Pantera have unleashed an unreleased track from the Cowboys From Hell sessions called Will To Survive, a never-before-heard demo that lands square in the glam rock power metal days of the band.
Casual Pantera fans may be barely able to recognize Phil Anselmo’s wailing vocals, as they’re one hell of a departure from the growling roar he’s since come to be known for.
The song marks the upcoming release of the 20th anniversary of Cowboys From Hell (set for rerelease on Sept. 14) and will be included on the Ultimate and Deluxe versions, alongside an array of demo cuts of songs that made their way to the landmark album.
Additionally, the Expanded Edition won’t feature any of the session demos but will include live recordings from the 1990 Foundations Forum metal convention in Los Angeles, as well as the Alive and Hostile EP, which documented the band’s performance at Moscow’s For Those About To Rock show in 1991. Liner notes and essays from the surviving members are also to be included, as well as a statement from producer Terry Date.
For you naysayers out there (hell, we don’t blame you, the vocals barely sound like modern-day Phil at all), the following was posted on the Pantera Facebook page:
Lots of you seem to be confused about “The Will To Survive.” Just to clarify, this is a demo track from the Cowboys From Hell Demos. It was recorded in 1989 & was not included on the original release of Cowboys From Hell. It is going to be included on the 20th Anniversary 3cd deluxe set (instore 9/14) as well as the Ultimate box set (Instores 11/22). And yes, that is Philip singing.
