Unreleased Pantera track, "The Will to Survive," available on Facebook

I remember Vinnie Paul saying he had a whole slew of unreleased Pantera tracks along with another Damageplan album he compared to Vulgar Display of Power (but Vinnie is in the mediocre Hell Yeah nowadays, so don't know whether we can trust his musical opinion...). So it was inevitable these tracks would eventually be released.

Which brings us to today, when the group debuted "The Will to Survive," (a Cowboys From Hell era demo) on its official Facebook page (you do have to become a fan / hit the "I like" button to access the song).

"The Will to Survive" gives fans a look into the transition from 1988's Power Metal to the breakthrough 1990 album, Cowboys From Hell. It definitely feels more like Power Metal vocalwise, but musically, the group sounds like it is developing a sound of its own (although there is still plenty of Judas Priest and 80s metal influence).

Especially note the groovin' bass intro courtesy of Rex Brown and the familiar guitar riff that can also be found on "This Love".

My only complaint about issuing this song by itself, is that it means Vinnie will likely be staggering the release of any additional tracks as the Pantera albums are reissued (which I assume they all eventually will be).

I understand Vinnie wants to keep the legacy of Dimebagg alive, but I would be more willing to buy a box set with the final Damageplan album and a CD of all the unreleased demos, in addition to the unreleased Dimebagg DVD Vinnie still has lying around, rather than a reissue of an album all us loyal fans already own.

Putting all this aside though, it does feel good to hear Dimebagg shred once more.

UPDATE: Well I figured the label would take down that clip of "The Will to Survive", so I guess you will all just have to go the Facebook route to check it out. Old school Power Metal track is now below.

Pantera: Vulgar Display of Vinyl

It might actually be time for me to get a record player.

I had overly hopeful plans to get one about two years ago, then realized a good vinyl sound system actually isn't all the cheap. Sure I probably could just settle for something crappier, but I like the idea of owning a sweet record player... maybe someday.

My record player aspirations aside, for all you vinyl lovers out there, three of Pantera's most iconic albums will be reissued on vinyl. That means you will be able to pick up brand new record copies of Cowboys From Hell, Vulgar Display of Power and Far Beyond Driven on a release date TBA later this year.

I meant to purchase Master of Puppets when that was reissued awhile back, but never got around to that one either. I might have to look into that one as well.

I also kind of wish Pantera's often forgotten classic, The Great Southern Trendkill would be released on vinyl, but I can't complain too much.

In the meantime, listen to some Pantera below.

UPDATE: In other Pantera news, former frontman, Phil Anselmo, has made plans for an autobiography. I remember reading a feature on him in Revolver (back when it was much cooler), and the dude has definitely been places. Should be one of the more interesting rocker reads.