Pantera would have to be one of my all-time favourite bands. In fact, I think they surpass Slayer in my all-time favourite Bands. They are just my style. Aggressive, hard, and they are all talented.
I have everything Pantera. I recently got all of their Pre-Fame stuff.
Phil Anselmo is an absolute moron now, though. Down were completely boring, and I think they're still making albums. SuperJoint Ritual are decent, but nothing at all spectacular. But hey, let's not get into our 300th discussion on SJR. Phil's had too many side-projects to begin with.
Vulgar Display of Power is by far their best album. I would say Cowboys From Hell, Far Beyond Driven and Great Southern Trendkill are all equal in my mind for second. I do agree with Mike that the latter was more of an experimental album. I think Phil wanted to push the band into Death. I also think that album caused a lot of disagreements with the band that eventually led to their break-up. Reinventing the Steel was far from enjoyable. I think that album the Paul Brothers probably pushed back against Phil and got into their kind of style. Phil's a control freak, so that's most likely what caused him to leave.
Best song: Mouth For War.