10 Metal Bands That Changed Their Sound

Most metalheads really needed a band like Pantera in the early '90s. As rock was changing into alternative overnight, it felt like the biggest metal bands in the world were either left by the wayside or decided to reinvent themselves from the ground up. Pantera was always proud to fly the metal flag though...it's just a good thing that they shed their older skin before they hit it big.

Because before they drafted in Phil Anselmo and became one of the most grizzled metal acts to ever walk the Earth, Pantera started life as a glam band, putting records out independently with songs that sounded like they were competing with the likes of Cinderella and Styrper. While Dimebag's licks are already there in spades, it's hard to imagine this is even the same band, with original singer Terry Date having a much higher register than Phil and his scream sounding closer to Rob Halford than a rabid dog.

Then again, these guys were just kids at the time, and you can't really blame them for their first steps into music, especially when the grooves are still as tight as ever. Once the thrash scene kicked into high gear and Anselmo entered the fold though, the writing was on the wall. All the kids' stuff was over, and the '90s were in for a kick in the ass the minute that Cowboys From Hell hit you in the face.