Pantera finally coalesced their power-groove metal formula for this release, after some fits, starts, and admitted high points on 1990's Cowboys from Hell. "Mouth for War" kicks things off with unparalleled abandon, setting the tone - not even a trace of pretty boy yowl or grungy groan, the band constantly barks, growls, and antagonizes. Even matters of the heart are dealt with coldly (the thrash-ballad "This Love"). After a smashing start, the album tails off mightily, so I'm not convinced it's the landmark classic everyone claims it to be. But it's vital in the hard rock world.