“Reverend, reverend is this some conspiracy?
Crucified for no sins
An image beneath me
Whats within our plans for life
It all seems so unreal
I’m a man cut in half in this world
Left in my misery….”
— From Pantera’s “Cemetery Gates.”
R.I.P. “Dimebag” Darrell…
By now you all know the news side of things: Damageplan guitarist and Pantera founding-member “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott was killed onstage last night in Columbus, Ohio.
There are no words …
This is a huge blow to the metal world. Besides founding one of the greatest heavy metal bands of all time (Pantera), Dimebag inspired countless musicians over his many years in the industry. What Eric Clapton was to rock and blues, or Eddie Van Halen was to hard rock, Dimebag was to metal.
Dimebag’s last commercial offering was the debut album from Damageplan, “New Found Power,” which was released earlier this year.
Reaction to the album was mixed among fans — some were too quick to compare the work to that of Dimebag previous band, Pantera. But what did you expect? After all, the band was founded by Dimebag and his brother, drummer Vinnie Paul, the same duo that founded Pantera in the 80s.
I happen to like the Damageplan disc. It has the same meaty qualities of the evolved Pantera sound, with some new life vocally thanks to vocalist Patrick Lachman. “New Found Power” is what it is, a straight-up, rocking metal record. Any fan of the genre should find something in there to enjoy.
Damageplan and Pantera had a very distinct, almost trademark, sound, and it was directly related to the guitar … to Dimebag.
I had the opportunity to check out Pantera on tour several times over the years. As fans from all over can attest, Dimebag always seemed like a down-to-earth guy, just happy to be doing what he loved doing — making music.
One need only check out the Drowning Pool DVD, “Sinema,” which features a tribute to former Drowning Pool front man Dave Williams by Dimebag, to see just how great a guy he was. He seemed to be the perfect mix of southern hospitality and mischievous troublemaker.
My thoughts go out to his family and friends …
As of this writing, it is unclear whether or not any other band members were killed last night (names of two concert goers were released, leaving one more question mark). Obviously, this is nothing more than a senseless incident. People will draw connections to former Beatle John Lennon (who was killed exactly 24 years earlier), to the Nightclub incident in Rhode Island (Great White fire), or anything else to keep the story going.
The sad fact of the matter is that the metal community lost one of the pillars on which it was built.
Rest in Peace Dimebag. I’m sure you’re up there with Dave.
“The way we were
The chance to save my soul
And my concern is now in vain
Believe the word
I will unlock my door
And pass the cemetery gates”
Take it easy…
