Reinventing Metal: The True Story of Pantera and the Tragically Short Life of Dimebag Darrell

I am a fan of the author and own several of his other books, including stellar titles on Journey and Judas Priest. Alas, I was looking forward to this one, as there really aren't many books out there on Pantera.I was very dissapointed, as it appears to have had no (or a very poor) editing job. There are numerous factual errors, notably the constant references of the band "spawning" top 100 singles in the US. That is simply not the case, the only singles Pantera ever "charted" in the US were on the Mainstream Rock Charts, nothing on the Pop Charts.In addition, there really is not much of a narrative describing the transition from Pantera's glam roots to their "thrash" reincarnation in 1989. Why did the band change so drastically? It seems like a cut and dry proposal, which I am sure was not the case. I was looking forward to more as to the "WHY" they changed as opposed to what happened during this era.Also, the book claims that James Hetfield actually wrote "Cemetary Gates". That's the first I have heard of this, and other than a brief paragraph, there's no other context to this revelation.Lastly, the book claims that the Cowboys From Hell reissue contained a bonus track, which was also not the case.The definitive biography on Pantera still has yet to be written, and this is sadly not it.

Just got this book - some of the best stories and amazing photos (by Stuart Taylor) who has spent a great deal of time with Pantera and was one of Darrell Abbott's closest friends

Very accurate account of the band

good read

Biggest Pantera and metal fan on the planet speaking here. Met them boys in my hometown SF in the 90s too. There's nothing in this book that isn't out there already and no direct interviews with any of the band members. The writing is overly dramatic and there's an air of positivity which just does not fit with the band's story. Worse still there are a few incredible factual errors - the most bizarre of which describes Ozzy Osbourne watching Pantera from side-stage while they played a song called ' Respect'. No such song exists in the back catalogue. Glaring errors of this kind do nothing to salvage a pretty poor book.Better off with Zac Crain's brilliant book on Dime or also Rex Brown's recent autobiography. His IS the real deal and his book is the gritty truth with no sugar-coating. The reason? He was THERE.

... picked this up last week, and finally finished it, for the 3rd time already - is it that good ?Yes and no !!! Neil Daniels is clearly an accomplished and seasoned author, previously including titles on AC/DC, Priest and Metallica et al. But the spectre of doubt on what much of what is written here, is cast, due to being completely unauthorized with no input officially from anyone directly from the Pantera camp.Nonetheless, it’s a compelling read, and for the most part is well researched and gives a reasonably detailed albeit broad and compelling unsubstantiated history of Pantera’s birth, evolution and rise to fame and notoriety and gives a reasonable timeline to further explore the bands history.Working mostly from previously published interviews, articles and online publications, here he’s assembled a sizable tome predominantly accounting Pantera’s time during the 90’s as one of Metals most successful, influential and renowned recording and touring acts.Sadly, the book is let down in several key places, most notably the incorrect naming of songs, poorly worded transcripts of interviews and some very bizarre and sensationalist claims that one of their greatest hits was a hand me down riff given via another band from another acclaimed metal act.A fact in its self so revelatory is bizarrely then skipped over and completely at odds with other substantiated versions already in print.Nonetheless, it’s still full of information, whilst most of which is widely known, makes it worthwhile reading and owning as it can now be found in one single source, glaring irregularities aside ... *footnote incl. stunning photos of Pantera from the personal collection of the inimitable Stuart Taylor

Great book to have on your shelf if you're a die-hard fan, but it doesn't provide much info that you wouldnt already know.

everything was great