Book review: ‘Reinventing Metal – The True Story of Pantera’ by Neil Daniels

Backbeat Books

Or to give the book it’s full title “Reinventing Metal- The True Story of Pantera and the Tragically Short Life of Dimebag Darrell”. Another in depth and insightful rock biography from the much published Neil Daniels. This time his attention has been turned to highly influential, and much missed, Pantera.

The book tells the story of a glam rock band that changed direction, and singer, in 1986 and as thrash bands were making their mark were gearing up to change metal by becoming one of the most defining and influential bands of their era. In “Reinventing Metal” Daniels has captured everything from Pantera’s 1981 incarnation, through the highs- and subsequent lows, and the untimely death of the bands much loved guitarist Dimebag Darrell.

Whether it be the 20 million albums sold, the in band tension or the fact that Pantera can never reform – their legacy still lingers strongly and fans continue to hold the band in high regard. The reasons for this are evident throughout this well written account of the band. Interviews with those close to the band, a foreword from Annihilator’s Jeff Waters and afterword from Metal Blade’s Brian Slagel all weave together to form the kind of story that you would almost expect to form the plot of a film.

The likelihood of finding another band with the same impact in today’s musical climate is slim, which makes a document like this all the more important as the bands story has been told for future generations of music fans to discover.

Review by Nikk Gunns

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)