Throwdown

If Pantera had been a straight-edge hardcore band from Orange County, they might have sounded a lot like the fifth album from these veterans from the crossed up wires of the metal and punk scenes. Not only does singer Dave Peters evince the same open-throated ass kicker of Phil Anselmo's early days, but guitarist Mark Choinere plays with a wriggle and thud that deservedly bears comparison to the riffology of sainted axe ace Dimebag Darrell. What's important is that Venom 'n' Tears doesn't simply sound like classic Pantera, it carries on the tradition of pure power.