Anti-Tank (Dead Armour)

Bolt Thrower's 'Anti-Tank (Dead Armour)' is a powerful and evocative song that delves into the brutal realities of war. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a battlefield littered with the remnants of destroyed tanks and fallen soldiers. The opening lines, 'Scattered on foreign fields / Lie the burnt out hulls of our dead armour,' immediately set a somber tone, highlighting the devastation and loss that war brings. The imagery of 'old landscape wreckage' and 'scorched earth' further emphasizes the destructive impact of conflict on both the land and the people involved.

The song also explores themes of bravery and sacrifice. Lines like 'Selfless acts of bravery / In the face of overwhelming force' and 'Hold position - position held / Retained new glory sought' underscore the courage and determination of soldiers who fight against insurmountable odds. Despite being 'outgunned, outnumbered,' the soldiers are 'never outclassed,' showcasing their unwavering spirit and resilience. However, this bravery comes at a great cost, as the lyrics reveal the harsh reality of war: 'Spent the ammunition of faith / Weaponry exhausted / Now reduced in numbers / Numbers reduced / To the Last.'

In the final verses, the song addresses the grim aftermath of battle. The 'final register of death' and the 'kill rate ratio rising' highlight the high human cost of war. The line 'Honours withheld in travesty / Presented falsely to another' suggests a critique of how true acts of heroism are often overlooked or misattributed, adding a layer of injustice to the already tragic narrative. The closing line, 'All heroes die,' serves as a poignant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by those who fight in wars, leaving listeners to reflect on the profound and often unacknowledged costs of conflict.