Pantera - Power Metal (1988)

I'm probably the only metal-head who thought this style of Pantera bettered the last batch of albums. Sure, Pantera have always been a metal band, but I find most of their muscular vulgarity bland. Back in the early days albums like 'Power Metal' were very much impressions of Judas Priest, Anselmo giving his best Rob Halford impersination over some killer Dimebag riffs. This is more classic metal sounding, but this is where these guys started, churning out a rather formulaic brand of middle of the road chest-thumping metal. I dig it though, it's anthems are neat, concise and relatively heavy, albeit swamped in metal cliche - 'Rock The World' and 'Proud To Be Loud' fine examples of their Priest worship. The hair may have been a tad bigger back then but I smell and feel more fire on this opus, particularly on the gruff vibe of 'We'll Meet Again' with its streetwise buzz. I enjoyed Pantera back then and then gradually got bored after 'Cowboys From Hell.' 7/10