When it comes to the band’s ninth studio album Reinventing the Steel, Pantera bassist Rex Brown seems to think that the nu metal genre got in the way of folks really embracing the record.
During a recent appearance on Gibson TV – as part of their series known as Icons – Rex provides a plethora of insight into his career and his work with Pantera. Among the topics he opens up about, he ends up reflecting on Reinventing the Steel.
For him, this is a difficult record to listen to; personally, he really likes the album, but he also shares that some people consider it Pantera’s weakest record.
Speaking about how he feels about Reinventing the Steel, Rex shares (the following was transcribed by Revolver):
“I couldn’t listen to it for a long time, because that was the last thing we did. So it was rough. Going back and listening to that record man, Goddamn…it’s a sledgehammer, man. Some people call it our weakest record. I disagree, I put it up there with Vulgar [Display of Power] any day.”
Rex then goes on to talk about how, around the time that Reinventing the Steel came out, nu metal was big in the metal world. He wonders if the timing of the record’s release, and with nu metal being so popular, ultimately may have hurt the album.
“When that record came out it was the start of all these nu metal bands coming on the scene. Sometimes it’s all about timing. Did it come out at the right time? Did it get the push it needed? I think this one didn’t get a fair shake.”
Do you think Rex is onto something when it comes to nu metal possibly impacting the release of the last Pantera album? What are your thoughts regarding Reinventing the Steel?
You can check out the full Icons special featuring Pantera bassist Rex Brown below.
Rex Brown Says Pantera Was 'Scared' To Follow-Up Slayer Live
Charlie Benante Gives Tour of Current Pantera Drum Kit
