10 Great Metal Albums (For People Who Don't Like Metal)

Throughout their tenure, Pantera had one major weapon that separated them from many of their peers, an aspect that makes them so much easier to enjoy for non-metal devotees. That weapon was the late Dimebag Darrell, whose superb, characterful, downright groovy guitar playing separates them from most any other heavy metal act.

Anything from their classic period is worth checking out, but Vulgar Display Of Power is perhaps their finest collection of tracks. Opener “Mouth For War” lays it all out there, with Darrell straight to business. He’s a guitarist’s guitarist because his riffs are so tightly wound and perfectly executed, but great fun to play, challenging but rewarding to master.

The album features one of their signature tracks, “Walk”, an instantly unforgettable riff and a rare swinging beat. This isn’t just the Darrell show, of course, and vocalist Phil Anselmo is one of the best in the biz. His delivery is muscular and forceful, but his delivery is always dead on, precise.

They can approach thrash, like on “Rise”, or slow it down for “This Love” - whatever they turn their hand to, it’s tighter, more melodic, and simply cooler than 99% of metal bands.