In what can only be described as a night of pure metal mayhem, the Maine Savings Amphitheater in Bangor, Maine, bore witness to an unforgettable spectacle on September 7th, 2023, as the legendary Pantera returned to the stage with special guest Lamb of God and opener King Parrot. The anticipation in the air was palpable as fans from across the state gathered to celebrate the enduring legacy of metal.
King Parrot: As the sun began to set, the chaotic energy of King Parrot hit the stage like a sledgehammer. Hailing from Australia, these guys brought an unruly mix of grindcore and punk that set the tone for the evening. Their high-energy performance, complete with wild antics and fearless stage presence, proved to be the perfect appetizer for the metal feast that lay ahead.
Lamb of God: Virginia’s own Lamb of God took the stage next and immediately commanded the attention of the audience with their signature blend of groove metal and pure aggression. Randy Blythe’s ferocious vocals and Mark Morton’s shredding guitar work ignited a mosh pit frenzy that left fans drenched in sweat and exhilaration. Tracks like “Redneck” and “Laid to Rest” had the entire amphitheater chanting along, creating a sense of unity among metalheads of all generations.
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for:
Pantera with Zakk Wylde, Charlie Benante, Phil Anselmo, and Rex Brown: As the stage was engulfed in darkness, the crowd roared with anticipation. Suddenly, the unmistakable riff of “A New Level” ripped through the speakers, and the amphitheater erupted into chaos. Phil Anselmo’s menacing growls and Zakk Wylde’s searing guitar solos transported fans back to the golden age of metal.
The chemistry between Wylde and Anselmo was electric, as they paid tribute to the late Dimebag Darrell with a soul-stirring rendition of “Cemetery Gates.” Charlie Benante’s drumming prowess was on full display, adding an extra layer of intensity to each and every track. Rex Brown’s thunderous bass lines provided the backbone of the band’s sound, and his stage presence was a force to be reckoned with.
The setlist included classics like “Walk,” “F***ing Hostile,” and “Domination,” sending the audience into a frenzy. It was a night of metal catharsis as fans screamed every word and formed swirling mosh pits that seemed to stretch to infinity.
In an era where live music is more cherished than ever, the Pantera celebration with Zakk Wylde and Charlie Benante, along with the incomparable Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown, was a monumental event that will be etched in the annals of metal history. As the Maine Savings Amphitheater emptied, the echoes of guitar riffs and thundering drums lingered in the hearts of every attendee, a testament to the enduring power of metal music.
