Written by Jason S. Sullivan

Pantera – Vulgar Display of Power

In 1991, Metallica released the monumental Black Album. While arguably some of their best work, many thought the band went too commercial and had left their thrash and heavy metal roots. With someone needing to fill the gap, Pantera decided to, either subconsciously or not, record a heavier album, releasing “Vulgar Display of Power” in 1992. It was a bold statement that they were on the scene and ready to kick some ass.

Vulgar Display of Power

Pantera, who formed in Arlington in the early 1980s, cemented their heavy metal legacy with their sixth album—”Vulgar Display of Power.” Recorded at Pantego Sound Studio, it was released on February 25, 1992. The album would go on to be the best-selling of their career.

Vulgar Display of Power – 1992

  1. Mouth for War
  2. A New Level
  3. Walk
  4. Fucking Hostile
  5. This Love
  6. Rise
  7. No Good (Attack the Radical)
  8. Live in a Hole
  9. Regular People (Conceit)
  10. By Demons Be Driven
  11. Hollow

Pantera – “Vulgar Display of Power” track list

With the success of their 1990 album, “Cowboys From Hell,” expectations for the follow up were high and the momentum was strong. While recording the album, Pantera performed a short set at the 1991 “Monsters of Rock” festival in Moscow, opening for giants like Metallica and AC/DC, among others, exposing them to a massive audience. Attendance estimates vary, but many say it was over 500,000 people, possibly even closer to 1.5 million people—huge exposure for an up-and-coming band. Pantera’s popularity began to soar.

For “Vulgar Display of Power,” vocalist Phil Anselmo shed the remnants of his falsetto power metal vocals. He went with a deeper, heavier, rough and tough snarl. Everything, in fact, was heavier with this album, with Pantera establishing and refining their signature groove-metal sound. It was also around this time that guitarist Darrell Abbott, who had been using the nickname “Diamond Darrell,” transformed into “Dimebag Darrell”—helping the band further establish their iconic image.

Pantera in the paper
Rex, Phil, Dimebag, and Vinnie Paul
Fort Worth Star-Telegram – February 23, 1992

An album with few weak spots, if any, essential tracks include “A New Level,” “Fucking Hostile,” “This Love,” “Hollow,” and “Walk”—an attitude-filled anthem featuring one of Dimebag Darrell’s most recognizable guitar riffs. Many tracks from this album would become staples in their live shows throughout the remainder of their career.

Pantera – Walk (official music video)

Although “Cowboys From Hell” received acclaim, ‘Vulgar’ was their mainstream breakthrough, driven by substantial radio airplay and music videos on MTV. An extensive tour followed, with the band playing shows in the U.S., Europe, and even Japan for the first time. The album reached #44 on the Billboard 200.

Critically and commercially successful, the album achieved double platinum status in the U.S., selling over two million copies. It would be a definitive moment for the band, with many calling it one of the most influential heavy metal releases of the 1990s.

Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 02-25-25

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