To commemorate the fine 30th Anniversary of metal’s most venerable and storied label, Metal Blade Records, the writers of BraveWords.com have gotten their metalheads together and come up with a list of the Top 30 coolest, most legendary, rockingest, most influential, most deserving of fame and notoriety, releases founder/CEO Brian Slagel and crew have issued since forging the fire way back in mom’s garage in 1982. As has become tradition ‘round here, we are presenting them – through January and February – in reverse order, leading eventually to the penultimate slab of iron ever to carry an esteemed Metal Blade catalogue number.

#12) BOLT THROWER – Those Once Loyal (2005)

By Aaron Small

BOLT THROWER’s last studio effort - which saw original vocalist Karl Willets take the microphone once again (BENEDICTION’s Dave Ingram sang on Honour Valour Pride) - was a glorious return to form. And it didn't take long for the five-piece to state their point, as Britain’s military masters steamrolled the competition with the battle ready 'At First Light' and 'Entrenched' leading the charge, both tracks kicking off virtually every live show in support of the album. While it digs familiar trenches, Those Once Loyal possesses chugging grooves and plodding rhythms, the likes of which continue to rattle around your helmet long after the cannons have faded. “In a world of compromise… some don’t.” And Bolt Thrower managed to deliver yet another extreme work of genius.

BraveWords.com

Top 30 Metal Blade Releases Of All Time

#30) FALCONER – Falconer (2001)

#29) KING’S X – Black Like Sunday (2003)

#28) LETHAL – Programmed (1990)

#27) SACRIFICE – Apocalypse Inside (1993)

#26) CANNIBAL CORPSE – Kill (2006)

#25) THE RED CHORD - Fed Through The Teeth Machine (2009)

#24) THE CROWN – Deathrace King (2000)

#23) VADER – Revelations (2002)

#22) GWAR – Scumdogs Of The Universe (1990)

#21) FATES WARNING – Awaken The Guardian (1987)

#20) CATTLE DECAPITATION – Humanure (2004)

#19) PRIMORDIAL – To The Nameless Dead (2007)

#18) BRAINSTORM – Liquid Monster (2005)

#17) CIRITH UNGOL – One Foot In Hell (1986)

#16) THE ORGANIZATION – The Organization (1993)

#15) KING DIAMOND – The Puppet Master (2003)

#14) BLACK DAHLIA MURDER – Unhallowed (2003)

#13) SIX FEET UNDER – Warpath (1997)

#12) BOLT THROWER – Those Once Loyal (2005)