(Earache Records) MOSH 13
Release date: 1989
Running time: 38:12

Review: Bolt Thrower is a precursor death metal band, they were coming from the same UK death/grind musical emergence in the late 80's as great bands like Carcass or Napalm Death. Bolt Thrower was a little less intense and extreme than these bands, but their sound had this same raw, heavy vibe, that no-one seemed able or interested to rank as equal later in their carrier. Bolt Thrower was playing basic, mid-tempo/slow death metal, although with a few near-grindcore blasting parts. Their songs are very structured, with guitar riffs, and so typical of the band: heavy, quite simple and raw. Anyway, very effective! Great low-pitched guttural vocals. A whole concept based on war, and inspired by role-playing games, with amazing artwork, a graphic-filled booklet (check the vinyl versions if you can) and wonderful battle lyrics. The best Bolt Thrower album in my mind (I although haven't listened to "In battle there is no law" yet...) and a classic death metal record. The sound production is not crystal clear, and it's probably why I like it so much! It's although very heavy and powerful. All so called death metal freaks should already have this album.

Tracks: 1)Intro 2)Eternal war 3)Through the eyes of terror 4)Dark millenium 5)All that remains 6)Lost souls domain 7)Plague bearer 8)World eater 9)Drowned in torment 10)Realm of chaos 11)Prophet of hatred (extra track) 12)Outro

(Earache Records) MOSH 29
Release date: 1991
Running time: 46:03

Review: Honestly, not as good as "Realm of chaos". Even the artwork is weaker in my opinion. But well, this is a death metal masterpiece anyway. Mostly midtempo, slow, but very catchy, especially because of the many doublebassdrum parts. And you can find some speedy blasting parts too! Their stuff is always very basic, just slightly more technical and melodic than before. But no other influences than pure death metal. Heavy and wicked. The vocals are always raw and low roars, but there's the little something from "Realm of chaos" I can't always find here. A death metal masterpiece anyway, no one can play like these gods! with classic songs like "Unleashed Upon Mankind" & "Warmaster" and guitar riffs that will eternally live in my heart (touchy words don't you think?). The lyrics are always so well-written and of course, about war! You can't find better sensations in matter of "normal" death metal (by "normal" I mean no "brutal" death metal, no death/grind). If you don't like it, you're no good!

Tracks: 1)Intro... Unleashed (upon mankind) 2)What dwells within 3)Shreds of sanity 4)Profane creation 5)Destructive infinity (bonus CD track) 6)Final revelation 7)Cenotaph 8)War master 9)Rebirth of humanity 10)Afterlife