Realm of Chaos cover

Realm of Chaos

Bolt Thrower

Album 1989

About this album

Sound: "A relentless barrage of aggressive riffs and guttural vocals that embody the chaos of war."

Where they were

Released in January 1989, 'Realm of Chaos' was Bolt Thrower's third studio album, following their breakthrough release 'Mercenary'. At this point, the band had solidified their position within the death metal scene, refining their sound to include more complex structures while maintaining their signature heaviness.

Why it matters

'Realm of Chaos' is notable for its conceptual depth, exploring themes of warfare and destruction. It has received critical acclaim for its heavy sound and lyrical content, influencing countless bands within the death metal genre and contributing to the genre's growth during the late 1980s.

Essential tracks

  • "Eternal War" — This track sets the tone for the album with its relentless pace and thematic focus on unending conflict, showcasing Bolt Thrower's signature sound.
  • "Through the Eye of Terror" — A standout track that combines intricate guitar work with punishing rhythms, capturing the essence of chaos depicted in the album's theme.
  • "World Eater" — With its crushing riffs and powerful lyrics, this track epitomizes the band's ability to convey a sense of doom and destruction through music.
  • "Dark Millennium" — 'Dark Millennium' offers a more melodic approach while still being heavy, demonstrating the band's diversity within the death metal framework.

Release Date

January 1, 1989

Artist Origin

United Kingdom

Tracklist

  1. 1 Intro 1:17
  2. 2 Eternal War 2:07
  3. 3 Through the Eye of Terror 4:22
  4. 4 Dark Millennium 2:58
  5. 5 All That Remains 4:38
  6. 6 Lost Souls Domain 4:13
  7. 7 Plague Bearer 2:54
  8. 8 World Eater 4:54
  9. 9 Drowned in Torment 3:04
  10. 10 Realm of Chaos 2:49
  11. 11 Prophet of Hatred 3:52
  12. 12 Outro 0:59