DatMarsu

Pantera's crown jewel stems from what was probably their most troublesome and difficult time as a collective. But this hardship pays off as this album feels like their darkest, experimental and most thoughtful ever.
The guitars sound like a brush drenched in colour and smeared on the canvas that is the music. Dimebag is not only popping off on the huge groovy moments, but also in the acoustic and solo outings. Anselmo delivers a bigger plate of vocals than ever before and most notably his ... read more

Rarely do I listen to prog journies that even grab me during the somber transitional moments, which have a tendency to derail in the genre. But not here. The choice of ambient filler, keys and various synths is just a perfect balance of childlike Imagination and mature awareness. It can sound like a late 90s Blockbuster soundtrack and an introspective contemplation simultaneously. A nitpick: I think the obsession with pills in the lyrics is a bit annoying, especially considering the metaphor ... read more

Finally Pantera hit their stride. Far beyond driven marks the point of no return, as they settle into their own trademark sound. Absolutely the heaviest they have sounded yet, this thing almost feel like the nu metal Prototype, especially with Anselmo bellowing these rythmic fast paced verses, even sounding eerily similar to a Corey Taylor in the not so far future. Also you gotta love the kick on this, so unique. Imagine a bassier Version of one of those office pendulum swings.

It's just too bland. I don't think the riffs hit nearly as much as they should, a lot of the songwriting is too one note. Also Anselmo and Crew lose the last bits of their hair metal antics, which just hurts the vibe. All there is left is the anger and I find that a bit drab.