In a seismic musical event, Pantera officially resurrected itself in 2022, with a rekindled lineup featuring classic members Phil Anselmo on vocals and Rex Brown on bass, accompanied by the formidable talents of guitarist Zakk Wylde (known for his work with Black Label Society and Ozzy Osbourne) and drummer Charlie Benante from Anthrax.
Amidst the flurry of anticipation surrounding Pantera’s revival, the inevitable question emerged about the prospect of new music. Zakk Wylde, shedding light on the matter in an interview with Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk, expressed his willingness to create new tunes, albeit with a crucial caveat – it wouldn’t bear the sacred Pantera name.
“I think you would have to call it something else,” mused Wylde. “You know what I mean? Pantera is those four guys. So, yeah, you can’t replace that.”
He further expounded, emphasizing the current focus on celebrating the legacy of the classic Pantera rather than rushing into uncharted territory.
“Yeah. If that was ever a bridge we crossed, we’d have to wait until we get there. But right now, it’s just the four of us celebrating what [the classic Pantera] created.”
Wylde clarified his stance, expressing his eagerness to collaborate on new music with Anselmo, Brown, and Benante, provided it doesn’t bear the Pantera moniker. The exception, however, lies in material conceived during the era when Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul were still alive.
“I mean, how could you call it Pantera unless it was just pre-existing material and we were gonna record it — stuff that was in demo state or whatever, and it is songs that the guys wrote,” he elucidated. “But as far as new songs, it would have to be — you’d call it something else.”
Wylde’s careful consideration of the legacy and identity of Pantera showcases a deep respect for the band’s history, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and acknowledging the irreplaceable essence of the original lineup.
1 thought on “ZAKK WYLDE Is Down To Write New PANTERA Songs, Just Not As PANTERA (Mostly)”