"I Am the Night" is the third studio album by American heavy metal band Pantera, released on August 16, 1985, through Metal Magic Records. This album was initially available only on vinyl and cassette, and subsequent CD releases have largely been bootlegs transferred from the original vinyl or tape versions.
"I Am the Night" marked several milestones for Pantera. It was the last album to feature lead singer Terry Glaze and also the band's final album with a predominantly glam metal sound before transitioning to their more well-known thrash and groove metal style. The track "Hot and Heavy" from the album was accompanied by the band's second music video and released as a single.
Despite its independent release status, "I Am the Night" managed to sell around 25,000 copies, which was considered quite high for an independent metal album at the time. This early success helped lay the groundwork for Pantera's subsequent evolution and success in the heavier metal genres that followed.
Overall, "I Am the Night" stands as a significant album in Pantera's discography, reflecting their early years and showcasing their gradual progression towards a more aggressive and distinctive metal sound.