Bolt Thrower were a British death metal band from Coventry, England. They formed in 1986 and released their debut album "In Battle There Is No Law" in 1988 through Vinyl Solution before moving to Earache Records, where they became one of the label’s more commercially successful acts. Their final releases were issued through Metal Blade Records. Over a career spanning approximately three decades, the band released eight studio albums, three EPs, one live album
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Bolt Thrower were a British death metal band from Coventry, England. They formed in 1986 and released their debut album "In Battle There Is No Law" in 1988 through Vinyl Solution before moving to Earache Records, where they became one of the label’s more commercially successful acts. Their final releases were issued through Metal Blade Records. Over a career spanning approximately three decades, the band released eight studio albums, three EPs, one live album, three compilation albums, and two demos, and toured extensively in Europe, the United States, and Australia. Their recordings had sold over 100,000 copies in the United States by 2005. Following the release of their eighth studio album "Those Once Loyal" in 2005, the band announced in June 2008 that they would indefinitely suspend recording new material, while continuing to perform live. After the death of drummer Martin Kearns on 14 September 2015, the band ceased activity and formally disbanded in 2016, marking the first anniversary of his death. Bolt Thrower were formed in September 1986 by bassist Gavin Ward and guitarist Barry Thomson, with early influences including Slayer, Crass, and Discharge. Andrew Whale joined on drums and Alan West on vocals shortly thereafter. Their first demo, "In Battle There Is No Law", was recorded in April 1987. A second demo, "Concession of Pain", followed in September 1987, during which Ward switched to guitar. After a brief period of lineup instability, Jo Bench joined as bassist. In January 1988, the band recorded a session for BBC Radio One’s John Peel, which led to a contract with Vinyl Solution. Shortly before recording their debut album, Karl Willetts replaced Alan West as vocalist. The album reflected strong crust punk and grindcore influences. After leaving Vinyl Solution due to limited promotion, the band signed with Earache Records. Their second album, "Realm of Chaos: Slaves to Darkness" (1989), featured artwork associated with "Warhammer 40,000" and lyrical themes inspired by the same universe. The band toured with several contemporary death metal acts and released the EP "Cenotaph" in 1991, which included material recorded during this period. Their third Peel session was recorded in 1990, followed by the album "War Master". The band continued touring internationally and released "The Peel Sessions 1988–90" compilation in 1991. Their fourth album, "The IVth Crusade", marked a stylistic shift toward slower, heavier compositions influenced by doom metal. The release was followed by extensive touring, including the "World Crusade" tour. In 1994, the band released "...For Victory", after which Karl Willetts and Andrew Whale departed. Martin van Drunen joined as vocalist and Martin Kearns as drummer. After further touring, van Drunen left in 1997, citing personal reasons, and Alex Thomas briefly assumed drumming duties. Willetts returned for recording the 1998 album "Mercenary", after which Dave Ingram became the permanent vocalist. Around this time, the band left Earache Records and signed with Metal Blade Records. Earache later released the compilation "Who Dares Wins" without the band’s approval. Bolt Thrower distanced themselves from the release and expressed dissatisfaction with the label. The band continued touring and, after lineup changes, released "Honour – Valour – Pride" in 2001, with Kearns returning on drums. In 2004, the band began work on new material, but the departure of Dave Ingram delayed progress. Karl Willetts rejoined later that year, and recording of "Those Once Loyal" took place in 2005. The album was released to positive critical reception and followed by multiple tours. Afterward, the band stated that they would not record further albums, expressing satisfaction with their final release. Subsequent reissues of earlier material by Earache were again criticized by the band, who claimed they had not been consulted and had not received royalties for some time. Martin Kearns, who had served as the band’s drummer during two periods (1994–1997 and from 2000 onward), died unexpectedly in 2015 at the age of 38. The band cancelled planned activities and entered a period of inactivity. On 14 September 2016, they announced their decision not to continue, stating that the role of drummer would remain permanently associated with Kearns. Statements from members shortly afterward confirmed that the band would not reunite. In 2017, a message posted on the band’s website suggested the possibility of future activity in tribute to Kearns, but no further developments followed. Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolt_Thrower Studio albums In Battle There Is No Law! (1988) Realm of Chaos: Slaves to Darkness (1989) War Master (1991) The IVth Crusade (1992) ...For Victory (1994) Mercenary (1998) Honour Valour Pride (2001) Those Once Loyal (2005) Extended plays The Peel Session (1988) Cenotaph (1991) Spearhead (1992)
