What makes This Love by Pantera notable?

'This Love' became one of Pantera's most recognized tracks and was pivotal in the rise of groove metal, influencing countless bands and contributing to the genre's popularity in the early '90s. Its unique structure and emotional lyrics earned it critical acclaim, and it remains a staple in their live performances. When 'This Love' was released in 1992, Pantera was transitioning from their earlier glam metal roots to a heavier sound, following the breakthrough success of their album 'Vulgar Display of Power'. This single marked a significant moment in their evolution, showcasing their ability to blend intense heaviness with melodic elements and emotional depth.

How many songs are on This Love?

This Love has 3 tracks, running approximately 16 minutes.

This Love

Pantera · 1992

16 min · 3 tracks · groove metal

Melodic grooves intertwine with heavy riffs, juxtaposing tenderness and aggression in a way that redefined metal ballads.

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Top tracks — play these first

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This Love (AOR Edit) — The AOR edit highlights the song's melodic aspects while maintaining its heavy foundation, making it accessible to a broader audience without sacrificing intensity.
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This Love (Video Edit) — The video edit captures the essence of the song's emotional journey, complementing its visual storytelling and expanding its reach through MTV exposure.
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This Love (LP Version) — The LP version showcases the full musical complexity of the track, blending powerful guitar work with haunting vocals that reflect the album's themes of love and betrayal.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

This Love showcases strong composition and distinctiveness, marking a pivotal moment in groove metal's evolution.

What we noticed

The single features three versions of the same song, each with different edits that highlight various aspects of its structure.
The main track alternates between soft, melodic verses and heavy, aggressive choruses, creating a dynamic contrast.
The LP version includes extended instrumental sections that showcase the band's musicianship and groove-oriented style.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This Love helped solidify Pantera's reputation in groove metal after Cowboys from Hell.
Themes: emotional betrayal· heavy metal romance· melodic aggression
Career context: When 'This Love' was released in 1992, Pantera was transitioning from their earlier glam metal roots to a heavier sound, following the breakthrough success of their album 'Vulgar Display of Power'. This single marked a significant moment in their evolution, showcasing their ability to blend intense heaviness with melodic elements and emotional depth.
Stylistic neighbors: Sepultura· Machine Head· Lamb of God