It took a week for Rex Brown to arrive in Manhattan. This was due to the need to fully accommodate the schedule of his original band. The other band members didn't seem too bothered by Rex, the core member, leaving for about four months, anticipating Pantera's final concert.
The person who came to Manhattan to sign the contract with Pantera after Geon's call was none other than Director Son Lin himself. This decision was influenced by Pantera's stature as a giant band and Son Lin's judgment that he needed to strengthen his relationship with Geon. Son Lin, armed with bags full of gifts, visited Geon's house and engaged in a friendly conversation on the sofa.
"Thanks to you, we've secured a contract with a giant band. It seems to be the biggest deal since I became an executive at Fantagio."
Geon expressed his gratitude, and Son Lin responded with a smile, "I got more out of it, well. Suddenly stopping activities in Korea must have been a bit of a loss for you."
Son Lin, as if to deny it, shook his head, "No, Geon. Focusing too much on temporary financial losses won't help you see the future."
Geon laughed and pointed to the shopping bags Son Lin had brought, "But what are all these, Director?"
Son Lin, momentarily forgetting, brought the bags forward and lifted them one by one. "Oh, these are gifts Manager Byungjoon asked for. They're Chinese mooncakes, a seasonal treat for the Mid-Autumn Festival. It's already September, so they might be a bit late. They're made by Manager Byungjoon's family, so try them later."
Geon, curious, opened a bag and tried one, "Mmm, these are delicious, but they might go well with milk. Director, you should have one too."
Geon handed a mooncake to Son Lin, who laughed and lifted another shopping bag onto his lap, "And this is from Manager Yeongseok. He says it's handmade clothes, so check them out later. And this one is from Manager Sangmi, it's cosmetics. It seems like she wrote detailed instructions on how to use them, so just follow that. You need to take care of your skin while you're still young."
Geon smiled, appreciating the thoughtful gifts. Son Lin, noticing a smaller shopping bag, picked it up and said, "And this is my gift."
Geon widened his eyes and asked, "A gift from you, Director? I'm already grateful for you coming all the way here, and now you've prepared a gift too. I'm sorry."
Despite his words, Geon received a small, elegantly wrapped gift from Son Lin. Upon opening it, he found a simple ring without any elaborate patterns. Geon looked at Son Lin with a questioning gaze, and Son Lin explained, "Before I came, I did some research on famous guitarists. They all seem to wear rings on their fingers. I opted for a simple design, as flashy rings might not suit you. Do you like it?"
Geon playfully put the ring on and chuckled, "Haha, it's the first time I've received a ring from a woman since I was born. And it's from you, Director?"
Son Lin blushed slightly, "No, no. It's not like that. I just thought a simple ring on a guitarist's hand would look cool. Don't misunderstand."
Geon teased with a smirk, and Son Lin, flustered, quickly grabbed another small shopping bag, saying, "And this, this is a gift from Fantagio's Chairman Wang Hao. I don't know what it is, so open it."
Geon accepted the small bag from Son Lin. When he opened it, he found a tiny smart key inside. Showing it to Son Lin, Geon asked, "Huh? What's this?"
Son Lin reached out, touched the key Geon was holding, and said, "It's a bike key. It has the Harley-Davidson logo on it."
Geon, eyes sparkling, inquired, "Really? But I don't have a motorcycle license."
Son Lin chuckled, "You can get a license. Isn't it worth getting one for a Harley-Davidson? It might take a few days for the delivery to come from China, so get the license before then."
Geon, excited, said, "Wow, my mother didn't let me go near motorcycles because she thought they were dangerous, but now I really want to try riding one. Please thank Chairman Wang Hao for me, Director. Oh! Thank you for the gift too!"
Son Lin smiled, nodded, and Geon continued, "For now, with Rex Brown joining, Pantera is in full force, and I've secured accommodation in Manhattan for everyone, citing my status as a student during the semester."
Son Lin acknowledged, "Yes, I've heard the reports. It's not far from here. Have you secured a practice room?"
Geon nodded, "Yes, Professor Corigliano kindly let us use an acquaintance's recording studio. We'll be practicing there for a while."
Son Lin unfolded the documents he had prepared, containing detailed analyses of Pantera members' current situations, trends in the music industry, and the potential impact and economic ripple effects of Pantera's comeback. Geon, intrigued, asked as he examined the documents, "What problem do we need to solve first, Director?"
Son Lin lifted a sheet from the documents and said, "According to the analysis by the research team, there's a claim that Phil Anselmo's voice changed after Pantera's last album in 2000."
Geon, stiffening, turned to look at Son Lin, "His voice? How?"
Son Lin, shaking his head, replied, "I don't know. That's what the analysis says."
"I'm not a music expert, but according to the analysis, it says here that the voice has become thicker compared to before. You might need to check this out yourself."
Geon furrowed his brow after looking at the documents presented by Lin. The documents detailed the change in Phil Anselmo's voice, specifically mentioning the album 'Reinventing The Steel,' released in 2000, after Pantera disbanded, where Phil worked with the sludge metal band Down.
Geon folded the documents, placing them aside, "I'll look into this. Thanks for letting me know. Actually, I haven't listened to the Down album yet."
Lin raised his hand as if to say it was no big deal, "If it helps, that's good. When does the rehearsal start?"
Glancing at the clock, Geon replied, "The first rehearsal is at 8 PM tonight."
Lin checked the time and saw they had about three hours left until then, "Alright then. I'll work on the Asia strategy. Focus on your rehearsal."
As Lin prepared to leave, Geon said, "Mr. Lin, if the Asia concert planning goes well, we might consider approaching Carlos Santana. I won't ask for it directly, but since you'll be observing, you'll know."
Lin smiled and nodded, "Understood. I consider it an opportunity from Fantagio's side, so I personally dispatched you. I'm staying at a nearby hotel, so if you need anything, just give me a call."
After Lin left, Geon went upstairs to his bedroom, turned on his PC, and searched for Down on the internet. Although the search results were scarce at first, Geon finally found a few live videos on YouTube by searching 'Phil Anselmo Down.'
Geon played a video titled 'Bury me in Smoke!' and put on his headphones. After some announcements and banter from Phil, the actual performance began. Down showcased a heavy sound typical of a sludge metal band.
After a while, Phil's vocals erupted, capturing Geon's deep attention.
"He has definitely changed."
Phil's vocals were delivering a deeper and thicker tone than the sharpness of his Pantera days. Geon touched his throat, contemplating.
"Hmm, what should I do about this? It's not a regression, but it doesn't feel like Pantera's vocal style."
After a moment of contemplation, Geon checked the clock and realized it was already past 7 PM.
"For now, I should talk to Phil and let him make the choice."
Hurriedly getting dressed and putting on a mask, Geon headed towards the rehearsal studio with Haku. Upon arrival, he realized he was a bit early, as no one was there yet. Sitting on the sofa outside the studio, he took out Haku and got lost in practicing for a while.
Around the time Geon noticed someone entering, it was a familiar face – Vinnie Paul. Sensing Geon's anticipation, Vinnie called out, "Come in quickly! Kay is already here."
The sound of footsteps from behind suggested that Phil was entering as well.
"Hey, sorry for being late. I was smoking."
Geon smiled as Phil joined them, and shortly after, Rex walked in. Having familiarized themselves with Geon's face a few days ago, there was no awkwardness as they exchanged greetings and headed straight into the studio to check their instruments.
Observing Geon connecting Haku, Phil spoke up, "What should we start with?"
Geon, glancing at Vinnie and Rex, said, "First, Phil, I have a question."
Phil shrugged, "Sure, shoot. What's bothering you?"
Looking back at Vinnie and Rex, Geon said, "It's about yourself recognizing that your voice has changed."
A serious expression appeared on Phil's face. After a brief moment of thought, he spoke, "Yeah, it's gotten thicker. I practiced for it, you know. I've heard it adds depth to the vocals. Why?"
Geon, glancing between Vinnie and Rex again, said, "I want to ask the members if they think we can reproduce Pantera with your current vocals. I mean..."
Vinnie, seemingly caught off guard, opened his mouth for a moment, then fixed his mustache with a serious expression. Lin, placing his hands on the bass guitar strings, nodded.
"Yeah, our music is essential, but we also need to consider what the listeners expect."
When Geon received agreement from Vinnie and Rex, he asserted, "Phil, it's not that your voice has regressed. It has become deeper and more resonant. We want to see what people who come to our tour, hoping for the resurrection of Pantera, actually want and expect."
Only now did Phil, deep in thought, show a more serious expression.
Phil was outside the studio, tearing his hair out while listening to Pantera's old album. With the 1992 album 'VULGAR DISPLAY OF POWER' playing through his headphones, Phil stuck out his tongue and tried to imitate the resonating sound. Inside the studio, Geon, along with Vinnie and Rex, was practicing when he noticed Phil's peculiar behavior.
Phil , wearing headphones, listened to the song for a while, then took off the headphones and tried singing. He even resorted to strange actions like grabbing his own head. Geon observed Phil's antics and chuckled. After a moment of contemplation, Phil threw his headphones and yelled.
"Ughhh!!!! I can't remember how I did it!!!"
Geon gestured to Vinnie, who nodded, signaling a pause in the rehearsal. Putting down his guitar, Geon spoke.
"It seems like Phil needs some help. I'll step out for a moment. You two keep practicing."
As Geon opened the studio door and left, he found Phil banging his head against the wall. Geon approached Phil, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Phil, having trouble?"
Continuing to bang his head against the wall, Phil replied, "It feels like it was not a chest voice but a pharyngeal voice. Now, I've practiced producing all sounds as chest voice, so I can't remember how to produce pharyngeal voice."
Geon calmly took Phil's arm and led him to the couch. As Geon seated Phil, he spoke reassuringly.
"Phil, even though you haven't received systematic music education, you're an outstanding vocalist who will be remembered in history. You can do this."
After glancing at Geon, Phil shook his head nervously. Geon swept his hand over Phil's shoulder and spoke.
"Phil, do you know that the terms 'chest voice' and 'pharyngeal voice' themselves are fictional?"
Phil raised an eyebrow as if asking, "What are you talking about?"
"What does that mean? There's no such thing as chest voice or pharyngeal voice? Then, what am I doing?"
Geon took out a notebook and drew a picture of a person's head and neck.
"Look. With the development of vocal science, it's been revealed that the sounds people use when singing are divided into F1 and F2. The terms chest voice and pharyngeal voice were used before. From the upper part of the vocal folds to the root of the tongue is F1, usually called the 'pharynx.' When you sing with a low pitch, this part resonates, making the chest vibrate, and that's why it's called chest voice."
Pointing to the upper part of the drawing, Geon continued, "And from the root of the tongue to the lips is F2, called the 'oral cavity.' When you sing with a high pitch, this part resonates, making the head vibrate, and that's why it's called pharyngeal voice."
Geon pointed to the lower part of the drawing.
"Vocal trainers usually refer to chest voice and pharyngeal voice using these F1 and F2 terms. The sounds produced in the chest or head are not real; it's just the sensation caused by resonance. Most trainers are aware of this, but using the terms chest voice and pharyngeal voice makes it easier for students to feel the resonance due to the familiarity of the words."
Phil scrutinized the drawing and said, "So, are vocal trainers talking about F1 and F2? The sounds produced in the head or chest don't actually exist?"
Geon nodded and said, "It's the sensation caused by resonance due to the vibration. Trainers know this, but teaching with the terms chest voice and pharyngeal voice makes it easier for students to feel the resonance."
Phil nodded in agreement.
"But why are you telling me this theory?"
Geon held up the CD case Phil was playing.
"It's because of your voice, Phil. In the lower range, you produced a perfect F1 sound, and in the higher range, it wasn't exactly an F2 sound but rather a scratching sound in your throat."
Phil raised his eyebrows, asking, "Scratching my throat? Does that mean I sang with my throat?"
Geon shook his head and said, "It seems more accurate to say that you added the characteristic scratching sound of F2. Your throat must have been quite sore after live performances. Isn't that right?"
At that moment, Vinnie entered the studio and said, "That's right. So, he drank heavily even during breaks to soothe his throat."
Phil looked at Vinnie and said, "Drinking made my singing better."
Geon tapped his thigh and said, "That's right. Scratching your throat naturally puts a strain on your vocal cords. Cooling it with cold alcohol improved it, Phil."
Phil massaged his throat and said, "My throat..."
Approaching Phil, Geon said, "Phil, do you remember the part in 'Cemetery Gate' where you change the rhythm and scream? Would you like to try making that sound?"
After clearing his throat, Phil leaned back and then leaned forward, letting out a sharp scream.
"Uwaaaaahhhhhhh!!!!"
Geon waited for Phil's scream to stop and asked, "Does your throat hurt?"
Phil shook his head and said, "No? It doesn't hurt."
Geon removed the headphones from the CD player and said, "Listen to your old voice again."
As Geon played the CD, Phil's sharp voice burst out.
"Kkuaaaaaahhh! Ddalk!"
Geon stopped the CD playback after only hearing Phil's voice.
"Listen carefully. It's 'Kkuaaaaaahhh!' not 'Uwaaaaahhh!'"
When Geon played the CD again, there was indeed a noticeable difference in pronunciation. Phil, seemingly accepting it, nodded.
"It seems right."
Approaching Phil, Geon said, "Think of it as adding the scratching sound characteristic of F2 in the oral cavity. Your throat should hurt."
After sighing, Phil leaned back and then leaned forward, letting out a scream. A sharp scream erupted from Phil's throat.
"Kkuaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!"
For a moment, the studio fell silent. Vinnie looked at Phil with surprised eyes, and Phil, too, stared at his own throat in astonishment. Phil widened his eyes and touched his throat, then turned to Geon.
"My... my throat hurts. It really hurts!"
Vinnie approached with a surprised look, alternating between Geon and Phil.
"Isn't it the same as your old voice?"
Rex, sticking to the studio window, raised his thumb. Phil, with a bright voice, said,
"This is it! This is it! Kay!"
Geon just smiled when Phil hurriedly ran out of the studio, shouting, "I'll be practicing separately! Let's meet again tomorrow!"
Geon shouted after Phil, who was rushing out, "Phil! F2 is for bridges and passages, not for the entire song! If you sing it like that from start to finish, you'll ruin your vocal cords, and you'll get nodules!"
Phil, understanding, quickly waved his hands and rushed out. With a bewildered look, Vinnie asked Geon, "What's with him?"
"Uh?"
"No, even we who've been together since the early days couldn't find a solution. How did you manage to solve it after practicing for such a short time? I know he's called a genius, but this is outrageous!"
Geon laughed subtly, sensing Vinnie's praise. "Haha, I was originally a Pantera fan. I liked Phil's vocals as much as Dimebag's guitar. Now, let's focus on our practice. The tour is just around the corner."
Vinnie threw drumsticks into the air and caught them, asking, "Oh, by the way, about the promotional video. I saw the concept, and it didn't impress me much. What about you?"
Entering the studio, Geon replied, "Hmm, just judging by the concept, it's hard to say. Something feels off?"
Rex, inside the studio, raised his head, saying, "It lacks impact. It's like Pantera's back, when's the concert, what's the big deal?"
Vinnie also agreed, raising both hands, "Yeah, the concept seems a bit bland."
Geon nodded in agreement, and Vinnie continued, "Hey, K. Phil told me to check out a video, and I happened to see it. You did a variety show in Korea, right? You shot the preview video when you went to China, remember? It was killing it. Was it produced by a Korean PD?"
Geon thought for a moment, then shrugged. "No, I sent them the shooting footage, but I heard the production was done in China."
With an uncertain tone, Vinnie asked, "Do you know who made it? It would be nice if our side could come up with a concept too."
Geon shrugged again. "Did you see it yesterday?"
Rex and Vinnie exchanged puzzled glances, looking at Geon. "Huh? Yesterday? When?"
Geon widened his eyes and said, "Yesterday, you saw it, right? The contract in Northeast Asia. Director Yan'an."
Rex hit Geon's back, his eyes full of surprise. "That sexy woman from Dong Bei? The one with the killer body? When she walked in, it was like a wave... uh!"
Vinnie hit Rex's head, saying, "There's nothing you can't say to the kid!"
Rex, rubbing his head, added, "No, don't you know what sexy is? I had my first experience when I was 16...!"
Vinnie raised his hand again, making a slicing motion. Geon found it amusing, covering his mouth with his hand. When Vinnie raised his hand again, Geon laughed.
"Doesn't he know what sexy is? I had my first experience when I was 16...!"
Vinnie, gesturing to Geon, said, "Wasn't that person the business director? Does she also do production?"
Geon shrugged, saying, "I don't know the details, but I heard that Director Lin conceptualized the entire preview video."
Vinnie, tapping his thigh with a drumstick, said in thought, "Since they've already signed a contract with us, how about leaving the promotional video to them? Let them handle the production, and we can take care of distribution through our American company. I don't think the American company would have any major complaints."
Geon pondered for a moment before saying, "Well, okay. But are we sure there won't be any issues with the company we contracted with in the U.S.?"
Vinnie drummed his thigh with a drumstick, saying, "Hey, we're the masters, and they're the servants. They're the B, and we're the A. Remember, we're Pantera! Panthers!"
Rex, next to Vinnie, wagged his finger and made a roaring sound. Geon laughed and said, "Yes, Pantera it is. Haha. But is Pantera in German or Spanish?"
Vinnie, stroking his beard, said, "It's Spanish. I heard many people mistakenly think it's German. It means panther in Spanish. After Dime left, there were stories about losing fangs, but you know."
Geon chuckled and said, "Lost fangs. Let's find them, shall we?"
Vinnie and Rex exchanged glances, then turned to Geon, nodding simultaneously. "Of course!"
Geon, carrying Haku on his shoulder, said, "Shall we go find the fangs then? Let's start practicing!"