Photo Gallery: Pantera at American Family Insurance Amphitheater • Milwaukee

Brassneck | August 3, 2023

Pantera

American Family Insurance Amphitheater

Milwaukee, WI

July 31, 2023

Recap and photos by Curt Baran

To say that Pantera has seen its fair share of tragedy is an understatement. Original guitarist “Dimebag” Darrell was shockingly shot to death on stage by a deranged fan in December of 2004, and drummer Vinnie Paul, Darrell’s brother, passed from coronary disease in 2018. Lead singer Phil Anselmo struggled with heroin addiction, leading to the band’s demise in 2003. So when rumors surfaced that the band might once again hit the road, fans’ skepticism was certainly warranted.

When a newly restructured Pantera took the stage at Milwaukee’s American Family Insurance Amphitheater, the chorus of cheers that greeted them was a voluminous mix of both excitement and disbelief. Anchored by guitarist Zach Wilde (of Ozzy and solo career fame), Anselmo, and original bassist Rex Brown (and drummer Charlie Benante), the quartet combined to deliver faithful versions of down-tuned heaviness like “Strength Beyond Strength,” “Cowboys From Hell,” “Walk” and even a cover of Black Sabbath’s “Planet Caravan” as a nod to that genre’s original pioneers.

Even openers Lamb of God, arguably the heaviest unit in metal today, seemed to recognize the gravity of the announcement by ceding their headliner status for the tour. They deferred, regulating themselves to the opening act slot. Respect.