Pantera, in its original form, was a one-of-a-kind band—a metal/grunge hybrid of the early ’90s, brimming with raw, aggressive energy. They embodied a unique blend of stoner-cowboy Texan swagger and primal growls before such an aesthetic became commonplace in mainstream rock.
Releasing four seminal albums in rapid succession, Pantera solidified their status as one of the biggest metal acts of their era—perhaps even of the genre itself. However, tragedy struck in the early 2000s when lead guitarist and bandleader Dimebag Darrell was shot and killed by a deranged fan during a hiatus from the band. Unlike other major acts that later regrouped with new members—such as AC/DC, Alice In Chains, or, more recently, Linkin Park—Pantera never truly resurfaced. Their legacy remained frozen in time, preserved solely through their explosive recordings from the ’90s and early 2000s.
Fast forward to 2022: Philip Anselmo and Rex Brown, Pantera’s two surviving members, enlisted guitar virtuoso Zakk Wylde (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society) and drummer Charlie Benante (Anthrax) for a worldwide tour. Designed as both a celebration of Pantera’s back catalog and a tribute to their late founders, Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul (who passed away in 2018), the tour gained momentum. And on February 4, 2025, it was Kraków’s Tauron Arena that hosted the spectacle.
Gangsta-Level Body Search
It was a breezy, chilly night in Kraków, and while the crowd remained relatively orderly, security measures suggested they were preparing for a full-scale riot. Multiple tiers of checks slowed the entry process, but once inside, the sea of denim jackets, leather tops, tattoos, and band tees painted a perfect metal landscape. Represented among them were the titans of heavy music—Pantera, of course, but also Megadeth, Metallica, Meshuggah, Machine Head, and Rammstein.
Though metal is often labeled a “guy’s genre,” there was a significant female presence in the crowd. Amusingly, an unexpected anomaly emerged—the men’s toilet lines stretched long, reversing the typical gendered festival experience.
A massive cover draped over the stage bore the name Pantera in bold red, heightening anticipation. At exactly 21:00, the show began.
The video screens flashed vintage footage of the band’s past, featuring Dimebag and Vinnie, as well as clips of backstage antics, studio sessions, and signature red beard dyeing. Giant marijuana leaves drifted over the massive Pantera logo, while “Regular People” played in the background. Then, with a dramatic flourish, the drape fell, revealing the band, who launched into their opening song: “New Level.”
Where you there in the 90’s?
Amid the scorching flamethrowers and Anselmo’s signature metal growls, the frontman took a moment to survey the crowd. By a show of hands, he asked how many had seen Pantera in their prime during the ’90s—unsurprisingly, very few in Kraków had.
I must admit: I never saw Pantera live back then either. But it was impossible to ignore Anselmo’s commanding presence. Barefoot, clad in shorts and tattoos, he mostly stayed in place, delivering his deep-voiced monologues before unleashing the feral growls that made him a metal icon.
Whether genuine or part of his stage persona, Anselmo spoke fondly of Poland, recalling past “amazing, kick-ass” Pantera shows. Naturally, the crowd roared in agreement. Near the stage, a Polish flag with the Pantera logo waved proudly, its design even evoking the Solidarity (Solidarność) movement flag.
The setlist was a powerhouse of classics, featuring:
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“Mouth for War”
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“I’m Broken”
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“5 Minutes Alone”
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“This Love”
By the time the latter—ironically, one of Pantera’s most beloved songs—kicked in, the show was already halfway through.
The visuals intensified, transitioning into explosive imagery. The infamous grinder from the “Far Beyond Driven”album cover flickered on-screen, while snake skeletons evoked memories of “The Great Southern Trendkill.”
Most people would say it’s Hard
Tributes to the late Abbott brothers (Dimebag and Vinnie Paul’s real surname) were everywhere—not just in video projections, but also prominently displayed on both bass drums, ensuring their presence was felt throughout the night.
One of the show’s most chilling moments came during “Hollow.” Anselmo has previously stated that the song isn’t about any one person, but rather the feelings surrounding personal loss. That night, however, the performance carried an undeniable weight, its resonance tied directly to the band’s tragic history.
The biggest singalongs erupted during:
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“Walk” — with the crowd chanting: “Re-spect… What do you say?”
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“Fucking Hostile” — with fans screaming the title in explosive unison.
