The Pantera Reunion Is Officially Slated For December 2022

Arguably one of the most anticipated reunions in metal history, the much talked about Pantera reunion is officially underway and it’s scheduled to take place as early as December 3rd of this year. Pantera members Phil Anselmo (vocals) and Rex Brown (Bass) will be joined by longtime friends Zakk Wylde on guitar (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society) and Charlie Benante on drums (Anthrax), where they’ll kickoff their first headline performance at Mexico City’s Heaven & Hell Festival. Additionally, the band will also be performing at ‘Knotfest’ Colombia, Chile, and Brazil in the same month.

Ever since rumors began surfacing about a Pantera reunion, fans have gone on to praise as well as criticize the idea of Pantera returning to the scene. The obvious criticism has come from the fact that only two of Pantera’s key members are taking part in the reunion, since brothers and founding members Vinnie Paul and Dimebag Darrell are both deceased. Many argue that calling it a ‘reunion’ isn’t justified given the underlying circumstance, and also the fact drummer Vinnie Paul and vocalist Phil Anselmo never reconciled with one another prior to Paul’s passing in 2018. However, ever since the reunion was confirmed, it’s been made public that both the Abbott brothers’ estates have given their blessing for the reunion to move forward. Even more recently, it was revealed that Dimebag Darells longtime guitar tech would be helping with production for the reunion shows as well.

While many have criticized the timing and purpose of the Pantera reunion, the band has made it clear that its aim is to celebrate and honor brothers Dime and Vinnie, as well as the massive fanbase they’ve cultivated over the last three decades. Pantera’s official social media pages revealed the first teaser for the upcoming shows earlier this week, which highlights the band’s intent on honoring all of these aspects.

All things considered, the excitement around this reunion is certainly justified, at least as much as the criticism is. There’s no right or wrong no matter where you stand on the subject, but especially for the newer generation of fans who never got the chance to see Pantera, the hype is certainly real and completely understandable. Even for longtime fans, many of whom have openly expressed their support for the reunion, there’s no wrong in wanting to hear some of the greatest metal tunes in history performed once again.