It is, without question, one of the heaviest albums of all time. Mainstream release or otherwise. And Pantera were just in the right mental state to release such a metal album. Heavy music was in a very strange place during the late 90’s. Either being ignored, or met with insane fanatical fandom. The divide between rock, rap and pop was beginning. And ‘The Great Southern Trendkill’ debuted as a reaction to that divide.
Commercially, it was met with major success. And to this day ‘The Great Southern Trendkill’ stands as the ultimate middle finger to the corporate take over music. Couple that with the inner turmoil in the band and you’ve got one hell of a heavy, dark and intense record. And it’s no more apparent than the opening moments of the title track. It’s so heavy that there’s almost no structure to the song. It’s pure rage. Phil Anslemo’s scream is deafening. The drums, guitar and bass absolutely chaotic. But the track quickly gains focus into a monster southern metal groove. The bridge and solo are particularly tasty. Displaying that Pantera never lost their touch. ‘War Nerve’ became an instant concert classic. It’s massive, ten ton introduction leads into the absolutely gigantic verse and chorus. With Phil Anselmo writing more introspective and self loathing lyrics this time around. Giving heed to the tension that was happening within the group. As ‘The Great Southern Trendkill’ was the first Pantera album to be recorded in separate locations.
‘Drag the Waters’ brings in the classic groove metal. And is one of my personal favorite Pantera tracks. The cowbell is what really makes the song. ’10’s’ is steeped in 90’s dark, grunge balladry. While ’13 Steps to Nowhere’ remains an alternative, abstract moment. ‘Suicide Note Pt. 1’ is yet another ‘Alice In Chains’ moment. But the follow up sequel is among the heaviest songs ever created. ‘Living Through Me (Hell’s Wrath)’ is classic thrash. The progressive metal elements of ‘Floods’ is way ahead of its time. The drop heavy breakdowns an extension of previous works. Such as ‘This Love.’ ‘The Underground In America’ is Pantera gone punk. With the album closer ‘Sandblasted Skin’ being possibly the heaviest songs ever written.
Yes, ‘The Great Southern Trendkill’ kept Pantera alive. But the band were falling apart at the seams. Phil Anselmo was knee deep in an opioid addiction and self loathing. The Abbott brothers were writing the majority of the music. While bassist Rex Brown was left questioning the heavier and heavier direction of the band. Never the less, the album was a smash. And a massive tour ensued. Leading Pantera to be the heavy metal flag flyers during some dark times for the genre. ‘THE TREND IS DEAD!!!”’ Crank it, live it, love it.
