This past week, on Sept. 9, heavy metal giants, Pantera, made their long-awaited return to Saratoga Springs Performing Arts Center.

The concert, originally scheduled for July, was one of the best I have seen in a while. This tour, their second only headlining tour since 2001, has been going on since July 15.

Known mostly for their song “Walk” and former guitarist, Dimebag Darrell Abbott, who was tragically killed onstage in 2004, Pantera has made their name through their driving drum lines and the impeccable vocal range of Philip Anselmo.

The band is now composed of original members, Rex Brown on bass guitar, Philip Anselmo on vocals, Charlie Benante (formerly of Anthrax) on drums and Zakk Wylde (formerly Black Label Society and Ozzy Osbourne) on guitar.

The band had their breakthrough in 1990 with their album “Cowboys From Hell,” but they did not have mainstream success until 1992 with their album “Vulgar Display of Power.”

For any blossoming metal fan, Pantera is an essential listen, even for those not fully into the metal genre.

Tracks such as “This Love,” “Heresy,” “Strength Beyond Strength,” “Becoming,” and their cover of Black Sabbath’s “Planet Caravan” are some of my favorites. Though not always on the correct side politically, the band still does not hesitate to attract a crowd, even after their thirty-five year career.

Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is one of the greatest music venues in the Upstate area. The two-tiered amphitheater and lawn seating can house up to 20,000 and has hosted events from ballet to metal concerts.

Located in the heart of Saratoga Spa State Park, it is one of the most eye-catching and iconic venues out there. Pantera’s show was one for the books, with some of my favorite songs being played that night.

Though it was not my first time at the venue, it was the first time not on the lawn. With this experience, I can safely say that anywhere in the venue is a good place to be.

Both Pantera and SPAC are things that I cannot recommend enough, and I hope that anyone that reads this can take my recommendations to heart.