Review by Catherine McCauley for MPM
There’s been much controversy online regarding the return of the mighty Pantera. Pantera were formed in Arlington, Texas, in 1981 by the Abbott brothers who were later joined by Rex Brown 1982 and Phil Anselmo in 1986. Pantera disbanded in 2003.
The loss of the Abbott brothers is very much still felt in the metal community worldwide as Dime-Bag Darrell and Vinnie Paul were both highly regarded as skilled musicians and unfortunately, both died at a very young age.
The announcement that Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne and Black Label society) and Charlie Benante (Anthrax and SOD) would be filling the role of guitarist and drummer respectively has led to musical debate both in the press and amongst hard core fans.
I was fortunate to have seen the original line up twice, once in Belfast supporting Megadeth at the Ulster Hall in 1992 and again at Monsters of Rock – Donnington in 1994. Both times their sheer energy and heavy stage presence blew me away. When the gig was announced for the Three Arena, Dublin on the 21st of February I was excited to see them again mindful that this was a tribute with close friends of the brothers, not replacements.
Opening tonight are King Parrot an Australian Grindcore band hailing from Melbourne. The self-proclaimed Grindin’ Thrashin’ Punk Rock Wrecking Machine very much lived up to their name as they opened up tonight’s proceedings.
Formed in 2010 the band have had three releases to date. This energetic and relentless five piece comprising of Mathew Young (Lead vocals) Ari White (Guitar) Slatts Everyday (Bass backing vocals) Andrew Livingstone-Squires (Guitars) and Todd Hansen (Drums) burst onto the stage.
The bands setlist was ferocious, relentless and it’s definitely worth checking these guys out when they return again to Irish shores. King Parrot have earned themselves the reputation of being an intense live act with a controversial sense of humour, including releases such as Kick Up A Stink – the hilarious video was playing on the side screens whilst the crowd awaited the arrival of Power Trip.
The screen displayed many videos with the Housecore Records emblem displayed throughout, which coincidentally is a record label, owned by Phil Anselmo. There is a long standing connection between Anselmo and King Parrot.
Their upcoming album A Young Person’s Guide to King Parrot is due to be released on 06.06.25.
Dallas Texan band Power Trip formed in 2008 are known for their thrash metal and hardcore punk crossover. The line-up currently consists of Seth Gilmore (vocals), Blake Ibanez (lead guitar), Nick Stewart (rhythm guitar), Chris Whetzel (bass) and Chris Ulsh (drums).
The band themselves have faced a tragic loss of their original frontman, Riley Gale in 2020. Power Trip, whilst deciding whether to carry on with the band and Gale’s legacy, took a three year hiatus and their first return gig with Gilmore at the helm was in December 2023.
Power Trip’s set was savage with the crowd caught up in intense and fierce circle pits. Gilmores vocals were visceral throughout accompanied by heavy riffs on songs like Executioners Tax (Swing of the Axe) whipping the crowd into a frenzy.
The crowds chanting along with the bands lyrics demonstrates how Power Trip were regarded as one of the most successful Thrash bands in the 2010’s.
It’s great to see the band return again and I’d dare say playing to audiences like the one tonight, in the three arena, is therapeutic.
Bursting onto the Stage, this their first world tour in twenty two years, with New Level, Pantera had the already bursting at the seams arena eating out of their palms. Then followed Mouth For War and Strength beyond Strength. Phil instructed the crowd that he wanted them to levitate and sing along. The crowd bounced in unity along to the heavy vocals – chanting along to “Becoming”.
Bare foot Anselmo commanded the crowd’s attention and vocals like a domineering conductor and Dublin were more than obliging. Benante pounded on the kit and we could feel the double bass drums in our chests.
Wylde ripped through the riffs as Brown in his usual chilled manner treated us to his super-heavy bass technique. Next, I’m Broken, the crowd continued to sing along in unison with Anselmo and were enthralled as flames exploded from the back wall surrounding the drum kit in the final chords of the song.
5 MInutes Alone had the entire arena chanting along like a dedicated religious flock. The band clearly appreciated the crowd’s eager accompaniment – Phil thanking the crowd after every song. The lingering start to This Love immediately enthralled the hungry crowd.
The Chorus erupted and the crowd with it until the song reached its rapturous end. A heartfelt tribute to Dime-bag and Vinnie Paul was provided in Floods, video footage of the brothers was played on the large screen at the back. Images of them playing live and having fun- poignantly capturing their personalities. I don’t believe there was a dry eye in the arena after.
Anselmo commented on how the show had sold out and he was looking forward to playing Dublin. He then challenged the audience to sing the next song as the most loud and unified audience of their tour with their fists and hearts, then launched into Walk.
Flames flew in all directions as the crowd sang over Anselmo, singing the song seamlessly whilst again Anselmo conducted proudly. Members of King Parrot joined Pantera on stage near the end to chant the immortal words “Respect..Walk..What did you say..” The crowd were enthralled by Domination/ Hollow and Cowboys from Hell.
Despite the sheer energy maintained throughout the set by the band and the audience they somehow managed to continue jumping and chanting along like their lives depended on it. The crowd eagerly awaited the final song of the night – Fucking Hostile – the crowd’s mighty roars of the chorus almost deafened out the music!! The audience were treated to one final song Yesterday Don’t Mean Shit. Pantera delivered a fitting tribute to their brothers tonight and blew the roof off the 3 Arena in the process whilst immortalising their legacy.
Photography by Eamon Smyth for MPM
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