The band recorded its demo Concessions In Pain in 1987. Like many English bands, Bolt Thrower's career got a boost in 1988 shortly after appearing on a John Peel session. The band makes its mantra solid and crunchy grindcore from the start and is immediately a fan favourite. On Earache the band appears on the Grindcrusher sampler and consequent tour and releases a string of albums that maintain the grindcore habit yet mix in some death metal. The band gets a positive reputation for its massive sound achieved through its collaboration with Colin Richardson. The band's drummer and singer are increasingly unhappy with style and touring and leave the band, but agree to record with the band should the need arise. The band has cause for anger, has abruptly abandoned a US tour with Benediction and even vows never to be booked at or play the Milwaukee Metal Fest in the USA again. The band supports ...For Victory with 17 year old drummer Kearn and former Asphyx singer Martin Van Drunen whose recruitment was met with much skepticism on the scene. Van Drunen's style is removed from that of his predecessor and the fans do not know what to expect. An American interview in which Van Drunen, influenced by his new wife his former promotions person at Century Media, seems more interested in feminism does not help matters either. For Victory sees an end with the band's sponsors Games Workshop (see band name) and the legendary cover is replaced by a picture of the Falkland War. Having recorded no albums and caught in a revolt against Earache (who at this time see the future in bands like Misery Loves Company and Ultraviolence), Van Drunen leaves the fold presumably ill with a disease causing hair loss. Rumour has it the Dutch singer does not see his image suitable any longer as such. Old friend, Dave Ingram of Benediction joins the band at first for live activity and then permanently. At this juncture the band tours Europe with label mates Fleshcrawl.

In the summer of 2004 the band announced the departure of vocalist Dave Ingram. In a statement, the band said: "Dave has been suffering with health and personal problems for a while now and he has decided that it would be best if he left the band to concentrate on his recovery. We would like to thank him for the 6 years he dedicated to the band and we wish him all the very best for the future." The recording of a new album was delayed. The band was soon rejoined by original vocalist Karl Willetts and began writing a new album. The album, Those Once loyal, was recorded at Andy Faulkner's Sable Rose studios and issued in November of 2005. The group ceased its new album’s writing and recording process in 2008 believing that the new material would not top the Brits’ last album, Those Once Loyal.

Jo and Gavin were a couple.

BOLT THROWER - THOSE ONCE LOYAL - METAL BLADE  
What impresses one more than the band's heavy as lead death metal is the loyalty the lads and lass show their brutal and to the point style. This pattern is reinforced in 2005 with the delivery of Those Once Loyal featuring the return of original singer Karl Willets. The album is everything fans expect from the band and, sure, there is precious little that is new and different on this album compared to the past material, but given a choice between this adherence to form and a press-pleasing classic wimp out a la Tiamat, Sentenced, Therion et cetra which would you rather have?
Those Once loyal is heavy, rumbling and thick with metaphor; thus continuing the band's affinity for war-ravaged themes and artwork. It is as if the band itself is comprised of soldiers for the cause and is in fact depicted as such here. As said, surprises are hard to come by, although song number three The Killchain harbours a groove not exactly suitable or desirable. Anti-Tank (Dead Armour) furbishes one of those scarce, yet blazing, Bolt Thrower solos and overall the solo of Jo Bench has seen a promotion in rank and mix.
With Bolt Thrower it is as if someone has extracted the essence of death metal and loaded it unto a shiny round disc every time. - Ali "The Metallian"