The follow up to "Vulgar Display of Power",
"Far Beyond Driven" shows that the band would still continue to
master their sound and evolve their abilities to their peak. I'm on record
saying that "Vulgar Display of Power" is Pantera's most important
album, but "Far Beyond Driven" is by far their most layered and
diverse release. It is also my favorite. The music is, of course, groove to the
bone, but the overall atmosphere heard on this release is darker and angrier
than anything the band has written. An example of the darkness and anger can be
head on songs like "Shedding Skin" "5 Minutes Alone" and 25
Years". Songs about pain and suffering, faith, addiction; they all dig
deep and cut like a knife. If "Vulgar Display of Power's" mood was
pissed of angst, the "Far Beyond Driven's" is one of depression and
resentment.
The riffs here are still rooted in Pantera's trademark
sound; groovy with a hint of southern influence. That being said, they are far
more complex on this release and form the foundation of each song's atmosphere.
Phil's vocals continue to fuel the fire, delivering raw anger and breathing
life into each track. Vinnie's drumming as stellar as usual, which I think
tends to get overlook by his brothers’ phenomenal guitar skills. As I said
before, not as icon as their previous releases, but in my opinion, a far more
complex and musically diverse release.
Highlights: "Becoming" "25 Years"
"Slaughter" "Shedding Skin" "I'm Broken" "5
Minutes Alone"
Rating: 4.5
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