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Pantera – Live At Dynamo Open Air 1998 – Album Review

Released the day before the death of Pantera founding member and drummer Vinnie Paul (R.I.P.), Live At Dynamo Open Air 1998 is an intriguing listen…..but one that now comes tainted with a tinge of sadness, despite the fact that Live At Dynamo is a joyous celebration of Pantera’s music.

Kicking off with the rambunctious “Walk”, it’s clear that Pantera were in no mood for messing about and what follows is nothing short of a greatest hits set from one of metal’s greatest ever bands! From a caustic “War Nerve” to the belligerence of “Fucking Hostile” and onto a celebratory “Cowboys From Hell”, the only surprise found here is perhaps a romp through Far Beyond Driven‘s “Throes Of Rejection”.

Most notable is just how damn fun a Pantera concert was, and this live document underlines that despite the heaviness of both Pantera’s music and lyrics a good time was always had by all in attendance. There is a sense of cockiness to their performance too, but considering Pantera were the face (and saviours) of mainstream metal at this stage in their career, you can’t blame them for revelling in their legacy!

Live At Dynamo Open Air 1998 is a warts and all release, taken straight from the original soundboard recordings and it comes with its fair share of sound issues. However, while Phil Anselmo’s vocals may not be perfect throughout, one thing is crystal clear; Dimebag, Rex and Vinnie were tighter than a gnats chuff and the group ably blast their way through some of the 90’s biggest metal anthems with consummate ease…..precious few band will ever match their power.

But, is this album worth buying?

In all honesty, probably not. After all, Live At Dynamo Open Air 1998 is pretty much identical to Official Live: 101 Proof so it’s worth a listen for a touch of nostalgia perhaps…..but hardly essential! 7/10

About Gavin O'Connor (161 Articles)
Lifelong Heavy Metal fan. First got into Quo and Leppard, when I was 9 or so I first heard Megadeth and that was me hooked

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