*Okay... should we do Vinnie Paul isolated next? ;)* If you would like to rock Metal Pilgrim merch this Christmas and support the show and Ukraine, please check it out here - metalpilgrim.net/merch/
Rex is a FU*KING GREAT bass player. But we all know Dime really only wanted him to play along with the Guitar. So it was hard to gauge is talent. (interview with Rex)
Dude backs up dime without hiding behind a rhythm guitarist whilst simultaneously keeping completely in the pocket with vince in the backdrop, dude happily did a perfect job in sacrifice knowing he was more than able to try and share the limelight against dime but tastefully complimenting him at the same time, in sport terms, the ultimate team player who was only noticed on absence, taste, style, complimentary and killer tone, perfect bass player for pantera with no ego, a king in his arena
Agreed, he did a great job holding up the rhythm section during Dime's solos. This allowed them to perform successfully with only one guitarist, which was a significant aspect of their heavy but not oversaturated sound. His walking bass lines were creative without being flashy and never sounded like he was ripping off Geezer Butler.
@@jrporter50 on Cowboys and (to an extent) Vulgar, yes his tone was a little thin - but by the time of Reinventing his bass sound was massive and perfectly balanced with Dime’s guitar and Vinnie’s drums. That final album really doesn’t get enough props for how amazing it sounds, mix/engineering-wise.
The bass riff during the solo on 5 Minutes Alone grooves so hard and is a perfect example of how he contributed to the thickness of their crushing sound.
I know that bass players get the brunt of a lot of jokes, but it has been my experience as a drummer that the bass players I have played with have always had the best grip of scales and theory and such in the band.
@@allenmitchell09 - They pretty much have to know their scales or else they would spend every song pedaling on the root note of every chord the guitar player was playing. Like..if the guitar player went from a major chord to a minor chord and the bass player decided to throw in a little run during the change and didn't know his scale, it could potentially sound absolutely awful.
Let's not forget panteras massive sound was created by just 3 musicians , a bassist a guitarist and a drummer , that in its own is insane , think about how rex would carry the song on his own with Vince when dime was soloing , that's not easy , I think he was the perfect bassist for pantera .
Well you forgot to mention Phil's killer vocals is also an instrument all 4 members Dime, Vinni, Rex, Phil created Pantera's hard hitting sound they had another singer before Phil joined the band, Phil gave them what they were seeking vocals with attitude higher louder heavier harder faster groove metal, power metal was their first album with Phil which lead to their 2nd with Phil Cow boys from Hell the rest is part of metal history without Phil it wouldn't be showing pantera's Vulgar display of power long live Pantera Dime Vinni Rex and Phil it's all good 👍
@Mer Luzo So edgy. You can't play music like this without the tightest rhythm section, your statement makes it obvious you don't know anything about music.
@@jasonfranich5601 I'm speaking as someone who plays an instrument , singers come and go but the bond between musicians stays , I agree Phil was the catalyst that lead the change in pantera , Three instruments created the music is what I said , I didn't say Phil made no contribution , although if you saw pantera when Phil was falling all over the place squealing into the mic he wasn't helping them at all , it was their playing that saved then on the many nights they had like that .
Musician here, 30 years experience.... often, people say this about a power trio, or a 3&1 lineup...and while it is true, the fact is that what you are hearing on the album is almost never really just 3 instruments playing... especially in music recorded in the past 3 decades, the instruments (Especially guitar) are layered to make the sound fuller... you're hearing AT LEAST 2 guitars playing the riffs, if not 3 or 4. And there are tricks and techniques the band and sound guy can use to produce that effect in a live performance too, although it's mainly not necessary because the sheer volume of a live band playing is such that you really can't differentiate as to whether you're hearing one or multiple layers of guitar riffs. Basically, how massive a sound is comes down to audio engineering, it's not something you can simply produce by being skilled at playing your instrument.
Great video. Definitely underrated. Playing bass, especially in this manner, is incredibly hard work, including all the finesse and expression to perfectly match Dime's riffage, and so precisely yet agressively. Plus the extra musicality u mentioned. He is able to play walking basslines like a jazz or blues player would. Incredibly musical. Plus the stage presence. And soundwise. Makes it look so easy. He's just a full package boss.
Who's underrated? Rex? How? Everyone who knows metal knows Rex. I don't understand this idea of musicians being underrated. Why is it? Because they are not on MTV cribs? I'm confused. He's hardly underrated.
"Underrated" is always thrown around. Rex is pure fucking gold when it comes to metal bassists. Pantera is the best band there ever was. Kids do your math 🥰
Dime didn't call Rex the pit boss for nothing. He is an exceptional bassist and held so much rhythm weight...and yes he is that good in tone,technique,and attack
Sure, you can tell he's fast and precise, but it's in the slower songs that you hear how good he is. With more space to let the notes "breathe" you can hear he puts in some vibrato, here and there, some little slides and glissandos. He doesn't simply "executes" his bass lines, he gives them feel and character with all those nuances. And yes, maybe all those little things get lost in the mix, but they show his dedication to his craft.
Exactly. There's so much feeling in there, just like with Dime. It's so cool hearing those vibratos on some of the notes. The musicianship in that band was unparralleled.
String Bending and Vibrato are a huge part of my vocabulary on Bass. Along with the Hammer ons, Pull offs, and slides. It is harder to bend strings on Bass than on Guitar because of the thickness. Guitar strings are small thin and tiny, while Bass strings are big huge and manly. So it takes a bit more practice. But once achieved, you can make you bass lines and melodies really sing.
The first time I saw them I was watching Rex and was blown away by the fact that he was matching Dime, riff for riff. Way underrated. I hope their latest venture will bring more awareness to the greatness that was the Abbott brothers and Pantera!
@bflo 1000 I'm not saying that he's as great as Dime. Every Pantera fan seems to be a gatekeeper these days. I was guilty of that myself when I was younger. I'm saying he matched the rhythms with Dime. People get so defensive over people they don't even know. Chill and have a whatever is you do to unwind. 🤘🎸
I really loved the change they made when they decided to not have guitar rhythm parts under the solos, and just had Rex bass lines.... much more live raw feel love it
So glad you did this one. It earned you my sub!! Rex was the first bassist to make me realize how vital good bass tone and cut through is for every single genre, especially rock, punk and metal. So many metal bands turn their bassists down, and it's a shame.
@@gregdavidson4374 no, absolutely not. That’s not what I meant. You just listed most of my favourite bands. I meant that on albums they don’t double track the guitar and create something that is impossible to play live. I f-ing love the 3 guitar setup of Maiden.
Rex is the glue that held the band together. Similar to John Paul Jones. Drummer followed the lead guitar so the bass player had to really play perfect for it all to blend well. Rex, you da real MVP
Gibson just did a icon tribute to Rex and Rex said that in his interview that the origins of Pantera was Rex and Vinny creating a solid backbone groove pocket.... Then dime got really good then they found Phil. But Pantera started with Rex and Vinny.
Rex is really the rattlesnake in the mix. He creates that scary rumble underneath every song without actually showing off. Hes always there and kicking ass under the mix even if the raw notes aren't inherently discernable
Thanks for pointing this out man, to be able to find lines that would fit Dime's line is just so hard. Plus his tone and bass gnarl is just perfect. btw the bass groove on 5 minutes alone solo section is just killer.
Listening to Pantera in the 90's is what shaped my bass playing and sound. I felt a natural tendency towards his style of playing in myself and when combined with his inspiration it just made sense. This is a guy who really understands what the bass guitar is and does, and I've always loved him for that.
There's another parallel to Van Halen. Two of the most massive sounding, energetic, powerful bands ever-despite only being 4 people each. That kind of magic doesn't work without an exceptional bass player. Interestingly, both Rex and Michael Anthony are notoriously underrated. But that's just because they know how to hold back. 0% ego. 100% supporting the song. Both legends in their own right.
Thank you so much for paying tribute to Rex. He truly deseserves so much acknowledgment and respect for so much work with Pantera. Think of all of the recording and then confinement on buses and airplanes so the world could enjoy their live creation. He has this completely original approach to bridging the gap between guitarist and drummer. Just like Dave Ellefson said, the bass guitar is like the glue of a band and it has to be just right. Rex did it at minimum perfectly. He really did. He somehow created this excellent blend of playing off both guitar and with the drums and vice-versa. I still remember in the mid 90's always getting really excited to go find a new issue of a rock or metal magazine to read updates and look at pictures of Pantera. It was common knowledge that Pantera really put in a lot time and work into these concert tours. Sorry for the ramble, it is just that hard rock and heavy metal got me through several different miseries. Pantera was one of those few bands in almost a paranormal like way gave me something to continue instead of quitting. They still do.
I'm not the biggest Pantera fan but Vinnie and Rex are one of the greatest rhythm sections in metal. My favorite bassline has to be what he plays during the solo in 5 Minutes Alone.
He is one of the most precise metal bassists out there. I love the little technical imperfections in music as they give a live feel but I adore Rex as this kind of precision is actually quite difficult to attain
Rex is very underrated. He was squeezed in the mix in some of the albums but really came alive in Pantera's later work. Proof in point is the song "I can't hide", huge bass sound.
I'm just now realizing how good Rex was. Dimebag was a shredder from another planet and Vinnie Paul was a rock solid metal drummer. He got into a groove with them both and kept up/backed up dime Rex is like the unsung hero of Pantera.
As a bassist I would be super happy to be half as good as he is. He can swing and groove for sure, but if you hear him in interviews he knows EXACTLY what his job is: to create a nice tight pocket with Vinnie for Dime to use. There's no showboating and very little flash, but his lines are still complex and tight while giving both of the abbotts the space they need.
Rex, is exactly the definition of Groove Metal. Every single bass line since Cowboys froll Hell to Reiventing the Steel album, is killer. The bass tone and the technique as well place Rex in another level of bassist. Without him, maybe the new generations of bass players who really enjoys and feels the groove maybe doesn't exist, Rex Brown needs more notoriety on Metal world, he's so infravalorated at all. He's on my Top 3 bass players of all time, for real.
One overlooked bass track from him to me will be "Floods", sure dime's part is untouchable, but it's the bass part with the blues licks just does it for me
Long live to Rex Brown. Like the way he played during the five minutes alone solo. The second parte of trendkill( "let's play it in southern style) is amazing too.
Rex's combination of Spector, Ampeg and Sansamp to me, redefined what a killer tone was supposed to sound like if you wanted low-end, crispness and distortion back in the 90's. Just listen to Strength beyond Strength and you'll clearly notice it. On top of that, his playing tought me that if you were going to back up complex riffs on guitar, get them down as clean and tight as you can. Rex is brilliant!!!
Fuck me! I've woke up on a planet where people seem to think that a bass player getting his job done, quite adequately, is something worth elaborating on and talking about. Tune in next week for an indepth critique of how Ozzy Osbourne manages to clap his hands and sing at the same time and how Rob Halford has perfected the art of prowling from left to right on a stage.
I couldn't agree more. One of my favorite things about Pantera is there were no weak members of the group. Everyone was killing it at their job!!! RIP fellas.
@@RitchieRosson He spent time with those guys more than anyone,so had justification to point out their flaws. Saying that,he isnt perfect either. I don't admire anyone while thinking that they are beyond scrutiny and criticism. No one is,famous or not.
Rex was technically gifted on bass, but what made him great is that played within the BAND. His bass notes usually mirrored Dime's lead, and Rex was a percussive player which added an additional groove to Vin's drums. His playing served the song, no more no less, and that's exactly what a bass player should be.
YES, Yes he is... Vinnie Paul? Of Couse!! Outstanding job on this one. I like how you liked him to a combo of Ian Hill and Steve Harris. I never thought of that. I just got enlightened. Thank You.
You also gotta remember. It's not just about what you can play which most people seem to not understand with certain bands. It's about how they perform live and the presence they bring and also how they get along with their band and other people on tours, recording, etc. Which Rex was all of that 🤘
According to Dime, Rex is what made the solo in Floods so great, and I have to agree. Dime's solo is phenomenal, but it loses a little magic without the bass backing it
Man! Now that I hear Rex's isolated tracks, I realised how great he is! Yes, you should definitely do an episode for Vinnie Paul! The isolated drum tracks are "F*cking Hostile"! 😉
my favorite is the live video for Domination, during dime's solo, Rex does such an amazing job holding the song together with Vinnie while Dime is shredding
Rex is badass. He was the foundation of the power groove. His tone cut through in the mix and filled the voids and gave Pantera the fuckin BALLS they were known for.
Drums part near the end Fucking Hostile Also Gibson did an Icon episode with Rex.I recommend anyone reading this to watch it. Very cool but also gets somber near the end because you know what's coming.
I agree. You brought up some very good points, like him not trying to steal anyone's thunder. I mean they had the perfect sound, I would be hard pressed to change any aspect of it
One of my favorite and underrated performances from Rex is his bass playing on Crowbar's "Lifeblood for the Downtrodden." Thick ass tone. If you never listened to Crowbar before punch yourself in the dlck and watch go some of their live shows.
To whom It May concern It sounds like his tone for the albums is split into two channels, the low end channel Is his bass straight into a DI with a low pass filter and the High Channel Is still the DI signal but distorted with a bass pedal preamp (maybe a sansamp) High passed. *I might be wrong* but thats what It sounds like to me if anyone Is trying to get his tone too.
Rex is one of the main reasons I play bass. Funking hostile was the first song I learnt and it was super rough at first but his songs are so much fun to play, even slow songs like hollow. Half of panteras tone is rex, he's vital, and totally underrated 🤘🤘🤘
*Okay... should we do Vinnie Paul isolated next? ;)*
If you would like to rock Metal Pilgrim merch this Christmas and support the show and Ukraine, please check it out here - metalpilgrim.net/merch/
I’m a drummer definitely do Vinne love his notorious kick drum sound
Rex is a FU*KING GREAT bass player. But we all know Dime really only wanted him to play along with the Guitar. So it was hard to gauge is talent. (interview with Rex)
Please cover vinnie paul’s becoming and by demon be driven drumming
@@BuckeyeM80 yesssss n attack the radical
Let me , FUCK YES, think about it .... Yeah you should do Vinnie.
Dude backs up dime without hiding behind a rhythm guitarist whilst simultaneously keeping completely in the pocket with vince in the backdrop, dude happily did a perfect job in sacrifice knowing he was more than able to try and share the limelight against dime but tastefully complimenting him at the same time, in sport terms, the ultimate team player who was only noticed on absence, taste, style, complimentary and killer tone, perfect bass player for pantera with no ego, a king in his arena
The best comment yet about Uncle Rex
Hit the nail on the hammer with that one man 🤘
Agreed, he did a great job holding up the rhythm section during Dime's solos. This allowed them to perform successfully with only one guitarist, which was a significant aspect of their heavy but not oversaturated sound. His walking bass lines were creative without being flashy and never sounded like he was ripping off Geezer Butler.
Guys, no compliment required, I merely acknowledge the ability of the man, literally "THE MAN"
@@concernedliberal4453 the definition of "less is more"
His tone perfectly compliments Dime’s. Pantera wouldn’t sound the same without Rex. Dude is criminally underrated.
It's too thin for me but it works for their sound no doubt
@Mer Luzo seeing as he's the one who worked with dime on key changes, I'd say he's pretty damn important
@@jrporter50 on Cowboys and (to an extent) Vulgar, yes his tone was a little thin - but by the time of Reinventing his bass sound was massive and perfectly balanced with Dime’s guitar and Vinnie’s drums. That final album really doesn’t get enough props for how amazing it sounds, mix/engineering-wise.
It’s like all the frequencies dime cut from his tone Rex boosted in his, it really tightened up their sound
@@blahzay_ Reinventing doesn’t get the love it deserves.
The bass riff during the solo on 5 Minutes Alone grooves so hard and is a perfect example of how he contributed to the thickness of their crushing sound.
This!! Would have been cool to hear it in this video!
The bass on that whole album is awesome
Same with the bass behind the solo in floods
That's his best bass riff in my opinion
"Contributed to the Thickness of their Crushing Sound!" 😂😂😂😂😂
So did the "Fluffer!" 😂😂😂
Dime said Rex was the only one who knew how to write key changes and was responsible for some of the rhythms behind the solos.
I know that bass players get the brunt of a lot of jokes, but it has been my experience as a drummer that the bass players I have played with have always had the best grip of scales and theory and such in the band.
@@allenmitchell09 - They pretty much have to know their scales or else they would spend every song pedaling on the root note of every chord the guitar player was playing. Like..if the guitar player went from a major chord to a minor chord and the bass player decided to throw in a little run during the change and didn't know his scale, it could potentially sound absolutely awful.
@@michaelr.4878 not really. I don't know any scale or theory but I kinda know what notes are in the scale because they sound right.
@@allenmitchell09 Makes sense. Rex has formal musical training with a solid jazz background. Killer player.
@@hectorvegasduque2234And what band do you play in??
Let's not forget panteras massive sound was created by just 3 musicians , a bassist a guitarist and a drummer , that in its own is insane , think about how rex would carry the song on his own with Vince when dime was soloing , that's not easy , I think he was the perfect bassist for pantera .
Well you forgot to mention Phil's killer vocals is also an instrument all 4 members Dime, Vinni, Rex, Phil created Pantera's hard hitting sound they had another singer before Phil joined the band, Phil gave them what they were seeking vocals with attitude higher louder heavier harder faster groove metal, power metal was their first album with Phil which lead to their 2nd with Phil Cow boys from Hell the rest is part of metal history without Phil it wouldn't be showing pantera's Vulgar display of power long live Pantera Dime Vinni Rex and Phil it's all good 👍
There was definitely a vocalist. And one of the best btw. Every element of the band made Pantera. Doesn't work without every one of em
@Mer Luzo So edgy. You can't play music like this without the tightest rhythm section, your statement makes it obvious you don't know anything about music.
@@jasonfranich5601
I'm speaking as someone who plays an instrument , singers come and go but the bond between musicians stays , I agree Phil was the catalyst that lead the change in pantera ,
Three instruments created the music is what I said , I didn't say Phil made no contribution , although if you saw pantera when Phil was falling all over the place squealing into the mic he wasn't helping them at all , it was their playing that saved then on the many nights they had like that .
Musician here, 30 years experience.... often, people say this about a power trio, or a 3&1 lineup...and while it is true, the fact is that what you are hearing on the album is almost never really just 3 instruments playing... especially in music recorded in the past 3 decades, the instruments (Especially guitar) are layered to make the sound fuller... you're hearing AT LEAST 2 guitars playing the riffs, if not 3 or 4. And there are tricks and techniques the band and sound guy can use to produce that effect in a live performance too, although it's mainly not necessary because the sheer volume of a live band playing is such that you really can't differentiate as to whether you're hearing one or multiple layers of guitar riffs. Basically, how massive a sound is comes down to audio engineering, it's not something you can simply produce by being skilled at playing your instrument.
Great video. Definitely underrated. Playing bass, especially in this manner, is incredibly hard work, including all the finesse and expression to perfectly match Dime's riffage, and so precisely yet agressively. Plus the extra musicality u mentioned. He is able to play walking basslines like a jazz or blues player would. Incredibly musical. Plus the stage presence. And soundwise. Makes it look so easy. He's just a full package boss.
100%
Yep, you said it.
Who's underrated? Rex? How? Everyone who knows metal knows Rex. I don't understand this idea of musicians being underrated. Why is it? Because they are not on MTV cribs? I'm confused. He's hardly underrated.
@@jvon3885 He was being outshined by Dime, because Dime was such an incredible guitarist. Rex never really got the credit he deserves.
Rex & VP were locked like a bank vault
Hard as a rock, and shut like a lock!
That is a wicked analogy for them both. Absolutely spot on.
Rex is great. He compliments the music and never tries to show off.
@bflo1000 bofff
I'm glad you isolated the outro of Great Southern Trendkill because I love that bassline
I've always thought Rex was completely underrated. An absolutely amazing bassist.
criminally underrated. His righthand technique is incredible.
Huge part of his tone. Aggressive pick scratch.
"Underrated" is always thrown around. Rex is pure fucking gold when it comes to metal bassists. Pantera is the best band there ever was. Kids do your math 🥰
He is saying underrated because rex name isn't in the best bass player topic when he should be
@Mer Luzo Yeah, I've been playing bass for 20+ years. The only ignorance here is from you.
@Mer Luzo those aren't facts....thats your opinion and its a pretty bad one. Pantera is a band that is a sum of all parts.
Domination! The little bass/drum groove towards the end while the guitar solos is sick.
Dime didn't call Rex the pit boss for nothing. He is an exceptional bassist and held so much rhythm weight...and yes he is that good in tone,technique,and attack
Fucken aye he's the pit boss. He holds that shit down! 🤘
pick player lol
Rex is an integral part of the Pantera sound, what he always did worked perfect for every song his tone is awesome too😀
Sure, you can tell he's fast and precise, but it's in the slower songs that you hear how good he is. With more space to let the notes "breathe" you can hear he puts in some vibrato, here and there, some little slides and glissandos. He doesn't simply "executes" his bass lines, he gives them feel and character with all those nuances. And yes, maybe all those little things get lost in the mix, but they show his dedication to his craft.
Exactly. There's so much feeling in there, just like with Dime. It's so cool hearing those vibratos on some of the notes. The musicianship in that band was unparralleled.
String Bending and Vibrato are a huge part of my vocabulary on Bass. Along with the Hammer ons, Pull offs, and slides. It is harder to bend strings on Bass than on Guitar because of the thickness. Guitar strings are small thin and tiny, while Bass strings are big huge and manly. So it takes a bit more practice. But once achieved, you can make you bass lines and melodies really sing.
Thank you so much!! Ya just made my evening…🔊🔊🔊
The first time I saw them I was watching Rex and was blown away by the fact that he was matching Dime, riff for riff. Way underrated. I hope their latest venture will bring more awareness to the greatness that was the Abbott brothers and Pantera!
@bflo 1000 I'm not saying that he's as great as Dime. Every Pantera fan seems to be a gatekeeper these days. I was guilty of that myself when I was younger. I'm saying he matched the rhythms with Dime. People get so defensive over people they don't even know. Chill and have a whatever is you do to unwind. 🤘🎸
Such power, shame he isn't mixed higher on the albums.
That’s what I’m saying.
Depends on the album, i found him easier to hear on the last two. I think this is because he put more mids in his sound
I really loved the change they made when they decided to not have guitar rhythm parts under the solos, and just had Rex bass lines.... much more live raw feel love it
I am just happy that I got a pick Rex threw out into the crowd back in the 1990s.
They wee the boys back then Bagged me a Dime pick from Cowboys era back in the early '90's and it is literally one of my dearest posessions.
I have dimebag's 😍🔥
I have nothing but the Grooves.
I have Rex's DOWN pick. Has razor cuts in it for added grip.
I have Rex pick, Dime pick and Vinnies beaten up drumsticks!!! The only Gold I own!!!
The bass ripping behind dimes solos are second to none!
🤘🏼🤘🏼
I think what makes Rex so great is how he is able to support dimes solos. One reason they never needed two guitarists is because of Rex.
He is definitely great. Can’t deny. When you hear the isolated tracks it’s even more obvious.
He's absolutely a killer bass player! He's also a huge part of the Pantera sound.
So glad you did this one.
It earned you my sub!!
Rex was the first bassist to make me realize how vital good bass tone and cut through is for every single genre, especially rock, punk and metal.
So many metal bands turn their bassists down, and it's a shame.
Pantera collectively never tried to hide behind dual guitars. Rex and Vinny carried the rhythm while Dime did his thing. Perfect teamwork
Hide behind dual guitars? Is that what you think of Priest, Maiden, Anthrax, Megadeth, Metallica, and Slayer?
@@gregdavidson4374 no, absolutely not. That’s not what I meant. You just listed most of my favourite bands. I meant that on albums they don’t double track the guitar and create something that is impossible to play live. I f-ing love the 3 guitar setup of Maiden.
My favorite bass tone ever by far. Thanks for doing this!
After Dimebag I just had to ;)
@@MetalPilgrim So awesome! Slava Ukraine
@@Kreedogger Героям Слава!
@@MetalPilgrim And there are MANY heroes being born from this conflict.
all bass should sound like this
A lot of the time Rex is following Dime perfectly, and that is hard enough to do on a guitar, let alone a bass. Rex is badass 🤘🤘🤘🤘
His skill, sound, and technique was/is perfect for the distinct groove metal sound Pantera became most known for.
Rex is the glue that held the band together. Similar to John Paul Jones. Drummer followed the lead guitar so the bass player had to really play perfect for it all to blend well. Rex, you da real MVP
If you listen Rex bass lines along with Vinnie drum parts then you realize that they were amazing playing together.
Chad Smith and Flea, when bass and drums have talent and chemistry, the foundation is solid.
Gibson just did a icon tribute to Rex and Rex said that in his interview that the origins of Pantera was Rex and Vinny creating a solid backbone groove pocket.... Then dime got really good then they found Phil.
But Pantera started with Rex and Vinny.
Rex is really the rattlesnake in the mix. He creates that scary rumble underneath every song without actually showing off. Hes always there and kicking ass under the mix even if the raw notes aren't inherently discernable
Thanks for pointing this out man, to be able to find lines that would fit Dime's line is just so hard. Plus his tone and bass gnarl is just perfect. btw the bass groove on 5 minutes alone solo section is just killer.
Listening to Pantera in the 90's is what shaped my bass playing and sound. I felt a natural tendency towards his style of playing in myself and when combined with his inspiration it just made sense. This is a guy who really understands what the bass guitar is and does, and I've always loved him for that.
His riff he plays during the I'm Broken solo, fuckn epic ass bass line and also I Can't Hide *chefs kiss*
There's another parallel to Van Halen. Two of the most massive sounding, energetic, powerful bands ever-despite only being 4 people each. That kind of magic doesn't work without an exceptional bass player. Interestingly, both Rex and Michael Anthony are notoriously underrated. But that's just because they know how to hold back. 0% ego. 100% supporting the song. Both legends in their own right.
Thank you so much for paying tribute to Rex. He truly deseserves so much acknowledgment and respect for so much work with Pantera. Think of all of the recording and then confinement on buses and airplanes so the world could enjoy their live creation. He has this completely original approach to bridging the gap between guitarist and drummer. Just like Dave Ellefson said, the bass guitar is like the glue of a band and it has to be just right. Rex did it at minimum perfectly. He really did. He somehow created this excellent blend of playing off both guitar and with the drums and vice-versa.
I still remember in the mid 90's always getting really excited to go find a new issue of a rock or metal magazine to read updates and look at pictures of Pantera. It was common knowledge that Pantera really put in a lot time and work into these concert tours. Sorry for the ramble, it is just that hard rock and heavy metal got me through several different miseries. Pantera was one of those few bands in almost a paranormal like way gave me something to continue instead of quitting. They still do.
His line under New Level solo is massive, a song on it’s own.
these isolation videos are SO awesome,, THANKS for highlighting the incredible talent of the AMAZING members of the greatest metal band
Thank You so much for this piece!!!! It was really amazing to listening to it isolated!! He’s incredibly tight!!!
Sounds pretty badass to me. Dude plays tight as hell and with feeling at that. He even puts in vibratos here and there. He's great.
Thank you for this video. I have wanted this video for a long time. Rex is a Bass Guitar Legend!
I'm not the biggest Pantera fan but Vinnie and Rex are one of the greatest rhythm sections in metal. My favorite bassline has to be what he plays during the solo in 5 Minutes Alone.
He sounds like a professional studio bassist. Probably one of the best metal bassist who ever lived imo
It’s not about individual parts. It’s about how all come together and form the sound/song. PERIOD
He is one of the most precise metal bassists out there. I love the little technical imperfections in music as they give a live feel but I adore Rex as this kind of precision is actually quite difficult to attain
Rex really came through live. His solid foundation let Dime shine without the bottom end falling out of the band during solos.
Great comment mate
That sound. Holy hell that sound. That’s why I bought a Spector bass.
Rex is very underrated. He was squeezed in the mix in some of the albums but really came alive in Pantera's later work. Proof in point is the song "I can't hide", huge bass sound.
EXCELLENT! PLease part 2 of these videos in the future!
I'm just now realizing how good Rex was.
Dimebag was a shredder from another planet and Vinnie Paul was a rock solid metal drummer.
He got into a groove with them both and kept up/backed up dime
Rex is like the unsung hero of Pantera.
I always like Rex as a bass player...
As a bassist I would be super happy to be half as good as he is. He can swing and groove for sure, but if you hear him in interviews he knows EXACTLY what his job is: to create a nice tight pocket with Vinnie for Dime to use. There's no showboating and very little flash, but his lines are still complex and tight while giving both of the abbotts the space they need.
I love Rex's tone too - just the right amount of gnarly...
Kicked the fucking door down and swaggered into the '90s with that tone and style. Awesome
His tone on this new tour is great
He and Vinnie were tight AF! Perfect rythum section for such a massive sounding band!
Rex, is exactly the definition of Groove Metal.
Every single bass line since Cowboys froll Hell to Reiventing the Steel album, is killer. The bass tone and the technique as well place Rex in another level of bassist. Without him, maybe the new generations of bass players who really enjoys and feels the groove maybe doesn't exist, Rex Brown needs more notoriety on Metal world, he's so infravalorated at all.
He's on my Top 3 bass players of all time, for real.
One overlooked bass track from him to me will be "Floods", sure dime's part is untouchable, but it's the bass part with the blues licks just does it for me
Long live to Rex Brown. Like the way he played during the five minutes alone solo. The second parte of trendkill( "let's play it in southern style) is amazing too.
This is awesome! I really wish we had some of the isolated tracks from Far beyond driven tho, that’s my favorite.
He is perfect for Pantera, great in down ,as well. I love his playing on I Can't Hide, on 101 proof
I remember hearing Rex saying that Dime wanted Rex to Play the same thing that Dime was playing
Rex's combination of Spector, Ampeg and Sansamp to me, redefined what a killer tone was supposed to sound like if you wanted low-end, crispness and distortion back in the 90's. Just listen to Strength beyond Strength and you'll clearly notice it. On top of that, his playing tought me that if you were going to back up complex riffs on guitar, get them down as clean and tight as you can. Rex is brilliant!!!
Fuck me! I've woke up on a planet where people seem to think that a bass player getting his job done, quite adequately, is something worth elaborating on and talking about.
Tune in next week for an indepth critique of how Ozzy Osbourne manages to clap his hands and sing at the same time and how Rob Halford has perfected the art of prowling from left to right on a stage.
Proper tone and style. The goods without a doubt. Rex has had such soul in his bass playing throughout the years.
Dude is a monster.
I couldn't agree more. One of my favorite things about Pantera is there were no weak members of the group. Everyone was killing it at their job!!! RIP fellas.
Used to be a massive fan of him until I read his book. Brilliant video! Amazing bass playing. Love that dirty tone.
What was in the book, that made you change your mind? Serious question....i have not read his book.
I read his book. What made you change your mind?
@@johngavin1175 The guy is so arrogant and bitchy about the legends that are the other band members.
@@RitchieRosson He spent time with those guys more than anyone,so had justification to point out their flaws. Saying that,he isnt perfect either. I don't admire anyone while thinking that they are beyond scrutiny and criticism. No one is,famous or not.
Rex was technically gifted on bass, but what made him great is that played within the BAND. His bass notes usually mirrored Dime's lead, and Rex was a percussive player which added an additional groove to Vin's drums. His playing served the song, no more no less, and that's exactly what a bass player should be.
I agree with everything here except the idea that he's "technically gifted." There is nothing special about his technique.
I suppose one could say that Rex never played a note out of place. That should say enough about his skills!
Rex's bass tone on the Cowboys album is awesome 👌
YES, Yes he is... Vinnie Paul? Of Couse!! Outstanding job on this one. I like how you liked him to a combo of Ian Hill and Steve Harris. I never thought of that. I just got enlightened. Thank You.
You also gotta remember. It's not just about what you can play which most people seem to not understand with certain bands. It's about how they perform live and the presence they bring and also how they get along with their band and other people on tours, recording, etc. Which Rex was all of that 🤘
According to Dime, Rex is what made the solo in Floods so great, and I have to agree. Dime's solo is phenomenal, but it loses a little magic without the bass backing it
Killer bass tone!! \m/
Man! Now that I hear Rex's isolated tracks, I realised how great he is!
Yes, you should definitely do an episode for Vinnie Paul! The isolated drum tracks are "F*cking Hostile"! 😉
I'm glad this video was posted, now I can hear Rex's bass 😃
I absolutely love Rex’s style 🤘💯
Can't wait until August. 1st time in 30 years I've seen Pantera live. RIP Dime and Vinnie
How do you isolate the bass part if you don't have the master tapes available 🤔
This shouldn't even be a topic for conversation....rex fucking kills it... period
my favorite is the live video for Domination, during dime's solo, Rex does such an amazing job holding the song together with Vinnie while Dime is shredding
Rex is badass. He was the foundation of the power groove. His tone cut through in the mix and filled the voids and gave Pantera the fuckin BALLS they were known for.
Probably the breakdown of You've Got To Belong To It and the outro of I'll Cast A Shadow are my favourites, those basslines are pretty badass
Drums part near the end Fucking Hostile
Also Gibson did an Icon episode with Rex.I recommend anyone reading this to watch it. Very cool but also gets somber near the end because you know what's coming.
Rex’s bass part when Dimebag imitates the siren sound on ‘5 Minutes Alone’ is sick
I agree. You brought up some very good points, like him not trying to steal anyone's thunder. I mean they had the perfect sound, I would be hard pressed to change any aspect of it
One of my favorite and underrated performances from Rex is his bass playing on Crowbar's "Lifeblood for the Downtrodden." Thick ass tone. If you never listened to Crowbar before punch yourself in the dlck and watch go some of their live shows.
How you get the isolated tracks
I listened to the entire Trendkill album bass and drums only and it is so good.
I was going to try an add something to this, but everybody else seems to have all the important points. Rex's reputation is preserved here nicely.
His plektrum timing is KILLER! :) Always loved Rex
To whom It May concern It sounds like his tone for the albums is split into two channels, the low end channel Is his bass straight into a DI with a low pass filter and the High Channel Is still the DI signal but distorted with a bass pedal preamp (maybe a sansamp) High passed.
*I might be wrong* but thats what It sounds like to me if anyone Is trying to get his tone too.
Rex is one of the main reasons I play bass. Funking hostile was the first song I learnt and it was super rough at first but his songs are so much fun to play, even slow songs like hollow. Half of panteras tone is rex, he's vital, and totally underrated 🤘🤘🤘
Rex is amazing, he seems like a real cool dude, quite often I've interacted with him on Twitter. He is a fan that just happens to be in a band.
My favorite video is Rex and dime facing each other riffing each other's instruments in a Live version of Hollow
Absolute legend - Floods solo...5 minutes alone solo...I'll Cast a Shadow - pretty much placed everything perfectly in every tune - much like Vinnie!
Rex bass skills is like water, essential life giver and can smash a mountain ⚡
Rex is a very underated musician. He did some of the guitar parts on CFH album
This video was great! I'm a bassist so of course I loved it but this was something extra. Might be time to learn some Pantera. Thank you!