Bolt Thrower
Cenotaph

THE REVIEW

This EP is the fourth production of the English warriors Bolt Thrower, who in over twenty years of career have never compromised and have never changed a bit in their sound and the themes addressed: WAR; and, like many others, it can only be pleasing.
The record in question dates back to 1990 and is released by Earache Records. A peculiarity of this work is the fact that it is in 12" format even though it is not a full-length; there are 4 tracks, with one on one side (Cenotaph) and three on the other (Destructive Infinity, Prophet Of Hatred, Realm Of Chaos-live).

The opening riff of "Cenotaph" kicks off the record with a volume crescendo; this riff will often be revisited by the band, giving a sense of continuity in their subsequent works, including the latest "Those Once Loyal". The pounding double bass drum and the rough palm-muting guitar take center stage. Gritty and evocative, the track brings to mind scenes of war and battles, as well as apocalypse. It's impossible not to nod along during the faster parts; Karl Willets' dragged and hoarse growl perfectly complements the rest; the track also has acceleration moments that reach highly intense speeds, creating the sensation of being steamrolled, aided by Jo Bench's heavy bass! The conclusion revisits the initial riff this time in a volume decrescendo. An official video clip (one of the few), quite evocative, was also produced for this track, featuring alternating scenes of war memorials, distressed looks of people, and military aircraft flights, with impactful live moments. Note that in the subsequent album "War Master," this track will be revisited.

"Destructive Infinity" opens the second side of the record; double bass drum consistently present and highly intense speed; room at the end for a brief thrash solo. The next track is taken from the previous album "Realm Of Chaos" and is titled "Prophet Of Hatred"; the sound is rawer and rougher, the tuning lower, and everything is interspersed with blast-beat moments that enhance the Bolts' war machine. "Realm Of Chaos" is also revisited from the previous namesake album and is presented here in a live version; as noted by an upside-down cross-shaped note on the back of the album, it was recorded in London at the Kilburn National on November 16, 1989, and it is highlighted as a raw ambient recording that well captures the atmosphere of the Grind Crusher Tour.

The captivating cover and the fact that it was recorded at the "Slaughterhouse Studio" (in Italian "Macello") only increase the appreciation for this record and for Bolt Thrower, which I follow tirelessly.

CHAOS PREVAILS