On March 22, 1994, PANTERA's sixth studio album "Far Beyond Driven" was released on EastWest Records and immediately debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 — making PANTERA the first extreme metal band to debut at number one without radio airplay or MTV rotation. The album's achievement was all the more stunning given its content: "Far Beyond Driven" was abrasive, uncompromising groove-thrash metal with no concessions to commercial radio. Dimebag Darrell's guitar work on "5 Minutes Alone," "I'm Broken," and "Strength Beyond Strength" represented the high watermark of his art. The band's version of BLACK SABBATH's "Planet Caravan" demonstrated their range and reverence for metal's roots. Phil Anselmo's vocals were at their most aggressive. "Far Beyond Driven" redefined what heavy metal could achieve commercially and culturally — an earthquake moment in metal history.
Garden Of Exile Records will release "Hope", the latest album by Finnish doomsters SWALLOW THE SUN, as a double LP. The vinyl release will contain an AMORPHIS cover as a bonus track, featuring a guest appearance by AMORPHIS vocalist Tomi Joutsen. Says the label: "You can expect some nice-colored heavyweight vinyl in a deluxe gatefold cover."