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Phil Anselmo

Phil Anselmo is an American heavy metal vocalist, songwriter, and musician best known as the lead singer of Pantera.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Phil Anselmo is an American heavy metal vocalist, songwriter, and musician best known as the lead singer of Pantera. He has also performed with Down, Superjoint Ritual, Philip H. Anselmo & the Illegals, and other projects, and he owns Housecore Records. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on June 30, 1968.

Early life

Philip Hansen Anselmo was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on June 30, 1968. Public biographies list his birth name and confirm his U.S. birthplace.

Pantera

Anselmo gained prominence as the vocalist for Pantera, one of the best-known metal bands of the 1990s. He is described as the frontman associated with the group's groove metal era.

Other musical projects

Beyond Pantera, Anselmo has performed with Down, a Louisiana-based metal supergroup, as well as Superjoint Ritual and Philip H. Anselmo & the Illegals. He has also been involved in side projects such as Arson Anthem and other collaborations.

Business and solo work

Anselmo owns Housecore Records and has been linked to solo and independent releases. Sources also describe him as a producer and festival organizer.

Key facts

  • Anselmo gained prominence as the vocalist for Pantera, one of the best-known metal bands of the 1990s.
  • He has been active in multiple heavy metal and hardcore-related projects outside Pantera.
  • He is associated with Down, a Louisiana-based metal supergroup.
  • He founded and owns Housecore Records.
  • He has also worked as an actor, writer, and composer in film credits listed by IMDb.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Phil Anselmo?
Phil Anselmo is an American heavy metal singer and musician best known as Pantera's lead vocalist.
What is Phil Anselmo's birth name?
His birth name is Philip Hansen Anselmo.
When was Phil Anselmo born?
He was born on June 30, 1968.
What bands is Phil Anselmo associated with?
He is associated with Pantera, Down, Superjoint Ritual, Philip H. Anselmo & the Illegals, and Arson Anthem.
Does Phil Anselmo own a record label?
Yes. He owns Housecore Records.
Is Phil Anselmo Canadian?
No. Available biographies identify him as American, born in New Orleans, Louisiana.

References

  1. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0030611/bio/
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, and some career credits
  2. AllMusic — https://www.allmusic.com/artist/phil-anselmo-mn0000345548
    Supports: Biographical overview and association with Down
  3. Tulane University Music Rising — https://musicrising.tulane.edu/discover/people/phil-anselmo/
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, Pantera, Down, Housecore Records, and solo career
  4. Encyclopaedia Metallum — https://www.metal-archives.com/artists/Philip_Anselmo/5743
    Supports: Pantera, Down, Arson Anthem, Housecore Records, and biography
  5. Wikipedia (German) — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Anselmo
    Supports: Musician, producer, label owner, and festival organizer