Review & Photos: Pantera in Cleveland, Ohio

By David Desin, OOTB Publications

A recap of Pantera’s fiery show at Blossom Music Center, Cuyahoga Falls, OH on July 23, 2025—a yard‑mosh, groove‑driven spectacle that honored one of my Top Five Bands.

Concert Overview

Blossom hosted Pantera—featuring Phil Anselmo (vocals), Rex Brown (bass), Zakk Wylde (guitar) and Charlie Benante (drums)—in the latest stop of the aptly named: “The Heaviest Tour Of The Summer.”

Zakk and Charlie stepped into the legacy roles once held by Dimebag and Vinnie, and from the get‑go you could tell they meant business.

Crowd & Pit Experience

The yard pit was pure chaos, in the best way. Fans in the pit were smashed into one another, moshing aggressively track after track.

That intensity was consistent with other recent shows of the tour: “If you are in the pit, there WILL be some intense moshing” and Blossom’s lawn crowd added to the energy with constant chanting.

Band Performance & Stage Energy

Phil Anselmo was commanding as ever—he still knows exactly how to stoke the crowd: heckling, bantering and dedicating songs to Dime and Vinnie.

“Phil’s voice is the best in twenty or so years. Zakk does Dime justice. Charlie does Vinnie’s justice.” “Zakk has been absolutely on fire this tour… Phil was hitting every note and scream like classic Phil.”

Zakk Wylde shredded; blending his own flair with clear nods to Dimebag’s style. Charlie Benante roared through Vinnie‑style grooves while Rex held the foundation steady.

Together it feels like a tribute band with serious pedigree—celebratory, respectful, and hard‑hitting.

Crowd Reactions & Overall Vibes

Fans pooled from all eras—teenagers who never saw original Pantera, headbangers who relived ‘90s glory, and everyone in between.

One commenter captured it perfectly: “Song after song went by and that hyped and energetic feeling still showed no signs of calming.”

While some longtime fans still debate comparability with the original lineup, most agree: It’s more than worth it. “Definitely try to get to a headline show… Pantera celebration tour… they honor the brothers.”

Final Thoughts

If Pantera ranks in your Top Five, this night was everything you’d hope for. The setlist ran deep and heavy, and the yard mosh pit propelled the energy.

Cheers to you for diving into that pit and catching one of the heaviest shows of the summer—Pantera proved they still deliver.

Zakk and Charlie didn’t replace legends—they carried their spirit forward. They didn’t try to replicate the original, but they made it matter all over again.

Phil still commands the stage like the unstoppable force he’s always been. And Rex? Still Pantera’s underrated anchor.

Set List

1. Hellbound

2. 5 Minutes Alone

3. Strength Beyond Strength

4. Mouth for War

5. Goddamn Electric

6. Becoming

7. I’m Broken

8. 10’s

9. I’ll Cast a Shadow

10. This Love