4 #REMjourney Reckoning

I've listened to this album a few times before, but somehow no song has stuck with me except 7 Chinese Bros.

This time it was exactly the same. I don't know why but Murmur grabbed me more.

https://album.link/at/i/715605423

3 #REMjourney Reckoning

Album #2 on my R.E.M. deep dive is Reckoning, released in the same year as I was.

Just like Murmur the first song gives me strong The Clash and partly Police vibes. Must be the guitars.

Harborcoat by R.E.M.
Reckoning, 1984
https://song.link/y/c2jFip-xh64

Ok, I didn't expect anything.

Good for me, because now I am pleasantly surprised.

And especially the middle part this song gives me strong 70s prog vibes

Dead Asleep by Dream Theater
Parasomnia, 2025
https://song.link/y/NHE7OmhafVM

@derthomas
If you like Bolt Thrower you should give Atomwinter and Paganizer a try. Both Bands are playing oldschool Death Metal with Bolt Thrower influences.

https://atomwinter.bandcamp.com/track/sentinels-of-doom-and-horror

https://paganizer.bandcamp.com/track/flesh-requiem

12/ #BoltyBolt #Metaljourney

Ok, I think the question regarding my favourite Bolt Thrower album is answered.

Anti-Tank (Dead Armour)
Those Once Loyal, 2005
https://song.link/y/l0RPBcBEVFM

11/ #BoltyBolt #Metaljourney

Final Bolt Thrower album, I am going in.

Those Once Loyal is their only album I listened to before this journey, and I had mixed feelings.

The feelings I am having right now are

Entrenched
Those Once Loyal, 2005
https://song.link/y/xbJpj_Arh0g

10/ #BoltyBolt #Metaljourney

Honour Valour Pride is Bolt Thrower's 7th and second to penultimate album.

The riffs go hard on this one
The vocals don't. I wish they had Karl Willetts on this one as well. But man, these riffs...

7th Offensive by #BoltThrower
Honour Valour Pride
https://song.link/y/duOdS-F9Yl4

Ranking:

1. Realm of Chaos
2. War Master
3. Mercenary
4. Honour Valour Pride
5. In The Battle There Is No Law
6. ...For Victory
7. The IVth Crusade

9/ #BoltyBolt #Metaljourney

With Mercenary Bolt Thrower are maneuvering their heavy machinery towards the 21st century. They picked up their groove but took the foot off the pedal a bit. This album has by far the best production (yet).

This album reminds me a lot of Obituary's Dying of Everything. Slow, heavy groove.

https://album.link/y/OLAK5uy_mmH_exjYd8xdnzOuTumJjICTPLCkdGmAY

Ranking:

1. Realm of Chaos
2. War Master
3. Mercenary
4. In The Battle There Is No Law
5. ...For Victory
6. The IVth Crusade

8/ #BoltyBolt #Metaljourney

...For Victory!

Bolt thrower plow through my ear canals. For Victory is an unstoppable tank that shoots riffs. But the tank lost its groove a bit.

https://album.link/y/OLAK5uy_nhxmmBYNHLNirSnJI8x-_tJC87JRw4WLs

Ranking:

1. Realm of Chaos
2. War Master
3. In The Battle There Is No Law
4. ...For Victory
5. The IVth Crusade

7/ #BoltyBolt #Metaljourney

Continuing with For Victory, Bolt Thrower's 5th studio album.

Is it just me or do the vocals sound a bit different here? Or are my ears adapting and starting to embrace Mr. Willetts performance?

Anyhow, this definitely grabs me more than The IVth Crusade.

When Glory Beckons by #BoltThrower
For Victory, 1994
https://song.link/y/asFapahcA04

5/ #BoltyBolt #Metaljourney

War Master is Bolt Thrower's third studio album. I have the feeling that they put the foot off the pedal a bit compared to the first 2 albums. The groove machine is grooving heavier than ever. Overall I liked Realm of Chaos a bit more, I think.

The track that stood out for me was Rebirth of Humanity, because the riffs are

Rebirth of Humanity by #BoltThrower
War Master, 1990
https://song.link/y/jY6Ea1CPzBE

So after 3 albums, if you ask me what Bolt Thrower is all about, I'd answer: Riffs'n'Groove

Ranking:

1. Realm of Chaos
2. War Master
3. In The Battle There Is No Law

3/ #BoltyBolt #Metaljourney

Bolt Thrower's sophomore release "Realm of Chaos" had me headbanging the whole time.

I am still not too fond of the vocal style but it was easier on the ears compared to the debut album.
The whole album is actually a huge upgrade.

Standout tracks were "World Eater" and "All That Remains". I loved those riffs

https://album.link/y/OLAK5uy_lhnCrGl4nVGemAOV_gqhcn8WOwmkh9pXE

Ranking:

1. Realm of Chaos
2. In The Battle There Is No Law

3/ #BoltyBolt #Metaljourney

How juicy can a riff be?
How groovy can an album be?

Bolt Thrower: hold my bolt thrower.

World Eater by Bolt Thrower
Realm of Chaos, 1989
https://song.link/y/SaGz0wwLppk

2/ #BoltyBolt #Metaljourney

Why did I have the feeling to listen to Reign in Blood with harsh vocals all the time? I was waiting for a "JESUS SAVES" shout throughout the album.

Bolt Thrower's "In Battle There Is No Law" sounds very raw, but the groove is undeniable.
I liked it. It felt like beeing run over by a road roller during a thunderstorm with fire ants in my pants.

You can listen to the album here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRjU5aX5b8s&list=PL8MgqXJYAMVwo4TX8jDR8i1JpPxQxgM2D

Oh, and I will not rate albums any longer in my Metaljourneys, but I'll do a ranking of them if I feel like it.