IX (Bulldozer album)

IX is the third full-length studio album by the Italian extreme metal band Bulldozer, released in 1987. The album, named for the Roman numeral nine, represents the band's perceived ninth year of existence, counting from their formation in 1978 (though their first official release was in 1984). IX is considered a transitional album in Bulldozer's discography, shifting slightly from their earlier, raw and aggressive black/thrash metal sound towards a more groove-oriented and technically proficient style, while still retaining elements of their original sonic assault. It featured tracks with themes of war, destruction, and societal decay. Although not as critically lauded as some of their other work, IX remains a notable entry in the band's catalogue and a reflection of their evolving musical direction during the late 1980s.