Bolt Thrower

Stygian Crown – Funeral for a King Review

Stygian Crown – Funeral for a King Review

By Dolphin Whisperer on February 23, 2024 in Reviews, Doom Metal, 57 comments

“The clamor of zhangu, taiko, ahuli, tabor—even the timpani in a modern orchestral context—the steady hammering of the battlefield finds a comfort, an attachment to the mallet metronome of such simple instruments. In memory of sorrow, the rhythm of death metal through one of its most bass-rumbling pioneers, Bolt Thrower, finds that war-like march not just in pounding kicks but also weighted guitar harmonies and bass-throttled grooves that stir the warrior’s heart. Stygian Crown in their idiosyncratic expression of the metal arts embodies in part that low-end fueled, sword-rattling thunder. But as the title Funeral for a King may imply, and as the Steel One himself has explored before, Stygian Crown doesn’t just riff, they doom. Oh, do they doom!” Crown Thrower.

Domination Campaign – A Storm of Steel Review

Domination Campaign – A Storm of Steel Review

By Carcharodon on January 11, 2024 in Reviews, Death Metal, 37 comments

“When it comes to war as inspiration in metal there are, broadly speaking, two approaches. There is the Sabaton school, which applies a sort of glossy sheen to its subject matter, making war an almost glorious pursuit. The second might be referred to as the Kanonenfieber college, at which the likes of 1914 are also students, which draws on, and seeks to convey, the true horrors of war. Tasmanian duo Domination Campaign are applying to the latter institution, with their second studio album A Storm of Steel.” War support.

Kruelty – Untopia [Things You Might Have Missed 2023]

Kruelty – Untopia [Things You Might Have Missed 2023]

By Saunders on December 23, 2023 in Things You Might Have Missed 2023, Death Metal, Hardcore, 13 comments

“Trawling through a stack of overlooked gems from 2023, I stumbled across the impressive sophomore album from Japan’s Kruelty. In another bumper year for death metal enthusiasts, Kruelty channel classic Swedeath vibes from yesteryear, done Japanese style, armed with a healthy hardcore and doom kick. The Tokyo quartet formed in 2017, recording a lengthy string of short-form releases before arriving at their 2019 debut LP, A Dying Truth. Now with a solid number of years under their belt as a unit, Kruelty unleashed a power-packed second LP way back in March 2023. And if you happened to miss it initially, as I did, I am here to rectify the oversight and introduce you to the formidable slab of solid school death, entitled Untopia.” Plunder in the East.

The Crawling – All of This for Nothing [Things You Might Have Missed 2023]

The Crawling – All of This for Nothing [Things You Might Have Missed 2023]

By Steel Druhm on December 22, 2023 in Things You Might Have Missed 2023, Death Metal, Doom Metal, 35 comments

“U.K. doom-death act The Crawling had some decent to solid releases in the past, their doom-death style both familiar and comforting, but they never really blew me away. They’d been quiet since 2018’s Wolves and the Hideous White, but they roared back in a big way in August with their third album, All of This for Nothing. Taking their blend of influences ranging from Novembers Doom, Bolt Thrower, and My Dying Bride and pushing the envelope hard, they created what is their most expansive and entertaining album thus far.” Crawl on your knees, oh hear the ugly voices.

Warcrab – The Howling Silence Review

Warcrab – The Howling Silence Review

By Cherd on November 1, 2023 in Reviews, Death Metal, Doom Metal, Sludge, 52 comments

“Surprise! I know many of you have been patiently waiting for Holdeneye‘s review of the fourth full-length from UK death sludge slingers Warcrab, given how he so shamelessly ran his tongue all over their exoskeleton’s undercarriage when he reviewed their last outing, Damned In Endless Night. Well this time you get me. Don’t worry, Holdy‘s fine. He’s certainly not bound and ball-gagged in my garden shed dressed like Adventure Time’s Finn the Human, slipping in and out of consciousness in a chloroform haze. He was simply busy this week and remembered how much I also enjoyed Warcrab’s last album, so he turned over reviewing duties to yours truly.” Pick the Crab!

Just Before Dawn – A War Too Far Review

Just Before Dawn – A War Too Far Review

By Steel Druhm on September 26, 2023 in Reviews, Death Metal, 34 comments

“Swedish war mongers Just Before Dawn are back once again to weave bloody tales of man’s inhumanity to man through their tried-and-true variant of doomy death metal. The Bolt Thower influences are never far from their chosen sound and style and after four full-lengths and several EPs, including last year’s Battle-Sight Zeroing, Just Before Dawn have done all they could to fill the massive crater left by the beloved U.K. fighting unit and battle buddies Hail of Bullets.” War is forever.

Damnation’s Hammer – Into the Silent Nebula Review

Damnation’s Hammer – Into the Silent Nebula Review

By Kenstrosity on September 15, 2023 in Reviews, Death Metal, Doom Metal, Groove Metal, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, 18 comments

“Hard to categorize, the UK troupe’s unique concoction of Temple of Void / Bolt Thrower death metal, Triptykon doom, and Clutch-y hard rock groove presents an inimitable character that no other band on Earth boasts. It is this unique flavor that earned predecessor Unseen Planets, Deadly Spheres a high rating from yours truly.” Spare the Hammer, spoil the spheres.

Panzerchrist – Last of a Kind Review

Panzerchrist – Last of a Kind Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on July 30, 2023 in Reviews, Black Metal, Thrash Metal, 32 comments

“But since the departure of Summer and Kiilerich, each new album finds the band with a wholly rebuilt lineup around bassist/keyboardist Michael Enevoldsen. And, as one can predict, the outcome is not always the best. Especially because fans have to get used to a new death metal vocal approach and the inevitable debates if this new drummer is as good as Kiilerich. And, for Panzerchrist’s eighth record, Last of a Kind, everyone is out, and a new group of players is here to deliver.” Panzer attacks change people.