Albums

Pantera: Cowboys from Hell (1990)

Cowboys from Hell marked a bold reinvention for Pantera. The album showcased their sonic evolution, leaving behind their glam metal roots for a heavier, more aggressive approach. This shift in sound and image solidified their iconic status and set the stage for their dominance in the metal scene.

Track Listing

  1. Cowboys from Hell
  2. Primal Concrete Sledge
  3. Psycho Holiday
  4. Heresy
  5. Cemetery Gates
  6. Domination
  7. Shattered 8. Clash with Reality
  8. Medicine Man
  9. Message in Blood
  10. The Sleep
  11. The Art of Shredding

Length: 57:43

Genre

Thrash metal, groove metal

Release Date

July 24, 1990

Record Label

Atco Records (a subsidiary of Atlantic Records)

The Lineup for the Album

  • Phil Anselmo: Vocals
  • Dimebag Darrell: Guitar
  • Rex Brown: Bass
  • Vinnie Paul: Drums

Recording Date

Late 1989 – April, 1990

Recording Studio

Pantego Sound Studio (Pantego, Texas)

Produced by

Pantera and Terry Date

Album Themes/Concept

Power and Aggression: The album’s sound and lyrical content celebrate a sense of raw power, defiance, and unrestrained energy.

Rebellion and Individualism: Lyrics often rail against conformity, authority figures, and societal norms, expressing an individualistic spirit.

Southern Pride: While not in every song, there’s a subtle undercurrent of Texas/Southern identity and themes of toughness tied to this. Think less country music, more rebellious spirit.

Hints of Darkness: While less overt than later work, some lyrics touch on violence, anger, and a darker side of human nature.

Attitude is Key: The album’s concept is embodied in the aggressive music, the “outlaw” image, and the confrontational energy it projected.

Album Mood

Aggressive and Defiant: The driving force is a sense of raw power and a rebellious spirit. The music is relentless, with pounding drums, Dimebag’s blistering guitar work, and Phil Anselmo’s intense vocals.

Energetic and Exuberant: There’s a sense of wild energy and a celebration of forcefulness within the aggression. It’s less purely dark, and more like a fist-pumping release of power.

Hints of Southern Swagger: While subtle, there’s a certain swagger and attitude that comes through that aligns with the “larger-than-life” Texan cowboy image.

Darker Moments: Some tracks lean into slightly darker lyrical themes, adding a more sinister edge to the aggression.

Brief Respites: Occasionally, a slower groove or guitar solo offers brief moments of introspection before the intensity ramps up again.

Album Trivia

Band Transformation: The album marked a turning point where Pantera shed their glam metal roots and embraced a heavier, groove-oriented sound. This was a major risk that paid off.

Debut with a New Vocalist: “Cowboys from Hell” marked Pantera’s major label debut and introduced Phil Anselmo as their new vocalist, replacing their previous singer Terry Glaze.

Title Track: The title track, “Cowboys from Hell,” became one of Pantera’s most iconic songs and served as the album’s lead single. Its heavy riffing and powerful vocals helped establish the band’s new direction.

Recording Location: The album was recorded at Pantego Sound Studio in Pantego, Texas, with producer Terry Date. The studio was located in the band’s home state of Texas, contributing to the album’s raw and authentic feel.

Cover Art Connection: The photo on the original album cover is of a saloon in Colorado. The band liked the Western feel, adding to their ‘outlaw’ image.

Listen or Pass

Good Times to Listen

  • When you need an energy boost: The album’s intensity and driving rhythms are great for an adrenaline surge, whether you’re working out, getting pumped for a night out, or need focus.
  • Exploring heavy metal history: Cowboys from Hell is a pivotal album. If you’re exploring groove metal or 90s metal in general, this is an essential listen.
  • When you’re feeling rebellious: The album’s themes of defiance and individuality can be cathartic if you’re feeling frustrated or want to tap into a “take no prisoners” attitude.

Bad Times to Listen

  • When you want mellow vibes: This album has zero chill. If you’re not in the mood for relentless aggression, steer clear.
  • Around non-metal fans: The intensity will likely be off-putting to those who don’t understand the appeal of extreme music.
  • If you’re new to heavy metal: While iconic, Cowboys From Hell is on the heavier side. If you’re just starting to explore metal, it’s better to ease in with something a bit less of an assault.

Release Date

July 24, 1990

Pantera Albums

Pantera: Cowboys from Hell (1990) album cover

Cowboys from Hell (1990)

“Cowboys from Hell” marked a pivotal shift from their glam metal past to a heavier groove metal sound. The album’s success propelled the band into mainstream recognition and solidified their place in heavy metal history.

Pantera: Vulgar Display of Power (1992) album cover

Vulgar Display of Power (1992)

Pantera’s “Vulgar Display of Power” (1992), solidified their aggressive groove metal sound. The album’s unrelenting intensity and influential tracks made it a landmark release in metal.

Pantera: Far Beyond Driven (1994) album cover

Far Beyond Driven (1994)

Pantera’s “Far Beyond Driven” (1994), is an aggressive and intense expression of groove metal. The album features heavy riffs, screaming vocals, and hard-hitting rhythms, with standout tracks like “5 Minutes Alone,” “I’m Broken,” and “Becoming.”

Pantera: The Great Southern Trendkill (1996) album cover

The Great Southern Trendkill (1996)

Pantera’s 1996 album “The Great Southern Trendkill” explores themes of addiction, despair, and inner turmoil. Musically, the album features some of the band’s heaviest and most experimental work.

Pantera: Reinventing the Steel (2000) album cover

Reinventing the Steel (2000)

Pantera’s ninth studio album, “Reinventing the Steel” (2000), is a relentless showcase of groove metal, featuring the band’s signature heavy riffs, aggressive vocals, and a guest appearance by Slayer guitarist Kerry King. It marked the band’s final studio release before their disbandment in 2003.