Takin’ a Trip to 1996 (feat. Griff)

Episode 2: Pantera’s The Great Southern Trendkill (East West)

Released on May 7th, The Great Southern Trendkill was Pantera’s follow up to their successful ‘94 album, Far Beyond Driven. Tensions between the band and vocalist Philip Anselmo, due to his increased heroin use, resulted in the music being recorded in Dallas while the vocals were recorded in New Orleans. Because of this the production of the vocals is more elaborate than Pantera’s previous recordings, both to its benefit and detriment. Overall the album is a mixture of some of the band’s best efforts as well as some of their more easily forgotten songs, at least since their glam rock days. The main two highlights on this album for me is 10s and Floods, the latter of which contains what many fans tout as being Dimebag Darrell’s greatest and most complex guitar solo. To me the musicianship between the band is what gives this album flashes of brilliance. It may not be Pantera’s best, but it’s a hell of a lot better than Metal Magic.

Songs:
The Great Southern Trendkill
Suicide Note Pt. I
(Reprise) Sandblasted Skin
Drag the Waters
Suicide Note Pt. II
10s
Floods
Ride My Rocket (1983 Metal Magic Records)