Pantera – Cowboys From Hell (Release Year – 1990)
It is hard to believe that it has already been 20 years since the release of Pantera’s incredible record, Cowboys From Hell. Cowboys From Hell was released on July 24th, 1990, and was easily one of the best metal albums of that decade, and quite possibly of all time. So what makes Cowboys From Hell such a great album? The combination of Dimebag Darrell Abbott’s (R.I.P.) stellar riffs, the infectious grooves of Rex Brown’s bass, and Vinnie Paul’s drums, and Phil Anselmo’s crushing vocal delivery created one perfect metal experience.
Every time I listen to this disc, it blows my mind that Pantera started out as a hair metal band. You would think an album this tight would come from a veteran thrash metal band, not a fledgling hair metal act. Their previous album, Power Metal showed signs of the band’s transformation from a glam to a heavy metal band, but I would have never expected such a powerful release from Pantera. Without question, Cowboys from Hell delivers, and delivers big. The first four songs come storming out of the gate with an unmatched METAL fury. “Cowboys From Hell”, “Primal Concrete Sledge”, “Psycho Holiday” and “Heresy” might just best start to any heavy metal album. The bonecrushing rhythms on these songs practically demands a mosh pit. (Headbanging is not optional.)
“Cemetary Gates” might just be the biggest Pantera song ever. This classic metal piece with its shifting tempos, 
and killer fret work from Dimebag Darrell is still one of my favorites today.
“Domination” has to be one of the more under rated metal tunes from Pantera. The mix of chugging riffs, and high-speed fretwork are absolutely classic on this tune. The last two minutes of the song are nothing but a heavy metal guitar lover’s delight! I absolutely love this!
It is a total shame that some idiot took Dimebag Darrell’s life. I wish that he was still with us so a Pantera reunion could take place. I never got the chance to see these songs performed by Pantera, and would have loved to seen them live. At least Cowboys from Hell will always be part of Dimebag’s legacy. It is the ultimate metal album, that no fan should be without!
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Cowboys From Hell
2. Primal Concrete Sledge
3. Psycho Holiday
4. Heresy
5. Cemetary Gates
6. Domination
7. Shattered
8. Clash With Reality
9. Medicine Man
10. Message In Blood
11. The Sleep
12. The Art Of Shredding
Pantera is:
Phil Anselmo – Vocals
Dimebag Darrell Abbott – Lead Guitars
Rex Brown – Bass
Vinnie Paul – Drums
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I saw Pantera at the L.A. Forum with System of a Down (opening) for the Black Sabbath Reunion tour and didn’t really know their stuff yet-then, but they made an instant fan out of me. Loved those backdrops and they just slaughtered. What a show! I was there to see Black Sabbath and I’m glad I did but Pantera is one of the best live bands I’ve ever seen. Right up there with Rob Zombie for showmanship. Wish I still had the concert jersey I bought but that’s a really long story…,
They dun’t work.
Dime was a walking RIFF Machine.
Great that you revisit a classic such as “Cowboys From Hell”. This album came out when Metal was supposedly on the wayside… then PANTERA took the ’90’s by Metal storm and won!! This album puts me in the best of Metal moods every time. Thanks for putting this PANTERA album on a Metal pedestal!
Stone
No doubt a turning point in my formidable metal years as well. One thing that I always thought could’ve been improved upon was the mix. While it was ahead of it’s time sonically (IMO), it lacks the power of Vulgar or Far Beyond. I thought this re-release was also a remaster, but you didn’t mention it. (?)