War
46 min · 9 tracks · death metal
A relentless barrage of heavy riffs and thunderous drums evokes the chaos and carnage of war.
Top tracks — play these first
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The IVth Crusade — Opening with a powerful march-like riff, this track sets the thematic stage for the album, encapsulating the grim reality of warfare.
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Warmaster — This track exemplifies Bolt Thrower's heavy sound, featuring aggressive instrumentation and lyrics that delve into the mindset of a soldier amidst battle.
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Cenotaph — A poignant tribute to fallen soldiers, this track combines melodic elements with crushing heaviness, highlighting the emotional weight of loss in war.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines intense riffs and thematic depth, solidifying its place in death metal history.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow, heavy riff that builds into a fast-paced assault, maintaining high energy throughout most tracks.
- Each song features multiple tempo changes, often shifting from blast beats to slower, crushing sections.
- The lyrics consistently explore themes of war and conflict, with each track contributing to an overarching narrative.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo progression
- relentless energy for workouts
- engaging listen for battle themes
- immersive journey through conflict
Maybe skip if you
- prefer quick, upbeat tracks
- avoid heavy, aggressive sounds
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1991, War was Bolt Thrower's fourth studio album, following the critically acclaimed Realm of Chaos. This album solidified their reputation as pioneers in the death metal genre, showcasing a more refined sound while retaining their signature brutal edge.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Cannibal Corpse· Obituary· Dying Fetus
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Cenotaph
The lyrics shift from describing battle to reflecting on the consequences of loss transforms the song's tone dramatically.
This transition deepens the emotional impact by contrasting vivid imagery of conflict with somber reflections on sacrifice.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The IVth Crusade 4:46
- 2 Dying Creed 4:35
- 3 Spearhead 6:29
- 4 Unleashed 5:24
- 5 Ritual 4:31
- 6 Where Next to Conquer 3:53
- 7 Warmaster 4:29
- 8 As the World Burns 6:48
- 9 Cenotaph 5:02
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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