Pantera

After a false start as a 1980s glam-metal band, Pantera reinvented itself as a fierce thrash combo for 1990's landmark album COWBOYS FROM HELL. The Texan band distinguished itself by offering up its trademark "power groove" sound--a potent, slowed-down version of the typically break-neck speed-metal style. The dense, crushing result served as a foundation for frontman Phil Anselmo's snarl-to-a-scream voice. Although the group became immensely popular in the early '90s, Anselmo nearly died in 1996 from a heroin overdose, and Pantera didn't record in the studio again until 2000. With Anselmo pursuing a number of side projects (including Down and Superjoint Ritual) and the other band members seeking different musical outlets as well, Pantera called it quits in 2003.

• rock