Pantera's incredible rise to the top of the metal heap has been nothing short of miraculous when you consider they've made their historic climb with virtually no radio support or MTV exposure. With 4 platinum albums under their belt, 3 gold home videos and 2 Grammy nominations, Pantera are just beginning to garner the recognition they deserve. Relentless touring since 1990's breakthrough album Cowboys From Hell, has seen them go from local Texas phenoms to mortifying trailblazers of the legendary Ozzfest. Touring with their idols was one of the highlights of Pantera's career. One of the most hellraising songs on the new disc, "Yesterday Don't Mean Shit," was penned on their most recent run on the Black Sabbath Reunion Tour. "It was the first song written for the new album," says Vinnie. "I think it establishes the code."

That code has held Pantera well through what many consider their classic album, 1992's Vulgar Display Of Power, to 1994's #1 Billboard debut Far Beyond Driven, to their most recent studio effort 1996's The Great Southern Trendkill. (TGST was the first album recorded at their custom built Texas studio.) "It makes all the difference in the world," says Vinnie. "We totally control our own destiny now. And that's just the way we want it."

The band's relentless touring and fierce dedication to their fans have inoculated them against the usual trappings that have brought down other metal bands, making them the standard-bearers for integrity minded rock.

A crown that came naturally, says Vinnie: "We don't ever try to be anything we aren't. The bond between us and our fans can't be broken because they see themselves up there when we play. You can never fake that."