On which the singularly unsubtle Texas quartet further intensify their self-proclaimed "vulgar display of power" to a frankly seismic degree. After beginning life in the early Eighties as a band rooted in the mannered tradition of Aerosmith and Kiss, Pantera drastically changed their tack in 1988 by metamorphosing into an uncompromising thrash metal combo reminiscent of Metallica. Since then, they've viciously honed their virtuoso, �ber-rock stampede into hyperspace. The Great Southern Trendkill finds vocalist Phil Anselmo mercilessly ripping his throat to shreds as fretboard strangler "Dimebag" Darrell casually spits out head-spinning lead lines of such ferocity that they clearly belong behind bars. And just as "Suicide Note Part One" lulls you into a false sense of security with its uncharacteristically acoustic introspection, "Part Two" leaps out of the speakers to rip the top off your cranium and toss it into the trash like a Frisbee. Definitely not for those with nervous dispositions. --Ian Fortnam