Bolt Thrower - The IV Crusade (1992)

The IVth Crusade is the fourth studio album by the legendary British death metal band Bolt Thrower, released in 1992 via Earache Records.

Key Features

• Sound: On this album, the band significantly slowed down their tempo compared to their previous work, War Master, leaning into a heavier style influenced by Death-Doom and bands like Candlemass and Pentagram.
• Theme and Artwork: The title refers to the Fourth Crusade and the capture of Constantinople. The cover features the 1840 painting by Eugène Delacroix titled "The Entry of the Crusaders into Constantinople".
• Legacy: It is considered one of the band’s most powerful and consistent works. In 2025, Loudwire named it the best death metal album of 1992.

 

 

 

 

 Tracklist:

1.     The IVth Crusade     04:59
2.     Icon     04:10
3.     Embers     05:18
4.     Where Next to Conquer     03:50
5.     As the World Burns     05:25
6.     This Time It's War     05:50
7.     Ritual     04:30
8.     Spearhead     06:47
9.     Celestial Sanctuary     04:37
10.     Dying Creed     04:17
11.     Through the Ages (Outro)     03:45
 
53:28 

 

Line up: 

• Gavin Ward : Guitars
• Karl Willetts : Vocals
• Barry Thomson : Guitars
• Jo Bench : Bass
• Andy Whale : Drums.

 

 

 

 Label: Earache Records. MOSH 70CD

 All tracks recorded and produced at Sawmills Studio, August 1992 by Colin Richardson and Bolt Thrower.
Mixed at: Fon Studios, Sheffield-September 1992.

Front Cover "Entry of the Crusaders into Constantinople"Painted By Delacroix In1840.