BOLT THROWER — Realm of Chaos: Slaves to Darkness (review)

BOLT THROWER — Realm of Chaos: Slaves to Darkness album cover Album · 1989 · Death Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
UMUR
"Realm of Chaos" (subtitled "Slaves to Darkness") is the 2nd full-length studio album by UK death metal act Bolt Thrower. The album was released through Earache Records in October 1989. The original LP release featured a gatefold sleeve and an extensive booklet with lyrics and pictures. A lavish package featuring a distinct looking Warhammer 40K inspired cover artwork created by Games Workshop. A classic death metal cover artwork from those days. Later pressings did not feature the gatefold sleeve nor the extensive booklet. Only a lyric insert. "Realm of Chaos" was also released on limited edition coloured vinyl and in a picture-disc format. The album was reissued on the CD format in 1995 with the bonus track "Prophet of Hatred". Earache Records reissued the album again in 2005 featuring a new cover artwork and that version sparked some controversy as the band have released a statement that encourages fans not to buy it, because they will not receive royalties from the sales.

Stylistically "Realm of Chaos" is a combination of blasting deathgrind and mid-paced old school death metal. It´s the Bolt Thrower album that features most fast-paced parts and there´s clear evolution in speed since "In Battle There is No Law (1988)". The latter also featured fast-paced parts, but they are more dominant on "Realm of Chaos". The lyrical themes are as usual exploring war, darkness, and chaos.

The album is very consistent, both in style and in sound, and all material on the album are of good quality. It´s powerful, raw, and brutal. Tracks like "Eternal War", "Lost Souls Domain", "Drowned in Torment", and especially the brilliant "World Eater" are good examples of how the album sounds. The musicianship have become much better than on the not so well played debut album "In Battle There is No Law (1988)", but there´s still a way to go before I would call Bolt Thrower a tight playing unit. The sound production isn´t the best either but it´s acceptable and I do enjoy the album´s raw and noisy sound to some extent.

Upon conclusion "Realm of Chaos" is a great sophomore album release by Bolt Thrower and while it certainly isn´t a flawless album there are still enough qualities on the album to warrant a 3.5 star (70%) rating.
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