Legendary metal guitarist Dimebag Darrell Abbott, a driving force of the heavy metal movement, passed away on Wednesday, December 8th, 2004, at 38 years of age. An influential player of the thrash and groove metal genres, he was the founding member, lead guitarist and vocalist of the bands Pantera and Damageplan. Abbott’s career in music began in 1983 when he started playing guitar in Pantera with his brother, drummer Vinnie Paul. Known for his hammer-on and pull-off technique, playing Groove metal riffs, and his popular guitar solos, Abbott quickly became a metal guitar icon. As the face of Pantera, he achieved nationwide stardom and success. He is also widely credited with pioneering the "power groove" as a subgenre of Groove Metal. His playing was characterized by strong built up riffs, heavy palm and a distinct ability to mix elements of "thrash", glam and “Neo-classical” in his solos. Following the dissolution of Pantera in 2003, he formed his last band, Damageplan, and released their debut album in 2004. Abbott’s contributions to the heavy metal genre have been credited by countless artists, both current and former. He was posthumously enshrined among the list of greatest metal guitarists of all time by Guitar World. He is survived by his brother, a mother, and several fans who appreciated his legacy.