I was truly surprised after I`d gotten my hands on PANTERA`s first four albums. At first, I was sure those belonged to a different band called PANTERA too, but hell no; I checked the booklet just to make sure and found two important names in there: Diamond Darrelland Vinnie Paul. I will tell you that the earlyPANTERA is much more convincing that Vulgar Display of Powerreleased measly seven years after I am the Nightwas out. Say, while listening to this very album I was wondering why PANTERA weren’t as spectacularly successful as other stars of comparable format, such as KISS, DOKKEN, WASP or MÖTLEY CRÜE, for instance. Perhaps, the reason was that their first four albums were released through the bands` own independent label – Metal Magic Records. They weren’t able to promote those albums too well; plus, you know, a tight budget and no right people to take care of their music did their job too. In consequence, the first four albums, good as these surely are, weren’t noticed too much but their 1992 album became a commercial success. But all that happened later. So, back in 1985, PANTERA came up with their third full length album – I am the night. When compared to their two previous recordings, this album is much more powerful, I think. It is easily noticeable the band had already gotten rid of their glam metal leftovers completely and veered off towards more aggressive, heavy metal waters. It must be always remembered that was the time when the brutality level in music cranked up significantly, due to NWOBHM and a certain trio from Newcastle who`d just paid their first visit to the USA. Since then, indeed, the US scene started to transform itself into a real beast. I mean, many a band who used to deal with classic heavy metal, began to tread new paths in metal – be it speed, thrash and crossover. True, PANTERA`s new style wasn’t as drastic as METALLICA, ANTHRAX, EXODUS or SLAYER`s, but it is undeniable that I am the Nightis musically different when compared to their previous doings. In my view, this album is PANTERA`s best. It is very varied and rich in atmosphere. This music crushes. There are a number of powerful hits on this album, almost of speed metal character: I am the Night, Down Belowor Hot and Heavyas well as Onward we Rock, Daughters of the Queen. There is even a ballad on this album – Forever Tonight. One of this album`s strongest points is the guitar sound. It is similar to some Teutonic heavy metal bands like ACCEPT or WARLOCK. Interestingly, the producer of this album was Darelland Paul’s father. To me, I am the nightis an amazing piece of music which had all the features an album needs to achieve so desired a success. Well, it didn’t happen that way and on Vulgar Display of Power, the band changed their style quite again and even more drastically. I can only recommend you check this very album unless you already have gotten into early PANTERA. I guarantee you will be really pleased. 

Necro