My first impression of the type of music that a band by the name of Thunderbolt would play is power metal. This would be true had I been listening to the Melodic Power Metal band Thunderbolt from Norway, on Massacre Records. But my first impression was immediately revised when listening to "Inhuman Ritual Massmurder", the third studio album by the Death-Black Metal band Thunderbolt from Poland, on Agonia Records..

Poland's Thunderbolt was formed in 1993 by Paimon (guitars, vocals) due to his fascination with Black Metal. This included his hatred towards Christianity and his interest in nature's dark side. Paimom chose the name Thunderbolt because it's a symbol of might and eternal, destructive power.

The line up for "Inhuman Ritual Massmurder" consists of Paimon (guitars, vocals), Necrosodom (guitars, vocals), D. (bass) and Stormblast (drums). Listening to this album is like getting struck by a thunderbolt! The music is played in the vein of classic Black Metal. It's extreme, devastating, murderous and intense with anti Christian and satanic themes. It has the aggressive attack and production values of God Dethroned albums like "Bloody Blashphemy" and "Grand Grimoire" with the atmospheric evil of albums like Emperor's "In the Nightside Eclipse"and Mayhem's "Wolf's Lair Abyss". There's plenty of ultra fast drumming, which helps dictate some of the tempo changes at times, furious guitar riffing and howling vocals. Some keyboards are used to help highlight the music in certain areas. There's even some clean, acoustic guitars present on the instrumental songs like "Funeral of the Ancient Spirit" and "Firestorm". But have no fear! 85-90 % of the music that comes roaring at you through your speakers is shear brutality!

After reviewing Bazzah's "Kingdom of the Dead", Thunderbolt's "Inhuman Ritual Massmurder" proves that there are still some quality black metal albums being released and worth spending a few bucks on!