The Phil Anselmo Interview — ”Creep Show’

In the '70s and '80s there was a financial firm named EF Hutton (now part of Citigroup) that ran television commercials that took place in a noisy environment such as a conference room full of chattering people. One investor would be talking to a friend or colleague and say, "Well, my broker's EF Hutton, and EF Hutton says." Suddenly, the background noise would cease as everyone would listen intently to hear what EF Hutton had to say. Then a voiceover would announce, "When EF Hutton talks, people listen."

Former Pantera frontman Phil Anselmo is a lot like the heavy metal EF Hutton. Not that anyone's relying on him for financial advice, but his words definitely stop people in their tracks. He speaks slowly and deliberately in a tone lower than a bass guitar. Often he pauses between words, and everything he says sounds important.

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With Down in rest mode and his hardcore metal band Arson Anthem having recently finished recording their debut album, Anselmo is focusing his efforts on his label, Housecore, on which he'll release albums by an eclectic variety of bands, many of which feature his friends. At this end of this month, the label will drop the debut by Warbeast and a disc by the Sursiks.

Launching a record company in this economy -- at a time when filesharing is the dominant method of obtaining new music -- may not be the soundest of business decision, but Anselmo doesn't care. He's not planning on bankrolling his retirement with Housecore (he accomplished that years ago with Pantera). Mostly, he just wants to give good bands a platform on which to roar. In addition to the Warbeast and Sursiks, he's going to put out a the full-length Arson Anthem, a live album by Crowbar, the soundtrack to the film 'The Manson Family' and the next Eyehategod record.

As the artist panelist on this week's ''Creep Show,' Anselmo eagerly took the opportunity to plug Housecore, but also was more than happy to talk about Pantera. He discussed the 20th anniversary of Pantera's 'Cowboys From Hell' and the reissue planned for the occasion. And he revealed how time has not helped heal the wounds caused by the death of Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell. He also updated us on his reconciliation with Dime's longtime girlfriend and how he looks forward to the day when he and ex-Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul can rekindle their former friendship.

After talking about himself and his own projects, Anselmo joined us to discuss the week's news, including the announcement of the new Murderdolls record, the disbanding of Krishacore band 108, an upcoming chili cook-off featuring Alice in Chains and Stone Temple Pilots, Five Finger Death Punch frontman Ivan Moody's recent car crash and more.

The outspoken frontman was joined by Noisecreep editor Seth Werkheiser, Revolver senior writer and Noisecreep scribe Jon Wiederhorn, Noisecreep lead blogger Amy Sciarretto, Noisecreep news guy Chris Harris and photographer Justina Villenva. So put down whatever else you're doing and pay attention, because when Philip Anselmo talks, people listen.