CHARLIE BENANTE Hopes There Will Be New PANTERA Music 'At Some Point', Says He Can Write PANTERA-Style Riffs

Why It Matters

A potential new Pantera release could revitalize the brand and generate significant touring and streaming revenue, while the band’s handling of legacy issues sets a precedent for how classic acts navigate lineup changes.

Key Takeaways

• Benante can write Pantera‑style riffs, pending band decision
• He mirrors Vinnie Paul’s drum parts, avoiding Anthrax complexity
• Benante hopes for a live album documenting the current tour
• He defends using the Pantera name despite purist criticism
• Wylde treats each concert as a live‑album experience

Pulse Analysis

The reformed Pantera lineup—Phil Anselmo, Rex Brown, Zakk Wylde and Charlie Benante—has sparked renewed interest in a band that has been dormant since Vinnie Paul’s death in 2018. By bringing in a drummer known for his precision in Anthrax, the group aims to bridge the gap between classic 90s groove metal and contemporary live performance standards. Benante’s willingness to craft new riffs in the Pantera vein signals that the band is not merely a nostalgia act; it could eventually produce fresh material that respects the original songwriting ethos while appealing to a new generation of metal fans.

Benante’s commitment to reproducing Vinnie Paul’s drum patterns underscores a broader trend among legacy bands: authenticity over reinvention. He deliberately avoids the "busy" Anthrax style, opting instead for the "meat and potatoes" approach that defined Pantera’s rhythm section. This fidelity resonates with longtime fans who demand that the iconic sound remain intact, yet it also invites scrutiny from critics who view the use of the Pantera name without Dimebag and Vinnie as a brand dilution. By emphasizing emotional connection and honoring the original members, Benante attempts to mitigate backlash and position the tour as a respectful celebration rather than a commercial cash‑grab.

From a business perspective, the prospect of a live album—highlighted by both Benante and Wylde—offers a lucrative revenue stream that leverages the tour’s high‑energy performances. Live recordings can boost streaming numbers, merchandise sales, and ticket demand for future legs, especially in markets where younger fans are discovering Pantera for the first time. Moreover, the band’s handling of legacy issues provides a case study for other classic acts navigating lineup changes: transparent communication, reverence for original members, and strategic content releases can sustain brand equity while opening new monetization pathways.