In 2005, Bolt Thrower released Those Once Loyal, which would end up being its final album. The band had stated multiple times that it tried to write a followup record, but couldn't come up with material that would ultimately match Those Once Loyal's quality. Then in 2015, drummer Matt "Kiddie" Kearns passed away at 38 years old, and in 2016 Bolt Thrower announced that it would not continue on without Kearns.
Now, in a March 7 post via Bolt Thrower's website regarding Kearns' would-be 40th birthday, Bolt Thrower appears to be teasing some sort of either release or tribute to Kearns.
Today would have been Kiddie’s 40th Birthday, it’s a day of sadness, but also of great memories, and we hope you’ll join us and raise a glass to an absent friend.
We take comfort in the knowledge that his bloodline, and legacy as a father, will live on through his sons Leon and Max, his legacy as a man lives on in the hearts and minds of everyone who had the honour and privilege to call him their friend, and his legacy as an amazing drummer will live on through his music.
But sadly due to various circumstances, Kiddie only ever got to release 2 albums with Bolt Thrower, despite being in the band for 20 years and playing hundreds of shows, and we owe his unswerving loyalty and drumming legacy so much more.
This is a debt we’ll start to pay off soon…
Here’s to you Kiddie!
Cheers,
BT
So who knows. Maybe a live album, or demos from the songs that never got released post-Those Once Loyal?
