Pantera was an influential American heavy metal band known for their powerful sound and significant impact on the genre, particularly in the 1990s. Pantera was formed in 1981 by brothers Dimebag Darrell (guitar) and Vinnie Paul (drums), along with Terry Glaze (vocals) and Rex Brown (bass). Initially, Pantera's style was glam metal, evident in their early albums "Metal Magic" (1983), "Projects in the Jungle" (1984), and "I Am the Night" (1985).

In 1986, Phil Anselmo joined Pantera as the lead vocalist, replacing Terry Glaze. This change marked a significant shift in the band's musical direction. Pantera evolved from glam metal to a more aggressive, groove-oriented sound, which became their signature style.

"Cowboys from Hell" (1990): This album marked Pantera's breakthrough, featuring a heavier sound and tracks like "Cowboys from Hell" and "Cemetery Gates." It established them as a leading force in the heavy metal scene. "Vulgar Display of Power" (1992): This album solidified their reputation, with powerful tracks like "Walk," "Mouth for War," and "This Love." It is often considered one of the greatest heavy metal albums of all time. "Far Beyond Driven" (1994): Debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, featuring hits like "I'm Broken" and "5 Minutes Alone." Pantera continued their success with albums like "The Great Southern Trendkill" (1996) and "Reinventing the Steel" (2000).

Pantera is credited with pioneering the groove metal subgenre, characterized by heavy, downtuned guitars, aggressive drumming, and powerful vocals. They influenced numerous bands in the metal genre, including Lamb of God, Slipknot, and Avenged Sevenfold. Pantera's legacy in the heavy metal genre is immense. Their transition from glam metal to a groundbreaking groove metal sound set them apart and influenced countless bands. Despite their eventual breakup and the tragic loss of Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul, Pantera's music continues to resonate with metal fans worldwide.