AOL's Noisecreep has issued a new interview with former PANTERA singer Philip Anselmo. The following is an excerpt from the interview, conducted by Amy Sciarretto:

Q: Let's talk about the Pantera reissue of Cowboys From Hell. You are involved with it?

A: "Of course. It's the 20th anniversary of Cowboys From Hell, but don't mention my age! Two full decades.

Q: I am sure Dime's passing affects how you view those two full decades.

A: "It does. It is a shame that it has to be that way, but on the positive side of things, 'Cowboys' was a transition record for us. I just did some liner notes for that re-release for 'Cowboys.' It dredged up a lot of memories and me thinking, 'My God. 99 percent of the songs on 'Cowboys' were written in 1989, and we were prepared for that record.' Production-wise, Dimebag really brought a roaring guitar tone. He always had that, even back in the day. The way records sound or sounded back then was also production, which was in transition, with Terry Date producing and Vinnie Paul and his studio prowess, if you will. They made some marked advancements as far as capturing guitar sounds go. We were songwriters, but we were also... that threatening edge was there. It wasn't found in a typical metal band. We knew what we were onto. I will say it. I said it before, I don't think Pantera truly found their sound till 'Vulgar,' but 'Cowboys' was a fantastic precursor."

Q: You will get no arguments from me. Both you and Vinnie worked on the reissue, but not together.

A: "It's totally separate. We live in different parts of the country now. They asked me to do it. I jotted notes and sent them back, and they said, 'Well, if Phil is writing this, let's get more out of him.' So they came back, asked for me. It ended up being a lengthy write-up. It has to be approved by all of us."

Q: It's been five years since we lost Dime. How are you dealing with his loss now?

A: "I will say that with each passing year, it gets harder and harder and harder. This year was really rough. This past December was excruciating. When I look around today and see what an impact that we made, and where heavy metal is at today, and I think of what could have been? What should have been? It's very hard. It's hard to come to grips with it. However, with that said, I am a man who likes to live in the now. All I can do is - like everyone else, like you, like any other fans, and anyone walking the streets that has love in their heart for what Pantera has done - is sit back finally and listen to it as a fan. Pride is a tough thing in and of itself. To be proud of yourself is fine and all, but there is a certain amount of pride there. But regret does hover over the whole thing within my emotions. But I am living in the now. All I can do is love him and cherish these memories and know that no matter what is said, no matter what has been believed, or no matter what the conception is in anyone's little mind out there, I was there. I lived it - from the practice room, of every jam session, of every writing session, of every song. Those are my songs. Those are my words. That in itself can't be beat. You can't beat it. What an experience."

Read the complete interview at this location.