Pantera’s Hometown Show: The Heaviest Summer Tour Shakes Dos Equis Pavilion

September 8, 2025

It was a hot September night in Dallas, and thousands of metalheads gathered at the iconic Dos Equis Pavilion to witness the unforgettable sounds of Pantera as part of the Heaviest Summer Tour. This powerhouse lineup also featured special guests Flesh Hoarder, King Parrot, and the mighty Amon Amarth. Fans were already buzzing with excitement, lining up at the merch booths to grab exclusive memorabilia, while others flocked to the concession stands to fuel up for what promised to be a night of absolute chaos.

As the sun dipped lower, the first band took the stage to set the tone for the evening’s brutal onslaught. Texas’ own Flesh Hoarder, a brutal death metal band, wasted no time as they stormed the stage to an enthusiastic reception. The crowd went wild as the band dove into “Infatuation with Menstruation” from their Homicidal Necrophile album. Their energy was infectious, and frontman Jonathon ‘Jr’ Riley wasted no time thanking the early arrivals who had come to witness their chaotic performance. The pit was already heating up as they shredded through their second track, “March of Death.” Fans were headbanging hard as Flesh Hoarder delivered a fast and furious set, leaving the audience craving more. After their last song, the band gave a heartfelt thanks before exiting the stage, leaving the crowd hyped for the next act.

Next up, King Parrot, the Australian grindcore band that had long been a fixture of Phil Anselmo’s musical orbit, took the stage. As the sun continued to set, anticipation was thick in the air. The Aussies wasted no time getting the crowd’s attention, with bassist Tony “Peewee” Boyle leading the charge, stripping off his shirt to let the raw intensity of the band’s set hit even harder. They kicked things off with “Bozo” from their Bite Your Head Off album, and the crowd erupted in approval. The pit was alive as the band stormed through songs like “Disgrace Yourself” from Ugly Produce (2017). The audience couldn’t get enough of the gritty, relentless grind that King Parrot delivered, and by the time they finished their set, fans were left screaming for more.

As the Swedish Viking death metal juggernauts, Amon Amarth, prepared to take the stage, the atmosphere shifted into something out of a Norse saga. Two towering Viking statues flanked the stage, and Johan Hegg and the band emerged, instantly commanding the crowd’s full attention. The opener, “Guardians of Asgaard,” saw fists pumping and chants echoing through the venue as fans sang in unison with the band. “Raise the Shield Wall!” Hegg called out as two Viking warriors emerged from the sides of the stage, shields and swords in hand, further fueling the crowd’s ferocity. The set flowed seamlessly from one anthem to the next, with “Put Your Back Into the Oar” getting the audience to literally row in place as they chanted along with the band. From start to finish, Amon Amarth proved why they are one of the most captivating live acts in metal, delivering an epic performance that had the crowd on their feet and roaring for more.

Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for: Pantera. As the stage went dark, a massive curtain adorned with the iconic Pantera logo dropped, signaling the imminent arrival of the legendary band. Videos of the band’s early years played on the side screens, further igniting the hype and excitement. The opening notes of “Suicide Note Pt. I” began playing over the speakers, and as the final note hit, the curtain dropped to reveal the band in full force. The crowd went absolutely ballistic as Phil Anselmo, Zakk Wylde, Charlie Benante, and Rex launched into “Suicide Note Pt. II.” From the first second, it was clear: Pantera was back, and they were bringing the thunder. Phil Anselmo commanded the stage with his trademark intensity, while the band’s signature groove and brutality shook the venue to its core. Zakk Wylde honored the late Dimebag Darrell with his flawless guitar work, channeling the spirit of his friend and musical partner. The fans were a blur of headbanging and moshing, and the energy was palpable. Before launching into “Hellbound,” Phil took a moment to pay tribute to Ozzy Osbourne and the many fallen friends the band had lost over the years. But there was no time for slowing down. The crowd roared as the opening riffs of “5 Minutes Alone” rang through the air, with Phil egging them on to headbang and losing themselves in the moment. The band didn’t let up as they stormed through a powerful set, including deep cuts and fan favorites like “This Love” and “Cowboys from Hell.” The atmosphere was electric, with the crowd completely absorbed in the sheer power of the music. After an unforgettable first set, Pantera left the stage—but the fans wouldn’t let them go without an encore. Their encore began with “A New Level,” followed by a crowd-shaking performance of “Walk”. To top off the evening, Cody Jinks, the local outlaw country legend, joined the band onstage to help deliver an unforgettable rendition of “Walk,” alongside Dimebag’s widow Rita and the rest of the opening bands. Throughout the night, Phil Anselmo kept fans engaged with stories and anecdotes, further solidifying the bond between the band and their hometown crowd. As Phil Anselmo revealed, they’ve been touring for three years now, and there are only a few weeks left of this monumental tour. If you haven’t had the chance to see Pantera on this tour yet, don’t miss your chance—this might be your last opportunity for a while. For me, this show was a full-circle moment, a chance to relive the music that shaped my youth and to witness a piece of metal history in Pantera’s hometown. It was an unforgettable night of pure heavy metal glory, and one that will be nearly impossible to top.

The Heaviest Summer Tour delivered exactly what it promised: a brutal, high-octane celebration of all things heavy, from start to finish. Pantera proved that their legacy lives on, and this hometown show was a testament to the power of their music and the undying loyalty of their fans. If you haven’t seen it yet, there’s still time—don’t miss it!