Realm of Chaos (album)

Realm of Chaos is the second full-length studio album by British death metal band Bolt Thrower. It was released in 1989 on Vinyl Solution. The album is notable for its lyrical themes and artwork, which are heavily inspired by the Warhammer 40,000 fictional universe, specifically the Realm of Chaos sourcebooks focusing on the forces of Chaos.

Musically, Realm of Chaos represents a transition in Bolt Thrower's sound, moving towards a slower, more deliberate pace compared to their debut album, In Battle There Is No Victory. While still firmly rooted in death metal, elements of doom metal become more prominent. The production is raw and aggressive, contributing to the album's overall atmosphere of grim brutality.

The album's tracklist consists of songs with titles referencing various aspects of the Warhammer 40,000 lore, such as "Plague Bearer," "World Eater," and "Eternal War." The lyrics paint vivid pictures of war, corruption, and the horrors of Chaos.

The cover art, painted by John Sibbick, depicts a scene of battle and devastation within the Warhammer 40,000 universe, further reinforcing the album's thematic connection to the game. It is considered one of the band's most iconic album covers.