Artist: Bolt Thrower
Label: Earache Records
Release Date: 1992
Rating: 4 Skulls
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Title: The IVth Crusade Artist: Bolt Thrower Label: Earache Records Release Date: 1992 Rating: 4 Skulls |
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Requiem's Review:
If there were ever a proclaimed AC/DC of death metal, it would have to be Bolt Thrower. They've got a formula that's so unchanging, yet effective as hell. Like AC/DC are the epitome of rock, Bolt Thrower are the same to death metal. Each and every song is like getting run over by a huge tank at a slow speed. The songs are massive and crushing with every note. And while the formula remains the same to this day, it works and it rules.If all the albums sound pretty much alike, how do you choose the best one? Well, I guess it depends on who you ask. The first album I really got into was The IVth Crusade, an early 90's affair that had the catchiest hooks and melodies entwined into the crushing rhythmic monster the band thrived on. In the end, they left us an album that was undeniably heavy and memorable at the same time. From the first riff of the title track, "The IVth Crusade," it was evident that some of these riffs would be etched into our brains for years to come. Bolt Thrower were also cool in the respect that they never really went too fast. Rarely would you hear a blast beat or speedy sections. At the most you'd get a peppy mid paced beat with furious double bass riding the guitar patterns. The next track, "Icon," warms you up for a minute or so before they hit you with "that riff," the one that's not gonna leave your head any time soon. The album continues in this manner, until the ending track, "Through the Ages," which is an effective outro outlining the major wars of the world. For those who aren't in the know, Bolt Thrower's lyrical existence revolves around war.
Bolt Thrower were unique in respect to their choice of speed and the approach to their songwriting. Their knack was to pummel along like an indestructible tank and just devastate everything. It's a shame they aren't around too much these days to show what it's like to deliver the heaviness like they do. The IVth Crusade showed the band at their peak, with some great songs and a heaviness that stood in a league of its own. Plus, they've got one of the most longstanding and metal chicks in the scene, Jo Bench, on bass. If you haven't heard this album (or band) and want to get crushed, this is a good place to start.
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