In 2018, the metal world was shaken by the death of Pantera and Hellyeah drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott. A force for good cheer in the scene and brother to the late, great Dimebag Darrell, Vinnie Paul was one of metal’s most beloved figures, and his death was a blow to many, including Hellyeah guitarist Tom Maxwell who felt his inspiration was damaged by the loss of his friend. But now, Hellyeah frontman Chad Gray has said that he hopes the band will begin working on a new album in the coming year.
While speaking on a livestreamed panel from the Headbanger’s Con event, Chad was asked if Hellyeah had new album in the works. His response was that the band weren’t immediately working on anything — but that he hoped they’d get started soon.
“Everybody’s just in a holding pattern right now,” says Chad. “I don’t have any new music. I’ve been telling Tom to get me some riffs so I can write, because right now is a great time to fucking write. So we’ll just have to see, man. Obviously, we need to get together and write some music. But, yeah, I mean, hopefully. It’s all fucked up right now, nobody knows what’s going on with anything.”
Watch video of Chad’s full appearance below:
For Maxwell, that might not be so easy. Speaking to Bad Wolves guitarist and Last Words host Doc Coyle back in September, Maxwell revealed that he might just want to let the project rest in peace alongside Vinnie.
“When he died — I’m not gonna lie — my passion, my love affair died as well with him,” said Tom. “I don’t even know if there’s gonna ever be another Hellyeah record. I don’t even know if I wanna make another Hellyeah record without him.
“I’m at a point right now where I’ve done some amazing shit with some amazing people and I’ve released a lot of great records. And I’ve found success in those — more elsewhere than others,” he continued. Like I said, my love affair has kind of been cockblocked a little bit. I don’t find a need or a necessity to continue without Vince.”
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Words by Chris Krovatin
