Customer Reviews

Great Southern Trendkill

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2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(31)

 

 

All three of Pantera's previous efforts (before this) were very heavy, heavy metal albums. But on their fourth studio album, 1996's "The Great Southern Trendkill," Pantera simply went, well...bonkers!

If I had been a Pantera fan at the time, I probably would have seen this album coming. You see, I believe Pantera gradually got heavier with each release (purposely making each C.D. heavier than the one before it). So, to top 1994's "Far Beyond Driven," they pretty much had to make an album like this (super heavy). The result is "The Great Southern Trendkill," an album which is the group's craziest, most out of control, noisiest, and most dissonant affair.

The stomach-churning, tortured, constipated howling and relentless, wicked, equally-as-pissed off guitars comprise these 53 minutes of music (which I would understand if you hate at first.)

With that said, this is also Pantera's most underrated and overlooked album. That may be because it's (usually) an import; or because these songs got very little radio-play; or it might have something to do with only being allowed room for one song on Pantera's "Greatest Hits" album; or it might be because this is Pantera's most underground-sounding album. I honestly couldn't tell you the reason why, but, as any Pantera fan would tell you, "TGST" definitely needs more love from the fans.

Highlights include:

"The Great Southern Trendkill" shoots out of the gate with a heavy as f*ck metal explosion. Vocalist Phil Anselmo does some of his nastiest, most viscous yells in this song. Phil opens the C.D. straight from his gut, with a wicked bellow ("WAAAH!"). But it's after the groovy guitars in the verses and the four part zig-zag guitar solo that you really know it's on!
"War Nerve" opens with machine gun riffing. The rest of this song is pounding guitars and drums, with the exception of an occasional off-kilter guitar riff. I like the lyrics to this song, too: "F*ck the world! For all it's worth! Every inch...of planet earth!"
"Drag the Waters," the one song from this album that was included on the Greatest Hits album, has heavy chugging riffs layered on top of each other, as well as a creatively used cowbell by drummer Vinnie Paul. The chugging riffs make the verses almost slowly gallop, and Dimebag includes a mini, high-pitched guitar solo here, too (I wish it were longer!)
"13 Steps to Nowhere" has some good and fast drumming (mainly a double bass line) bubbling beneath the surface. Towards the end, Phil's staccato vocals ride the bobbing riffs well. But this song is, overall, fairly predictable. It could use a brutal breakdown, or something unexpected.
Even though it's not a good representation of Pantera, "Suicide Note Pt. 1" is probably my favorite song on this record. This was one of the only times in his 15 years with the band that Dimebag Darrell picked up an acoustic guitar. And he was rewarded for it--this song was nominated for a Grammy. The acoustic strums (and an absence of drums and bass) give "Suicide Note" a spacey feel. And this song is also highlighted by some well-written, touching, and deeply depressing lyrics.
Track seven, "Suicide Note Pt. 2", is the polar opposite of the track that came before it. Sometimes the guitar makes a slight "wah-wah" noise, but for the most part it is blindingly fast and brutal with scorching riffs, and a heavy, grooving and pounding breakdown. Add more of Phil's heaviest screams, and you have a song that is almost deafening.

But I hope I haven't given you the wrong impression: this C.D. doesn't sound like any other band. Aside from the turbo-charged hate in most of these songs and the acoustic ballad halfway through, the group didn't stray too far from their roots. Indeed, with nothing but more of the famous constipated howls, talented drumming, and speaker-shredding guitar playing, Pantera stick close to the cob. If you listen to this album with an open mind, you will realize this C.D. is just Pantera with maximized sound and intensity.

It may not be Pantera's best or smartest written album ever, but from the first few seconds of the first track (the title cut) to the last few seconds of the last song, it's more than clearly evident that "TGST" is one hell of a hardcore album. Also, whether you're shredding your throat trying to sing along, desperately trying to follow Vinnie Paul's complex drumming, taking an Aspirin (because you have just listened to these 53 minutes of pounding beats), or straining your fingers trying to play air guitar alongside Dimebag, there's one important thing to remember: it's still Pantera. Love it or hate it, it's still Pantera. Therefore, all Pantera fans should pick this up, as well as fans of hardcore/underground metal, heavy metal in general, and fans of Phil Anselmo's side projects (particularly Superjoint Ritual-a band which didn't exist as of 1996.)

It may be because I'm a Pantera fanatic, but when I hear such moments of this C.D. (like when the title track hits its peak), I can't help but think the same thing Phil is yelling: "Oh...f*ck yeah!"

I don't know why Amazon only lists this as a Japanese import, cause it's easily available. So this review is for the US standard release, not the picture of the album that is on the cover of this website.

And why is it their best? Even more so than the ultimate classic Vulgar Display of Power? Or the insanity of Far Beyond Driven? The one word is creativity.

Vulgar was litteraly the album that gave the band the torch to carry high as the crowning metal gods. Then their next album Far Beyond was just a little too insane being just a little too crazy and overly distorted. Sake of playing fast and mean cause they could.

Here with Great Southern Trendkill, the band got supper creative, with tinges of falseto singing, country roots swagger, and interesting songwriting and gelling such as in Suicide Note parts 1 and 2. That was almost borderline conceptual.

There is not one single bad song on this album, and in some way they are all unique and different from each other. They all stand out on their own, and have all the hallmarks of classic Pantera: ingenious murderous riffs and solos by Dimebag Darrel, Great vocals by Anselmo, Pounding groove and some good fills by Rex, and intricate drumming from Vinnie that fires like a machine gun.

'Floods' is easily the best solo I ever heard Dimebag do. Drag the Waters has that killer piercing cowbell, and what great lyrics of depravity. 13 steps marching beat, Suicide Note, WOW impressive, I could go on and on.

A must have for any Pantera fan.

I heard this morning about what happened to Dimebag, and found myself stifling tears. Its so appalling that someone could be hateful enough to destroy one of the greatest musicians of all time, and then, as if that wasn't enough, turn on the innocent and punish them. I'm actually glad they killed him.

Bob and Mark from the rock station here gave Dimebag a rightful farewell, playing Cemetary Gates in his honor. Then Beavis and Butt-head called in to give their condolences.

As for the album, its no Vulgar Display or Cowboys from Hell, but in no way is it a bad one. The best songs are the title track (great album opener, heavy as hell) The Underground in America (awesome riff, awesome lyrics, awesome solo) and Suicide Note Pt 1 (good acoustic song, the 2nd best ballad they ever did, Cemetary Gates obviously being the best). The only songs I don't really like are Suicide Note Pt 2 (WAY overdone) and Sandblasted Skin (too much distortion, can't hardly hear it).

My prayers go out to Vinnie Paul, the other members of Damage Plan, the Abbott family, and the families of everyone else who was hurt or worse during last night's tragedy. Dimebag, you are, were and will always be remembered as one of the rockinest guitar dudes ever... and you will be sorely missed.

RIP Dimebag Darrell, (...). Your fans love you.

The second number 1 album from Pantera was a welcome return to form from the band after the patchy 'Far Beyond Driven', and even so still managed to get roundly abused from many corners. Perhaps because it sold in such great numbers probably contributed to the flak it received from the 'metal' elitists. There is an issue that needs to be addressed first of all. None of the lyrics in this album are either racist, homophobic or macho. The band are not a talentless bunch of southern KKK members. Granted, the lyrics could have been better, but they most certainly are not derogatory to minorities in society. The general mood of the album is far more upbeat than its predecessor, which had a tendency to get intensely cathartic at times. Dimebag has developed a unique style of guitar playing here, which incorporates an insane amount of artificial harmonics with smooth bends and a general feeling of Texan groove. Also, the leads now sound far more thought-out and generally cohesive, as opposed to some of the wild-widdling present on previous albums. Phil's voice has been corrupted still further by the excesses of whiskey, beer and cigarettes, but fair play to the man, he can still hold a note without any trouble. I'm not too sure about Rex's bass skills, as I can't really hear the bass through the mix. Vincent is his usual steady and difficult-to-copy self, laying down rhythms which are perfect foil to Dimebag. Another criticism I have heard is about the abject simplicity of the riffs. So? Complexity means little unless it sounds good, and clearly Pantera have discovered that the key to classic rock/metal is simplicity. Their riffs on this album may have little more than three chords, but when they sound as cool as they do here, it matters little. Overall, the album is generally good, save for the poor '13 steps to nowhere' (good intro though) and 'the underground in America'. The hyper fast moments are well-provided for with the opening title track (which segues into one of Dimes blindingly excellent leads) and the unmissable Suicide Note ptII, which features quite possibly one of the most killer chorus riffs ever laid down by the band. Although the verses may be off-putting at first, it grows on you, as do many Pantera songs. 'Drag the waters' is the obvious single, possibly because it is the least profane song on the album. I was a little thrown by the out-there strangeness of '10s', but after I got acquainted with it, it stood out as one of the best tracks on the album, showcasing a rarely seen subtlety which is displayed far too rarely. 'Suicide Note pt1' is an acoustic straight out of the Alice In Chains back-catalogue, and is in direct contrast to the track which follows. Album standout, 'Floods' features a solo voted as one of the top 100 by the eminent guitar site www.guitar.com. Again, the subtlety employed takes time to get used to, and the outro is second only to 'Domination' from CFH. In 'Living Through Me (Hell's Wrath)', Pantera demonstrate their impeccable sense of groove, and although the middle breakdown manages to destroy the atmosphere it builds somewhat, the song is nevertheless forgiven for being so bloody cool. Yes, the lyrics on this album are profane, maybe not as good as they should have been, but by no measurement have Pantera descended into 'brawn rock' territory. They have displayed great compositional skills together with an ear for a good riff, and for that I raise my spectacles to them.

Angrier, Heavier, darker, more intense.Takes a nod toward their black metal influences (Suicide Note pt.2, sandblasted skin) This album has in my opinion Dime's greatest work (i.e, Floods, Drag the Waters, 10's(they can't destroy my body) This album also showcases a different side of pantera as well (Suicide note pt.1, Floods) So in all this album combines all that makes Pantera the amazing band they were. Go buy it now, if you haven't already.

In 1996, when "The Great Southern Trendkill" was released, alternative ruled rock radio and MTV. The professional music critic community was overcome with joy when heavy metal disappeared from the mainstream and they hoped it would disappear all together, which is exactly what makes this album so appealing.
Phil Anselmo knew the critics were reveling in the fact. Anselmo would be the leading force in the spearhead to bring an end the rock critic's dreams. He stuffed metal right back down the music communities' pretentious throats.

Like the previous Pantera albums, they come out blasting with one of the fastest, hardest tracks as the opener. It lays to waste everything in its path just to lay to rest any doubts about whom they are. "War Nerve" marches forward pumping up the head to the maximum levels of adrenaline and aggression possible. Lyrically, it is a nihilistic rant sure to suck any hope for the future right out of you. "Drag the Water" continues on the same with a malevolent feeling only they can pull off. The riff is so heavy it could break backs.
The next two tracks fall into utter despair with a sadistic sound. "Suicide Note Pt. 1" brings it all to a head with the most accurate description suicidal depression ever written. The music is as eerie and bone chilling as a song can get. Then, the depression is turned inside out in a furious blast of pure rage. It has enough power to crush the skull of anyone's personal oppressor.

From that point on Pantera the songs are almost reminiscent of "Cowboys From Hell". On "Sanblasted Skin", Phil wants to make sure to reenforce his message he began with. Absolutely defiant and unbreakable to those he despises the most.

For those who understand Pantera and those who dislike them, this album is an emotional overload. Defiance and hatred so refined it to the point of mania. The band's greatness in heavy metal was etched in stone after this album was released. It will forever echo into the future "THE TREND IS DEAD! THE TREND IS DEAD!"

TGSTK was released in '96 near the end of a relentless cycle of touring and recording by the band. Many fans sensed Pantera's (and especially Phil's) growing alienation from the mainstream media and music press, who were attacked violently throughout songs such as "13 Steps" and "War Nerve". Many were also confused by the alternating extremes of hostility and depression that characterize the album. Songs such as "10s", "Suicide Note", and "Floods" marked new territory musically and lyrically, exploring disillusionment and drug abuse in a way that really gave the listener a feeling that the band was on the verge of self-destruction. What distinguishes TGSTK from other moody heavy music is its unique "downer" atmosphere that reflects some serious studio work (Phil recorded his vocals in NOLA at Trent Reznor's on this one). Many of the songs are unique in this respect, as Pantera was (as continues to be) so well known as a live band, even with respect to the feel of their studio recordings. Seriously, anyone who has ever been to a show knows that the boys aren't going to get up on wooden stools and strum out "Suicide Note Pt. 1" unplugged while everyone holds up their Zippos. Nevertheless, TGSTK is a truly unique album in the Pantera catalog. Reinventing (like all the others) kicks a$$ for sure-it's a celebration of metal and its fans that reminds us of when Cowboys and VDP were brand new and blowing our minds. Pantera will be around forever, but will probably never release an album like TGSTK again. It remains unmatched as an honest, uncompromising statement by a band on the edge.

This is the most underrated PanterA CD out there. I think thatwhen it comes to displaying their all-around talents, this is theirbest CD. PanterA is the greatest power groove metal band in the world and always will be. I am disappointed that Rex's bass is almost unheard through the album. But that is it. Aisde from "13 Steps to Nowhere" which is not a great song, every song on this album is ass-ripping classic PanterA metal. The first three tracks (The Great Southern Trendkill, War Nerve, Drag The Waters) will blow your mind as three of PanterA's best and heaviest songs to date. As a matter of fact, with brainbusters such as Suicide Note Part 2, Hell's Wrath (Living Through Me), and Sandblasted Skin, The Great Southern Trendkill is PanterA's heaviest album. Not Reinventing the Steel (which is great anyway). Phil Anselmo shows an enormous vocal improvement in this CD as well. With songs like War Nerve, he displays his anger at the media and all those other (...) sell-out bands. And in songs like Suicide Note Part 1 and Floods, he sings beautifully if I do say so myself. Phil is the best metal vocalist around because he can sceam like [there's no tomorrow], yet he can croon as well. Trendkill possesses PanterA's most variated mix of music, from heavy to soft, from country to Texas blues to (...) kicking metal. I must say that I think this is PanterA's best all-around CD. And this is Dimebag's greatest guitar CD by far. In Floods, he is simply incredible. From the "Man On A Cliff" solo (the solo where you visualize the guitarist playing on a cliff with smoke blowing through his hair...pretty 80's, I know) to the harmonic and relaxing outro, Dime is the best metal guitarist in the world. He has developed an incredible skill for using harmonic and artificial guitar sounds, and his tone in his solo on 10's is the greatest. Vinnie Paul substitutes his thundering double bass drum for tremendous jazz beats and death metal tom-tom riffs that make him my favorite and most talented drummer out there. I've been a drummer for ten years and Vinnie has the most all-around style I've seen in a long time. I am a true PanterA freak. Not only because they dedicate their lives to their music and their fans, but they are putting all that commercial where it belongs. To Vinnie, Dime, Rex, and Phil...keep (...) rocking.

this is a truly amazing album,PANTERA combine everything needed in METAL.Powerful melodic chomping guitar chords,slamming stampeding drums and gut-wrenching screams.the great southern trendkill destroys everything in its path.this is an album that is the definition of pure stripped down anger.Phil Anselmos lyrics chanllenge the mind and everyday happenings in the society we live in.the music that Dimebag Darrel,Vinnie paul and Rex churn out ultimately suits Phils disgruntelled world view.Even Seth from infamous u.k noise merchants A.C introduces vocal weaponary in certain songs to enhance the absolute melodic yet unmoving fury of these tracks.great southern trendkill is a soundscape of sonic grinding swamp powered aggresion that is monumental in the respect that it is a definate legend in modern metal albums. review by asher locketz

This was the first Pantera album I bought, and being a metal fan, I was very pleased with the agression that comes with the album, but when I first heard the 6th track, "Suicide Note Pt. 1", I was amazed. This song totally described what I was (still am) going through. Being the most quiet track on the album, it was definatley the most strong and stuck out most. BUT, if you don't care about slower side to metal, don't worry, this album is packed with enough hard hitting guitars and vocals and guitar solos that should have you headbanging for more.