Pantera: First Direct Area, Leeds

Pantera | Energy Journey | King Parrot
First Direct Area, Leeds
nineteenth February 2025

Pantera tour the UK for the primary time in 25 years, delivering an incendiary present that proves there’s nonetheless life within the band, even with out the late nice members Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul. An evening of thunderous steel and headbanging highlights why they continue to be one among music’s most influential steel acts.

As quickly as you’re wherever close to the venue, there are big crowds clad in battle jackets with monumental beards making their strategy to Leeds First Direct Area. It could appear to be a stereotype however each different individual appears to be like the identical as they head into the venue for an evening of moshing and headbanging to one of the crucial iconic steel bands round: Pantera. 

With two assist bands – King Parrot (who’re on Phil Anselmo’s report label) and Energy Journey – even earlier than the primary occasion, there’s a big crowd prepared and longing for the mayhem to start. First up is King Parrot, who take to the stage to I’ve Had An Absolute Cunt of A Day, bringing a splash of humour to the beginning of their present. They burst into their set like a ball of power, relentless and unforgiving as they set the tempo for what’s to come back all through the evening. The group sadly doesn’t reciprocate the power as they stand politely nodding their heads, with only a few banging their heads alongside furiously. It’s a disgrace, however then you definately bear in mind that almost all of the individuals right here will likely be effectively into their 50s and saving themselves for Pantera. Their music isn’t fairly fitted to huge and cavernous arenas, however we all know full effectively it will be unimaginable to witness down the highway on the Key Membership. The band taunt the viewers, telling us that the gang in Glasgow was miles higher, which flicks a change within the crowd who provide up a small but enjoyable trying circle pit. They profit from their quick slot, however they undoubtedly go away a mark on the evening as they go away the stage, deserving somewhat extra from the viewers.

Energy Journey takes to the stage, erupting right into a cavalcade of sound that one way or the other ups the ante from what got here earlier than with King Parrot. Immediately, an unlimited mosh pit opens up and the gang transfer in unison as all of them band their heads collectively, making a wave of steel head hair. Energy Journey’s sound goes by means of a number of types, from straight-up hardcore to groove steel, providing a pleasant little bit of selection in sound which compliments the vocalist completely. Their command of the gang is exemplary because the swathes of sweaty our bodies do every thing the band instructions of them: it’s an incredible instance of showmanship. Energy Journey themselves are like a freight prepare – as soon as they get going, it seems like nothing will cease them till an incident within the crowd halts the present. After a brief cease, they decide again up the place they left off and the chaos presumes. Energy Journey by no means misses a beat and it looks as if they’re going give Pantera a run for his or her cash. After a tribute to former frontman Riley Gale, they offer their all one last time, leaving all they’ve on the stage. As they go, an unlimited curtain bearing the brand of Pantera drops, eliciting an enormous roar from the gang.

Bang on 9.30, the home lights dim and the curtain drops, signalling mayhem. Pyro, flashing lights and a surging crowd in full voice kick the Pantera exhibit in distinctive fashion, opening with A New Stage. Nearly immediately, the standing space turns into the battlefield it’s been threatening to show into. As they energy into the remainder of their set, following with Mouth For Warfare and Energy Past Energy, the sensation is that this will likely be fairly the present. Every music is met with utter adulation from the gang as they get louder and louder. Controversial frontman Phil Anselmo stalks the stage barefoot as if he’s at dwelling commanding the viewers, who’re consuming out of the palm of his hand. His voice sounds simply pretty much as good because it did again within the day too – it’s like he’s by no means been away. The insanity within the crowd isn’t simply remoted to the standing space; all through the seating followers are banging their heads furiously alongside to songs reminiscent of I’m Broke. 

New members Zakk Wylde and Chris Benante shine all through the present. While they’ll by no means be Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul, they maintain their very own and play as in the event that they’ve been within the band their entire lives. They by no means miss a beat, creating an intense environment that some bands can solely dream of creating. The barrage of hits is continuous, as each hits you want a hammer hitting an anvil. It’s genuinely spectacular {that a} group of fellows of their late 50s/early 60s can play with such ferocity and at such a excessive tempo. A second of respite sees Ansemo jokingly praising the dad and mom of the ’90s for turning their youngsters to them, so there’s a little bit of power from the youthful members of the viewers, earlier than they launch into Changing into. Wylde himself is sort of a wizard on the guitar, taking part in solos that don’t appear potential. Everyone seems to be mesmerised by what’s on stage; it actually is sort of a present in itself, watching him play.

After powering by means of hits like Suicide Be aware Pt. II and 5 Minutes Alone that carry a slower tempo to the present, This Love elicits an enormous response from the gang and sees the band gradual issues down a contact earlier than launching again into the fray, as each the viewers and bands power stays unmatched. Flood has a poignant second wherein the band lay tribute to the late and nice former members of the band, Vinnie and Dimebag, which is met with thunderous applause from everybody within the crowd. Stroll will get precisely the response you’d anticipate, ramping the power again up after some gradual sections; it even sees each assist acts taking to the stage to sing alongside and sees the viewers being the loudest they’ve been all evening because the refrain echoes like a battle cry all through the venue. From right here on in, it’s a victory lap because the carnage continues all through Domination/Hole, and the primary set ends on Cowboys From Hell. After a break, the band return to the stage for one last onslaught of steel because the incendiary observe, Fucking Hostile, brings proceedings to a riotous shut. 

All through the present, I’ve an inside battle inside, watching the band and figuring out a few sure occasion involving Phil Anselmo previously. Musically, nevertheless, it’s arms down the perfect present I’ve ever seen from a steel band. I’ve been fortunate sufficient over time to see reveals from the likes of Metallica, Software and Slipknot to call just a few – Pantera nevertheless take the crown. I’ve by no means seen a band play with a lot energy. It’s a present that had us hooked from begin to end – not a vulgar show of energy, however the final show of energy.

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Observe Pantera: Web site | Fb | Instagram | Twitter

Observe Energy Journey: Bandcamp | Fb | Instagram | Twitter

Observe King Parrot: Web site | Fb | Instagram | Twitter

All phrases by Ed Walton, yow will discover his writer’s archive for Louder Than Warfare right here.

Photographs by Andy Pountney. Extra of Andy’s pictures could be seen on Instagram