Nololob
Long Live Wock 'n' Woll
Bathory was formed in Stockholm in 1983. Founder Quorthon, a seventeen-year-old guitarist, was joined by bassist Hanoi and drummer Vans. After various name changes (beginning with Nosferatu, then Natas, Mephisto, Elizabeth Bathory and Countess Bathory) they finally settled on Bathory. Their first recording deal came that same year, when Quorthon managed to secure the consent of Tyfon Grammofon’s boss to record two tracks for the compilation Scandinavian Metal Attack. The tracks which they recorded gained unexpected attention by fans. Soon afterward, Tyfon Grammofon contacted Quorthon and asked him to record a full-length album, by which time the original lineup had already split up.
Although Venom’s Black Metal, released in 1982, was the first record to coin the term, it was Bathory’s early albums, featuring Satanic lyrics, low-fi production and an inhuman vocal style, that defined the genre. Many fans have speculated that Venom was an influence on Bathory; however Quorthon has said in an interview with Kick Ass magazine in 1985 that he only heard of Venom after the first Bathory album was released. He also expressed dislike for many influential and popular heavy metal bands at the time, such as Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. He has also stated that the band’s early work was influenced primarily by Black Sabbath, Motörhead and Oi! punk.
Albums to start with - Bathory and Under The Sign Of The Black Mark
Last edited: