Phil Anselmo

Phil Anselmo, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a versatile figure in the heavy metal genre, best known as the frontman of the iconic band Pantera. His career began in the early 1980s when he co-formed his first band, Samhain, not to be confused with Glenn Danzig's band of the same name. Anselmo's musical journey took a significant turn when he joined Pantera in 1987, contributing to the band's shift from glam metal to a heavier groove metal sound with albums like "Cowboys from Hell" (1990) and "Vulgar Display of Power" (1992). Pantera's "Far Beyond Driven" (1994) debuted at No. 1 in the United States, marking a pinnacle in Anselmo's career with the band. Despite the success, tensions within Pantera led to its hiatus in 2001 and eventual disbandment in 2003. Following Pantera's disbandment, Anselmo explored various musical projects, including the supergroup Down and the hardcore outfit Superjoint Ritual. Down, formed in 1991, showcases Anselmo's versatility with its blend of heavy metal styles, contributing to the group's recognition in the metal scene. In 2023, Phil Anselmo reunited with the surviving band members for Pantera's first world tour since 2001.