felt like a shrine dedicated to the power of metal.

As the concert drew to a close, the band left the stage, temporarily leaving us in a state of disbelief. But the crowd, not ready to say goodbye, erupted into thunderous applause and chanted for an encore. Pantera graciously re-emerged, and with a renewed energy, they unleashed their final songs “Slaughtered” and “Revolution is My Name”.

Checkout the full setlist from the night below!

See the Full Gallery of the Evening Here!

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