The “Heaviest Tour of the Summer” stormed into Raleigh on Thursday, September 11th as Pantera took over Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek. Joined by openers Amon Amarth and King Parrot, metal fans young and old enthusiastically spent the night banging their heads to decades worth of music.
Australian grindcore band King Parrot hit the stage first getting the crowd geared up for what was sure to be an intense evening. Though their set was short, it set the tone with fierce energy from start to finish. Even as a slightly newer band on the metal scene in comparison to the other acts of the tour, they held their own and made sure that the crowd was amped up for a night they’d never forget.
Shortly after, Swedish death metal band Amon Amarth commanded the crowd with their melodic lyrical interpretations of Viking mythology. With a catalog spanning over 30 years, the band hurled out hardcore vibes to an amphitheater full of concertgoers who just couldn’t get enough. Encouraged by lead singer Johan Hegg, fans enthusiastically rowed along like Vikings to “Put Your Back Into The Oar”. And they indeed raised their horns while guitars were shredded as Hegg’s growl led them through hits like “Twilight of the Thunder God” and “Guardians of Asgaard”.
It was then time for the main event. As a recording of “Suicide Note Pt. I” played, the crowd relived nearly 40 years of Pantera’s history as a video montage displayed on the screens. This was a touching tribute to fallen bandmates Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul, while the anticipation grew with just minutes until Pantera would take the stage. As the song ended, the curtain dropped and the amphitheater erupted with screams and roars. For the next hour and a half, the energy soared through the venue. As lead singer Phil Anselmo sang a plethora of hits including “Cowboys From Hell” and “Mouth For War”, the fans enthusiastically sang right along with him. Rex Brown’s energy on the bass was equally matched by Zakk Wylde on guitar and Charlie Benante on the drums. Individually, each member brought their own strength to the show, but as a group, they brought fire and passion that fed every ounce of the audience’s hunger. Heads were banging. Horns were waving. It was indeed, Goddamn Electric (pun intended).
Review and photos by KT Lafferty of Twelve07Photography who was gracious enough to help us out on this one.
PANTERA
AMON AMARTH
