PANTERA MAKE THEIR LONG AWAITED RETURN AS THEY PLAY THEIR FIRST HEADLINE SHOW IN 20 YEARS AT GLASGOW’S OVO HYDRO WHICH WENT DOWN A STORM.

★★★★★ (5/5)

**PANTERA PERFORMING AT GLASGOW’S OVO HYDRO**
**PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN**

Following their Download Festival appearance last year, Pantera make their long awaited return UK, performing their first headline show in over two decades as they kicked off the UK Tour at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro on February 18, 2025, which will marked a monumental moment in heavy metal history. The performance was highly anticipated by fans eager to witness the band’s resurgence.

The evening kicked off as Australian thrashers King Parrot opened for the heavy metal legends Pantera. The venue, packed with thousands of eager fans, was filled with a palpable sense of anticipation. If the crowd wasn’t already buzzing from the impending Pantera performance, King Parrot certainly created the atmosphere with their high-octane set. From the moment King Parrot took the stage, there was no easing into their set—they came out swinging with ferocious energy. The Australian quartet, known for their aggressive blend of grindcore and thrash, wasted no time launching into an onslaught of rapid-fire riffs, guttural growls, and blistering drums.

Despite their shorter set compared to Pantera, King Parrot left an indelible impression. Their live performance was raw and unapologetically chaotic. Tracks like "Shit On The Liver" and "Like A Rat" had the crowd headbanging in unison, while vocalist Matt Young’s commanding stage presence ensured that every eye in the venue was locked onto them. The band’s frenetic energy was contagious, sparking an early mosh pit and setting the tone for the night’s heavy festivities.

One of the highlights was their interaction with the audience, who responded enthusiastically to their relentless pace. The crowd seemed as though they were more than ready to dive headfirst into the ferocity of the music.

Next up were Texas based thrash metal outfitters “Power Trip”, who set the tone even more for the evening with a blistering performance. The band hit the stage with unrelenting aggression, their high-octane sound filling the arena. Tracks like "Executioner's Tax (Swing of the Axe)" and "Nightmare Logic" had the crowd headbanging from the very first note, proving once again why Power Trip has become one of the most electrifying bands in modern thrash metal.

Their performance was tight and intense, with frontman Riley Gale’s commanding presence ensuring that every corner of the OVO Hydro was alive with movement. The mix of old-school thrash and modern ferocity resonated well with both fans of the genre and newcomers. Power Trip’s fast, sharp, and precise riffs ignited the crowd, preparing everyone for the main event. A solid opener, they proved to be the perfect band to set the stage for Pantera.

As the lights dimmed and the anticipation reached its peak, Pantera made their long-awaited return to the Glasgow stage. The crowd erupted as the iconic intro riff of "A New Level" rang out across the arena, launching them straight into an unforgettable set. Phil Anselmo’s voice was on point, bringing the raw power and emotion that has defined Pantera for decades. The rest of the band Rebel Meets Rock’s Zakk Wylde on guitar, Charlie Benante on drums, and Rex Brown on bass were more than capable of filling the shoes of the legendary Abbott brothers.

The setlist was a perfect mix of the band’s greatest hits, with anthems like "Walk," "Cowboys from Hell," and "This Love" sending the crowd into a frenzy. The chemistry between the band members was palpable, as Zakk Wylde’s ferocious solos and Benante’s rhythmic precision added a new layer to the classic Pantera sound. The band also paid tribute to Vinnie and Dime as they appeared on the big screens during “The Flood” which was very emotionable performance from Anselmo and the band. The crowd applauded with emotional as the song came to an end.

The visual production was top-notch, with fire, smoke, and heavy lighting effects complementing the powerful music. It was clear that Pantera wasn't just reliving the past; they were reinventing their presence on stage, making their legacy as formidable as ever.

The atmosphere at OVO Hydro was electric, with fans of all ages packed into the arena, creating a unified, wild energy that only metal concerts can generate. From the headbanging to the crowd-surfing, it was clear that everyone was there to embrace the music with all their might. There were moments of pure chaos during crowd favorites, with the pits opening up and fans thrashing along to every riff.

For the fans, this night was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of metal, of community, and of two of the most influential bands in the genre’s history coming together in one unforgettable event.

In all, the band’s first UK Headline show in almost two decades tonight at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro will go down as a night to remember for metalheads. King Parrot and Power Trip both delivered an incredible opening set that fired up the crowd, and Pantera’s triumphant return to the stage was a spectacle of metal mastery. All three bands showcased their incredible musicianship and passion, leaving fans buzzing long after the final notes faded. If you weren’t there, you definitely missed a piece of heavy metal history. Pantera’s return to the stage more than a concert; it was a celebration of their legacy and a testament to their lasting impact on heavy metal. For those who missed this historic event, upcoming shows in Leeds, Dublin, and Birmingham offer additional opportunities to witness the band’s powerful performance.