A Vulgar Display of Power (1992)

Pantera's second major-label album is undoubtedly one of the most satisfying heavy-metal records since Metallica's early-'80s cult days. A Vulgar Display of Power is exactly what the title promises-11 caustic songs of unabashed brute force, from the full-frontal attack of ''Mouth for War'' to the psychotic riffing and pounding rhythms of ''Live in a Hole.'' But this Texas-based quartet is about much more than macho metal posturing-on ''This Love'' and the sad but pretty ''Hollow,'' their tough edge slashes painfully through deep introspection about personal relationships. For pure exhilaration and release, there's a song called ''F -- -ing Hostile,'' which also contains a catchy, slamdanceable chorus. With high energy and hip underground influences-from cult metal outfits like Sheer Terror and Helmet-A Vulgar Display of Power is a fully realized album that goes way beyond metal's usual crunch-and-burn.

You Might Also Like

• Music Review Far Beyond Driven | Tom Sinclair
• Music Review The Great Southern Trendkill | Devon Jackson
• In the News Gunman kills former Pantera guitarist onstage | Gary Susman
• Music News The message behind Pantera's angry sound | Greg Sandow