no reunion could ever beat the one that we are witnessing right now. pantera is one of the bands that fans worship and respect still today. with day one fans bringing new generations, is a sign of their real legacy.

it is without hesitation that we were there way before the opening to secure ourselves the first rows.

Monday night. usual metal appointment. forest national.
 endless waiting lines, gathering fans from all around Belgium, and surely also from neighbouring countries.
from afar already trying to peek inside of the venue and choose our next favourite hoodie to proudly show at work. 
already used to forest national surrounding, there was no problem to reach the first rows, since arriving soon enough, right after "vip packages" fans. fourth row check, and already knowing the pain that was going to occur once the band started, but nonetheless satisfaction to stare into the eyes of Phil Anselmo, rex brown, and through zakk freaking wylde long blonde locks. 

on time as always, first opening act in King parrot is up. grindcore played as it should be. sound absolutely bad at first, but unfortunately that's not really an isolated problem. anyway, few people, but fully enjoying themselves. the band in itself is super fun to watch for the fans of this genre. all of the set, watched behind the scenes, by a proud Phil Anselmo himself. clapping hands, and having his typical enjoying face. Hands up for him that stayed all along there to support the band . 

once the first act done, the venue started to full entirely to its brim. and the atmosphere is already changing . 
thrashers in power trip set the stage on fire. moshers ready to start their dance, crowd is already pushing from behind to reach the first rows. the band is mighty, their breakdowns are punchy and liberator. the set is on point and give no rest for us. while trying to remain standing. hard task. they are good and emanate good metal energy. surely they  were the best opening act to pantera. hoping to see them grow more and catch them on the road. 

here we go, gargantuan flag hiding the stage, while behind that, staff is making everything alright to introduce the almighty headliner. moments of restless wait before they finally hit the stage, revealing the stage. nothing too fancy, but they don't really need it. they are a legacy after all. a whole "new level" of power. unfortunately the sound is still not crystalline but while trying not to fall, keep a standing position, and singalong that's not really the priority. Phil, barefoot as always is just in front of us; his figure is powerful, his interpretation spotless. 
backed by mighty master of chords zakk wylde, bass king rex brown, and hiding behind all of them drummer Charlie benante. pantera is not even trying, and fans are on fire, must be because of the flame thrower, or the too close proximity to other people, or why not the amazingness of zakk wylde ? up to everyone to choose, it is nonetheless a moment of pure power which we are witnessing. bouncing from an iconic track to another, the setlist do not give us no rest. singing out loud every song. more than 30 years separates us from some of the songs but even newer generation know them by heart , and it is exactly why pantera is a legacy. honoring obviously late formers, dimebag darrell & Vinnie Paul  who made all of this true and iconic. word after word the show go on and come to an end too soon. 
putting a term to this iconic experience but only on stage because inside of us this will live on for years. 
especially for those who were too young to see them in their golden age. making all of this fucking hostile !
 that was probably the gig to be at this year .

for the fans, for the brothers, for legacy !!