Back in the winter of 2012, the Portland Cello Project celebrated the 20th anniversary of the release of Pantera’s Vulgar Display of Power album by performing it in its entirety. [And yes, this really happened. It is neither fake news nor an alternative fact.]

If you’re unfamiliar with that particular album, here’s what the cover looks like:

And here’s what the Portland Cello Project looks like:

AND…it was amazing. Watching a stage full of cellists scream, “FUCKING HOSTIIIIIIIIILE!” while a bunch of black-clad, tattooed Pantera fans rocked out to cello music was more than beautiful. It was downright noble.

Reflecting on that night gives me hope, because if cellists and Pantera aficionados can find common ground, it’s possible for anyone. Whenever I have the unfortunate experience of reading the news, instead of worrying that there’s no way in hell the humans of this world will ever figure things out, I tell myself this:

“Keep the faith. Remember the Vulgar Display of Cello.”

🎼  Cellists + 🤘🏼 Pantera = 💖