Pantera, ‘Piss’ – Song Review

With 20 years of history, Pantera’s ‘Vulgar Display of Power’ still remains one of the most influential metal albums of all time, firmly rooted as a staple among music collections of metal fans young and old. It offers up as much of an impact today, as it did two decades ago, so it should come as no surprise at all that when a mysterious ‘lost track’ reared its head, fans united around the altar of Pantera to rejoice.

While pulling together the 20th anniversary reissue of ‘Vulgar Display of Power,’ drummer Vinnie Paul rediscovered the forgotten track ‘Piss’ among the archives. It was the only track recorded during that cycle that didn’t make the final cut. According to Paul, the song didn’t feel right at the time so it got shelved and forgotten — until 20 years later.

Like a time capsule wrapped in solid gold, the tune is classic Pantera from the very first crunchy note. It almost feels like it was preserved perfectly in time for a reason — with the underlying intent to rise like a phoenix from the ashes, kick asses and take names, all over again. It punches you in the face with the force of a fist full of wrecking balls and doesn’t ease up until the closing chord so catch a groove and hang on for the ride. It’s hard to imagine why this track didn’t make the cut the first time around, but the song serves as a reminder of the innovative metal Pantera delivered during that defining era.

“A punk like that is piss in the wind,’ Phil Anselmo barks out in his signature vocal chops, framed by shredding guitar work served up courtesy of the late, great Dimebag Darrell. “A go-getter who ain’t got none / A legend in his mind / Always the one to invite himself, and then gets left behind / Someone must have clipped his balls or wiped his ass on his life / A self-centered procrastinator, attention seeker who’s got nothing at all.” Anger management served up in a song, the tune ravages on.

Pantera debuted the brand new video for the tune last night (April 11) at the Revolver Golden God Awards. The clip (watch below) features newly filmed footage of fans rocking out to Pantera.

‘Piss’ is now available for purchase on iTunes and will be included on the May 15 release of the deluxe 20th anniversary edition of ‘Vulgar Display of Power.’

Watch the Pantera ‘Piss’ Video