On
For Victory
,
Bolt Thrower
settled nicely into the slower
grindcore
dynamic established on
The IVth Crusade
. The last recording to include drummer
Andy Whale
, this fifth full-length from the
English metal
outfit could have signified the end of an era, but
continued into the 21st century, treading through the same war-torn sonic landscape. The musical growth of guitarists
Barry Thompson
and
Gavin Ward
deserves mention, as the twin axe handlers concoct some of their best riffs and tightest performances on
. Highlights include
"Lest We Forget"
and the epic closer
"Armageddon Bound,"
two career standouts for
Ward
Thompson
. Perhaps their best '90s offering,
is one of
's essential offerings that no fan should be without. ~ Vincent Jeffries