Pantera marked their first UK tour in over two decades with the opening show at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro, billed as an evening of heavy metal and featuring support from American thrash band Power Trip and Australian grindcore outfit King Parrot.
The OVO Hydro has witnessed some loud events since it opened in 2013 but this might top the lot… it’s was not for the faint hearted!
King Parrot opened the night with their intense grindcore sound and signature aggressive tone warming up the early front row crowd. A great start to the three band bill. The early start always affects the numbers but there was a decent number in the arena.
Power Trip were next on stage, delivering a setlist that included fan favourites like “Executioner’s Tax (Swing of the Axe)” and “Nightmare Logic,” showcasing their thrash prowess. Unfortunately the band didn’t allow photographers during the set, hence the lack of photos with the review.
The part everyone was there to see was now only a short time away… A massive curtain emblazoned with “PANTERA” hid the stage from view as a now near capacity crowd worked themselves into a frenzy… the band taking longer than expected to make their appearance certainly added to the anticipation!
As if the crowd buzz wasn’t already high enough, the aforementioned curtain remained in place as the intro music played… the odd flash of light and silhouette showing tantalisingly.
When Pantera finally emerged, the atmosphere reached a fever pitch. The band launched into “A New Level,” igniting the audience with their signature blend of musical power and commanding vocals. The crowd wasn’t the only thing ignited… pyro was going off as it syncopated with the music.
Crowd surfing began immediately as bodies threw themselves in the direction of the stage; the bizarre custom of some audience members throwing (plastic) tumblers full of liquid in the air also began…
The setlist spanned their illustrious career, featuring classics such as “Mouth for War,” “I’m Broken,” and the anthemic “Walk.” Each song was met with fervent enthusiasm, as fans moshed and chanted along, creating a palpable synergy between the band and the crowd.
The production was nothing short of spectacular. A dynamic light show combined with meticulously timed pyrotechnics enhanced the already epic stageset, particularly during tracks like “Cowboys From Hell” and “Fucking Hostile.” One particularly eloquent fan squashed against the front barrier described it, between breaths, as “an immersive spectacle.”
He then went back to being squashed against the barrier and frequently kicked on the head by crowd surfers!
Throughout the performance, Pantera paid homage to their late members, Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul, with heartfelt tributes that resonated deeply with long-time fans. The band’s tight musicianship and unrelenting energy reaffirmed their status as heavy metal legends, leaving the Glasgow audience exhilarated and craving more.
Was Pantera’s return to Glasgow the triumphant celebration it was billed to be?
An emphatic YES has to be the answer and then some… metal, powerful performances, enthusiastic fan interaction, and a production that truly brought the heat… musically and pyrotechnically!
Review & Photographs by John Brown Photography
