"The Art of Shredding" is a song by the American heavy metal band

Pantera Pantera () is an American heavy metal music, heavy metal band from Arlington, Texas formed in 1981, and currently comprised of vocalist Phil Anselmo, bassist Rex Brown, and touring musicians Zakk Wylde and Charlie Benante. The group's best-kn ...

. It was released in 1990 on their sixth studio album '' Cowboys from Hell'', and is the twelfth and final song on the album.

Background

The song was composed in the key of D minor. Vocalist

Phil Anselmo Philip Hansen Anselmo (born June 30, 1968) is an American Heavy metal music, heavy metal vocalist best known as the lead singer for Pantera, Down (band), Down, and Superjoint, amongst other musical projects. He is the owner of Housecore Records ...

's voice ranges in pitch from Bb4 to G6. "The Art of Shredding" is an example of Pantera changing sound from their 1980s glam metal style. It was the first song that Pantera wrote for the album.

Reception

In the book ''The Rough Guide to Rock'', Peter Buckley wrote that the song's riffs gave

Metallica Metallica is an American heavy metal band. The band was formed in 1981 in Los Angeles by vocalist/guitarist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich, and has been based in San Francisco for most of its career. The band's fast tempos, instrume ...

"a run for their money". '' Metal Hammer'' ranked "The Art of Shredding" the 23rd best Pantera song. They wrote: "An avalanche of jagged, churning riffs met Anselmo's rallying cry of 'It's only emotion!' and metal was noisily reborn." ''

Guitar World ''Guitar World'' is a monthly music magazine for guitarists – and fans of guitar-based music and trends – that has been published since July 1980. ''Guitar World'', the best-selling guitar magazine in the United States, contains original art ...

'' ranked "The Art of Shredding" the 10th best Pantera song, writing that "with its rollercoaster ride of whiplash riffs and rhythms", it is one of the most enjoyable songs from ''Cowboys from Hell''. They also wrote: "

Dimebag Darrell Lance Abbott (August 20, 1966 – December 8, 2004), best known by his stage name Dimebag Darrell, was an American musician. He was the guitarist of the heavy metal bands Pantera and Damageplan, both of which he co-founded alongside his ...

tops off the proceedings with a gonzo, whammy-filled solo that ably demonstrates that shredding is, in fact, very much an art." '' Odyssey'' rated the song 4.5/5. They thought that it was an excellent way to end the album, while praising its solo.

Personnel

– vocals * Diamond Darrell – guitars * Rex Brown – bass * Vinnie Paul – drums

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Art of Shredding 1990 songs Pantera songs Songs written by Dimebag Darrell Songs written by Vinnie Paul Songs written by Phil Anselmo Songs written by Rex Brown