In a new chat with Sense Music Media, Coal Chamber’s Dez Fafara made a bold statement, claiming that Pantera, not Metallica, holds the title of the best heavy metal band in the world.
Fafara, who has had a close relationship with Pantera’s Philip Anselmo, emphasized his focus on the music rather than the controversies surrounding the band. He referred to the incident in 2016 at the Dimebash event at the Lucky Strike Live in Hollywood, where Anselmo made a Nazi salute and stated:
“I mean, for me, people will say Metallica, but Pantera is the best heavy metal band on earth. End of story. And I know he’s [Philip] got a sordid past, and he said some things and this and that, and don’t get me caught up in any of that.”
Personal Connection With Pantera And Anselmo
The vocalist continued, talking about his experiences touring with Pantera and living with Anselmo during times when he had no home:
“I follow the music, and that’s what I follow. And then again, I toured the world with him for f*cking three and a half, four years, and multiple times, and I lived at Anselmo’s house for years. Whenever I didn’t have a home, and I came home, I didn’t have a home, I either went to a hotel in L.A. or went to his house. So that being said, I’m glad that they’re out, and people should go check it out.”
Controversies Surrounding Anselmo
After making a Nazi salute and uttering the words’ white power,’ Anselmo faced significant backlash for this action and later issued a full apology, saying:
“Anyone who knows me and my true nature knows that I don’t believe in any of that; I don’t want to be part of any group. I’m an individual, and I am a thousand percent apologetic to anyone that took offense to what I said because you should have taken offense to what I said. And I am so sorry, and I hope you just… Man, give me another chance to… Just give me another chance. I love all of you.”
Following the 2016 Dimebash incident, Pantera faced cancellations of several reunion shows in January 2023. Promoters and festival organizers made these decisions after discussions, indicating the long-lasting impact of Anselmo’s actions on the band’s reputation and opportunities.
Listen to the whole interview below.
