# Phil Anselmo > American heavy metal vocalist **Wikidata**: [Q314535](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q314535) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Anselmo) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/phil-anselmo ## Summary Phil Anselmo is an American heavy metal vocalist, songwriter, and record producer, best known as the frontman of the influential metal bands Pantera and Down. He is celebrated for his powerful vocal style and contributions to extreme metal genres, shaping the sound of heavy metal music. ## Biography - Born: June 30, 1968 - Nationality: United States - Education: Attended the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and the University of Wisconsin–Madison - Known for: Pioneering the groove metal and sludge metal subgenres with Pantera and Down - Employer(s): Pantera, Down, Superjoint, Arson Anthem, Viking Crown, Necrophagia - Field(s): Heavy metal music, extreme metal, music production ## Contributions - **Pantera**: Co-founded the band in 1981, contributing to albums like *Cowboys from Hell* (1990) and *Vulgar Display of Power* (1992), which defined the groove metal movement. - **Down**: Formed the band in 1991, releasing albums like *Down II: A Monstrous Addendum to Down I* (1993) and *Down III: Over the Under* (1995), blending sludge metal with groove. - **Superjoint**: Co-founded the band in 1993, known for albums like *Riot V* (1994) and *Use Once and Destroy Me* (1996). - **Arson Anthem**: Formed the hardcore punk band in the 1990s, contributing to the genre’s evolution. - **Viking Crown**: Formed the band in 1994, exploring extreme metal sounds. - **Necrophagia**: Co-founded the death metal band in 1983, contributing to early extreme metal recordings. ## FAQs **What genres of music is Phil Anselmo known for?** Phil Anselmo is known for his work in heavy metal, groove metal, sludge metal, and extreme metal, particularly through his bands Pantera and Down. **Where did Phil Anselmo attend school?** Phil Anselmo attended the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and the University of Wisconsin–Madison. **What are Phil Anselmo’s most influential bands?** Phil Anselmo is most influential through Pantera and Down, which he co-founded and shaped the sound of groove metal and sludge metal. **Has Phil Anselmo produced music for other artists?** Yes, Phil Anselmo has worked as a record producer, overseeing the recording of music for various artists. **What is Phil Anselmo’s vocal style known for?** Phil Anselmo’s vocal style is known for its powerful, aggressive delivery and deep, resonant tones, characteristic of heavy metal and extreme metal. ## Why They Matter Phil Anselmo’s work has significantly influenced the heavy metal and extreme metal genres, shaping the sound of bands that followed. His contributions to Pantera and Down have defined the groove metal and sludge metal movements, making him a pivotal figure in the evolution of heavy metal music. His vocal style and songwriting have inspired countless musicians, and his bands remain iconic in the metal community. ## Notable For - Co-founding Pantera, one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time. - Pioneering the groove metal and sludge metal subgenres with Down. - Producing influential albums that have shaped the sound of extreme metal. - Blending hardcore punk and heavy metal in Arson Anthem. - Exploring extreme metal sounds in Viking Crown and Necrophagia. ## Body ### Early Life Phil Anselmo was born on June 30, 1968, in the United States. He attended the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he developed his early musical interests. ### Career Beginnings Anselmo began his career in the early 1980s, co-founding Necrophagia, a death metal band, in 1983. This early work laid the groundwork for his future contributions to extreme metal. ### Pantera In 1981, Anselmo co-founded Pantera, which became one of the most influential heavy metal bands. The band’s albums, including *Cowboys from Hell* (1990) and *Vulgar Display of Power* (1992), defined the groove metal movement and established Pantera as a cornerstone of heavy metal. ### Down In 1991, Anselmo formed Down, a band that blended sludge metal with groove. Albums like *Down II: A Monstrous Addendum to Down I* (1993) and *Down III: Over the Under* (1995) further cemented his reputation as a key figure in extreme metal. ### Superjoint Anselmo co-founded Superjoint in 1993, contributing to albums like *Riot V* (1994) and *Use Once and Destroy Me* (1996). The band explored heavy metal and punk influences, further expanding his musical contributions. ### Arson Anthem In the 1990s, Anselmo formed Arson Anthem, a hardcore punk band. His work in this genre helped bridge the gap between hardcore and heavy metal, influencing future bands. ### Viking Crown Anselmo formed Viking Crown in 1994, exploring extreme metal sounds. The band’s work added another layer to his diverse musical contributions. ### Record Production Aside from performing, Anselmo has worked as a record producer, overseeing the recording of music for various artists. His production work has further solidified his role in the metal community. ### Legacy Phil Anselmo’s legacy is defined by his pioneering work in heavy metal and extreme metal. His bands Pantera and Down have left an indelible mark on the genre, and his vocal style remains iconic. His contributions continue to inspire new generations of musicians, ensuring his place as a legendary figure in metal music. ## References 1. general catalog of BnF 2. Virtual International Authority File 3. MusicBrainz 4. IMDb 5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 6. Quora 7. The Movie Database 8. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/phil-anselmo-107a4TBCAb/appearances)